For us in Tyler, Texas, for the most part, we have no problem with the death penalty. If a crime is heinous enough to warrant the ultimate punishment of death, we can accept that here. Other parts of the country don't see it that way and think it is cruel and unusual punishment. Texas leads the way for the number of executions per year with 11 counties having either double or triple digit executions throughout the years. Let's look at those 11 counties and how many executions have been carried out in East Texas.

101.5 KNUE logo
Get our free mobile app

Many Types of Brutal Executions Throughout Time

Executions have been a form of punishment since almost the beginning of time. Executions in those times would be considered horrifying in today's day and age. There was the guillotine where a person's head was placed in a stock and a large blade was dropped that would sever the head from the body. There was crucifixion like what Jesus we sentenced to in the Bible. Hanging was another form of execution. As firearms became the weapon of choice, firing squads became a common way to carry out a punishment. The electric chair, which used electricity to electrocute the condemned, was a common form of punishment, too. All of those ways were cruel and excruciating ways to die.

How Executions are Carried Out Today

Today, executions are not carried not in that manner, at least not in the United States. Those who have been convicted and given the sentence of death are given a cocktail of drugs that will essentially put the person to sleep. The method is painless and peaceful which some would say is not the way they should go considering the brutality of the crime they carried out.

Executions in East Texas

East Texas is no stranger to carrying out executions. Below are the numbers for each county in our area:

  • Smith - 14
  • Titus - 8
  • Gregg - 5
  • Anderson - 4
  • Hunt - 4
  • Cherokee - 3
  • Henderson - 2
  • Hopkins - 2
  • Polk - 2
  • Harrison - 1
  • Jasper - 1
  • Kaufman - 1
  • Nacogdoches - 1
  • Newton - 1
  • Sabine - 1
  • Shelby - 1
  • Trinity - 1
  • Upshur - 1
  • Wood - 1
  • Houston - 1
  • Morris - 1

Number of Executions in Texas

Texas has no problem sentencing a criminal to death if the nature of the crime calls for it. This sentence is usually reserved who those commit murder, or multiple murders, that are done in a brutal or senseless manner. Below, we'll look at the Top 11 counties for executions in Texas and a prisoner that was executed in each of those counties.

Top 11 Counties for Executions in Texas and a Prisoner Who Was Executed in That County

Texas is well known for its use of the death penalty with many executions carried out for heinous crimes every year. Which counties have the most in the state? How many have been carried out in East Texas? Let's take a look at the numbers and some of the crimes committed.

Gallery Credit: Google Maps, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

The 4 Pumpkin Colors You Need to Know for Halloween in Texas This Year

Many of us are getting ready for the multitude of trick or treaters that will visit our house looking to add to their candy haul. Some of those trick or treaters may have a different colored pumpkin in their hand or on their porch. Let's learn what those different colors mean.

Gallery Credit: Walmart, Party City, Ebay, Poshmark

There are 14 Things Texas Police Do Not Want You to Know

Police in Texas have the hardest job of anyone. That also means they do not want you to know everything about how they do their job. A new list shows some things that police do not want you to know about them.

Gallery Credit: unsplash.com, Getty Images,

More From 101.5 KNUE