Texas Woman Gets Death Penalty For Torturing, Killing Toddler
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Texas Woman Gets Death Penalty For Torturing, Killing Toddler
A 39-year-old woman is headed to women’s death row in Gatesville after being sentenced to die for the torture and murder of her 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
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(July 11, 2008)—A South Texas woman is headed to women’s death row in Gatesville after being sentenced to die for the torture and murder of her 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

A jury in Brownsville sentenced 39-year-old Melissa Elizabeth Lucio of Harlingen to death.

Witnesses testified the toddler, Maria Alvarez, was abused for months before dying from brain damage in a final violent assault.

Lucio's live-in boyfriend faces trial Aug. 4.

Roberto Antonio Alvarez is charged with injury to a child by omission.

If convicted, Alvarez could get life in prison.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Tiffany Location: Texas on Sep 24, 2008 at 03:06 PM

Please,Please report abuse.How could anyone just set back and watch a child get abused!This just makes me SICK!!! I know for a fact she will get what she deserves in prison from the mothers that haven't seen their children in years. God Bless this child
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Chip Location: Pennsylvania on Jul 26, 2008 at 07:26 AM

I applaud you folks in TX for your pro-DP sentiments for the "worst of the worst" criminals. The punishment, albeit too humane, certainly fits the crime committed by this vermin. I only wish the executions of the 224 scumbags that reside on our Death Row would be expedited. Our last 3 governors have signed countless death warrants, only to have them all set aside as a result of the insufferable and interminable appeals process. PA has carried out only three executions since 1995 - the last in 1999 - and ALL were volunteers. Your state continues to be a model for capital punishment in our era of political correctness; common sense still prevails and it serves to restore some degree of faith in our criminal justice system. Kudos to Gov. Perry, the TDCJ and the good citizens of Texas!
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Posted by: Tawnee Location: Harlingen on Jul 15, 2008 at 12:32 AM

The article doesn't mention that CPS had already removed Mariah and her 6 half brothers and sisters before only to return them to a one bedroom apartment of her mother and presumed father (Alvarez). Also, they found cocaine in Mariah's system.
[ Report Abuse ]
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