American escapes death penalty at the last moment

austin - An American has been told just before his scheduled execution that his life will be spared. The Texas governor Greg Abbott said less than an hour before the execution that the punishment of the 38-year-old Thomas Whitaker was converted. He is now being given a lifelong prison sentence.

Whitaker was, according to American media, on death row because of a plot to kill his rich parents and brother. He hoped to get hold of the inheritance. An accomplice opened the fire to the family members when they came home after a dinner. Only father Kent Whitaker survived his injuries.

The now 69-year-old man did his utmost to save the life of his son. He called Thomas a model prisoner and showed letters from guards to support that claim. He also declared to have forgiven his son. Governor Abbott took this into account when he decided to change the sentence.