Texas authorities executed James Broadnax, infamously known as the “Two-Dollar Killer,” on July 6, 2026, for the 1995 murder of 18-year-old LaShonda Johnson in Houston. Broadnax’s case became notorious due to the extreme brutality of the crime and his longstanding presence on death row.
The Crime and Conviction
Broadnax was convicted of fatally shooting Johnson during a robbery, a crime reportedly motivated by a trivial sum of money—hence his nickname. Prosecutors highlighted the premeditated nature of the murder and the violent circumstances surrounding the offense. A jury sentenced him to death following his trial.
Appeals and Legal Proceedings
Over three decades, Broadnax pursued multiple appeals challenging his conviction and sentence. Courts consistently upheld the death penalty, with legal challenges delayed by procedural reviews and claims of ineffective counsel.
Final Moments
In his final statement, Broadnax reportedly confessed, saying, “I was the killer,” acknowledging responsibility for his actions. Witnesses noted that he remained calm before the lethal injection was administered at the Huntsville Unit in Texas.
Legacy
The execution of James Broadnax concludes one of Texas’s most infamous death row cases, reflecting both the consequences of violent crime and the prolonged legal processes that accompany capital punishment. His final words provide a stark acknowledgment of the crime that defined his life behind bars.
For the victim’s family, the execution provided closure after decades of waiting, while the case continues to serve as a reference in discussions about justice, capital punishment, and high-profile criminal cases in Texas.
