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Illegal Immigrant From Honduras Executed For Texas Murder Save Email Print

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(August 7, 2008) - A Honduran man who claimed authorities violated his treaty rights has been executed for a robbery-murder in Texas.

Heliberto Chi appeared to be whispering a prayer in Spanish with a tear at the corner of his right eye as the lethal drugs began to take effect.

He told a friend watching through a window that he loved him and appreciated his hard work.

In English, he said: "God forgive them, receive my spirit."

The 29-year-old was convicted of killing his former boss, Armand Paliotta, at a men's clothing store during a robbery 7½ years ago in Arlington.

Lawyers claimed Chi should have been told he could get legal assistance from the Honduran consulate when he was arrested.

His case is the second this week in Texas with the same claim. The arguments in his case focused on the rights of foreigners under an international treaty to contact their consulate for help.

They were similar to those used unsuccessfully Tuesday by lawyers for another condemned Texas prisoner from Mexico.


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Posted by: Sam Bam Location: TX on Aug 15, 2008 at 09:31 PM
True.

Posted by: George Location: temple on Aug 12, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Hey Sam Bam we could always use the target practice.Besides we could give them sling shots for weapons and wouldnt cost as much as a 7 year stay at your expence.

Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Rope is cheap, readily available, and the fear of ACTUAL justice deterrs crime. Criminals, today, have more rights than their victims, and it sickens me!

Posted by: Sam Bam Location: CenTX on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:09 PM
What if they joined up with terrorist to fight the Americans? You are stupid!

Posted by: El Diablo Location: Hell on Aug 9, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Let's give prisoners a second chance. Get a bunch of them on an airplane with a map of Afghanistan's badlands. They've got the whole plane trip over there to organize. When they land, give them weapons and tell them that whatever they can get, they can have.

Posted by: Jimmy Location: Belton on Aug 9, 2008 at 08:00 AM
In Texas, if you kill somebody, we'll kill you back. :-)

Posted by: Texas Location: Texas on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I think in cases where DNA comes in to question we should have a second look before inserting the needle. There have been quite a few people found innocent years later due to new DNA testing. That being said, in cases where there is no doubt,confessions signed and witnesses sworn in, caught in the act red handed guilty? Execute them. Texas has a death penalty. EVERYone knows Texas has a death penalty. If you commit a capital offense in Texas...well, DUH!!! And lets not wait 10 or 20 years and give them appeal after appeal. Get it the heck over with so we dont have to support them. This goes for legal Americans and illegal folks alike.

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I wouldnt mind abolishing the death penalty if life in prison meant LIFE in prison. Also if it didnt cost more to keep them than I get paid each year. I say start the worlds biggest tent city in Arizona and make em work....forever.

Posted by: Gary Location: Waco on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Agree or disagree with the death penalty, it's purpose is NOT for revenge. It's sole purpose is to eliminate those from our society who have 'proven' themselves to be a continuing threat to others. In other words, if they're ever allowed to return into our society, they will more than likely kill again.

Posted by: SAINT JUJU on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:38 AM
IVE SAID IT BEFORE IM FROM MEXICO AND COMPLETLEY AGREE IF YOU DID THE CRIME FACE THE PUNISHMENT AND LAWS OF THE COUNTRY AND STATES I DONT IN ANY WAY AGREE WITH THE DEATH PENALTY IT DOES NOT JUSTIFY DEATH IN MY EYES BUT IT IS THE LAW IN TEXAS GOD BLESS BOTH FAMILYS

Posted by: Mary Location: Texas on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Good riddance! I'm tired of paying for these scum bags on death row, don't stop with illegals, let's do some more! I'm sick of hearing how our prisons are too full, let's make some room! Thank God I live in Texas!!!

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft hood on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Maybe if he had saked forgiveness and found God BEFORE he killed someone, all would be ok. Adios cucaracha. Now why doesnt someone do some stories about LEGAL immigrants from Mexico that are doing good in thier communities? I think its time we have some fair and balanced reporting.

Posted by: KR Location: Temple on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Sounds to me that he had a legal team that was coming up with all kinds of excuses to escape justice. What good would extra legal help from Honduras have done?

Posted by: I started it Location: THE RUMOR MILL on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:06 AM
OH NO !!!! We had better watch out. The Mexican and Honduran Armies are joining forces to invade. Oh... Nevermind it is just more illegals jumping the fence, everybody stand down.

Posted by: Tx is on a roll now Location: DONT STOP on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Ok...Who is next? Come on don't be shy and don't ask for forgiveness cause Texas don't work that way. If you are a killer and you travel here from another country or state don't expect to ever return to where it was you came from, expect to live out your time remaining on Texas Death Row, now enjoy your stay......

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:13 AM
I think he should have used his last breath to ask for forgiveness for himself.

Posted by: Chris D Location: Chaulk Bluff on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:53 AM
In English, he said: "God forgive them, receive my spirit." WTF? It's funny how all the sudden we are the bad guys. He probably meant for God to forgive himself, but his engrish is bad.

Posted by: TEXASLEGAL on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:32 AM
One more that won't be complaining his "rights" were violated. Maybe Texas could start a new execute the criminal illegal for other states. Could bring in lots of money for the state that maybe we could spend on immigration eforcement??

Posted by: Gary Location: Waco on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:26 AM
BRAVO Texas!

Posted by: Mac Location: TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Another one bites the dust!

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