Franklin DeWayne Alix
Texas Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Houston, Texas
TIME PERIOD
1997-1998
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Franklin DeWayne Alix, an American serial killer, committed a series of violent crimes in Houston, Texas, from August 8, 1997, to January 4, 1998, resulting in at least four confirmed murders, two attempted murders, nine robberies, and multiple kidnappings and rapes. His crime spree primarily targeted victims at apartment complexes, where he utilized firearms to intimidate and control his victims. Alix was apprehended on January 6, 1998, and subsequently sentenced to death for one of the murders. He was executed by lethal injection on March 30, 2010, at the Huntsville Unit in Texas, following a conviction that included capital murder and multiple counts of robbery. Significant evidence included eyewitness testimonies and forensic links to the crime scenes, which ultimately led to his conviction.
Franklin DeWayne Alix is believed to have targeted vulnerable individuals in apartment complexes, leading to speculation that he may have been familiar with the areas or the victims. Some theorize that his violent behavior escalated due to unresolved psychological issues stemming from his strict upbringing and early criminal history. Additionally, there is a belief among some investigators that Alix may have committed more crimes than those for which he was convicted, suggesting he could have been responsible for additional unsolved cases in the Houston area during that time.
Franklin DeWayne Alix: A Twisted Tale of Crime and Punishment
The Early Life of a Future Criminal
Franklin DeWayne Alix was born on August 6, 1975, in Harris County, Texas. In his early years, he was an active member of his local church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. However, beneath this seemingly wholesome exterior lay a troubled soul. Alix would later attribute his criminal tendencies to a strict upbringing, though the path he chose was a dark one.
A Prelude to Violence
Alix's journey into the world of crime began in 1992 when he attempted to steal a bus. The ill-fated endeavor ended after a ten-minute chase, resulting in a six-month sentence for theft. This was just the beginning. By April 8, 1993, Alix had progressed to stealing a car directly from a woman's driveway. He was apprehended while driving the vehicle and received a three-year sentence for motor theft, serving his time until 1996.
His criminal activities escalated further on July 11, 1996, when he was caught jaywalking in Houston. During this incident, officers discovered he was illegally carrying a pistol and ammunition. This led to a conviction and a 70-day jail sentence for illegal possession of a weapon.
The Crime Spree That Shocked Houston
In August 1997, Alix unleashed a wave of terror across Houston that lasted six months. This period was marked by at least four murders, two attempted murders, nine robberies, two rapes, and four kidnappings—most of which occurred in or around apartment complexes.
The violence erupted on August 8 when Alix shot and killed Gregorio Ramirez during an attempted robbery in an apartment parking lot. His widow later identified Alix as the shooter. A week later, on August 15, he was involved in a confrontation at a gas station where he refused to pay for gas and punched the store owner who attempted to intervene.
Alix’s crimes were characterized by a chilling pattern. On September 2, after a minor traffic incident, he robbed a woman at gunpoint. Later that month, on September 29, he escalated his tactics by kidnapping a woman at gunpoint, forcing her into her trunk, and sexually assaulting her.
The violence continued unabated. On October 5, Alix claimed another life, shooting Selemawi Tewolde in an apartment parking lot. His spree included multiple further robberies and kidnappings, leaving a trail of fear and anguish.
The Final Days of Freedom
By late December 1997, Alix's actions grew increasingly brazen. On December 6, he shot a security guard in the back, though the man survived. He repeated this act of violence on December 19, wounding another guard before committing additional robberies and kidnappings.
The chaos reached a tragic climax on January 3, 1998, when Alix kidnapped 19-year-old Karyl Bridgeford. After terrorizing and raping her, he murdered her brother, Eric, in cold blood when he attempted to intervene. Alix's rampage ended the following day with the murder of Christopher Thomas, whom he shot while Thomas sat listening to music in his car.
Arrest, Trial, and Execution
The law finally caught up with Alix on January 6, 1998, in Houston. He confessed to Eric Bridgeford's murder on videotape and led police to the murder weapon. Charged with capital murder, Alix faced a trial where prosecutors sought the death penalty.
The trial began in August 1998. Although Alix admitted to kidnapping Karyl Bridgeford, he claimed the sexual acts were consensual and that Eric's death was self-defense. The jury found Alix guilty on August 26, 1998.
During sentencing, prosecutors presented Alix's past convictions and described him as a "one-man crime wave." The defense attempted to humanize him, sharing testimonies from his youth and claiming he acted under duress from a drug debt to a man named Kevin Smith. Nevertheless, the jury recommended a death sentence, which the judge imposed on September 2, 1998.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Houston Police Department's crime lab and its mishandling of evidence in multiple cases, including Alix's, his appeals failed. The appellate court concluded that the evidence, including DNA inconclusiveness, would not have altered the jury's decision.
In the days leading up to his execution, Alix expressed remorse but denied many of the crimes attributed to him. On March 30, 2010, he was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit. His last words were a mix of regret and defiance, claiming, "I am not the monster they made me out to be."
The Aftermath
The execution was witnessed by the families of his victims. Despite the pain Alix's actions caused, some, like Janey Bridgeford, expressed forgiveness, seeking closure and peace. Alix's story remains a haunting reminder of the destruction wrought by a life of crime.
Sources
- Turner, Allan. "Houston man executed for 1998 burglary-slaying". Chron.
- KHOU.com. "Houston man set to die for robbery-slaying".
- Clark Prosecutor. "Franklin DeWayne Alix #1200".
- TX Executions. "Execution Report: Franklin Alix – Page 1".
- Tyler Morning Telegraph. "Franklin Alix". January 8, 1998.
- Times Record News. "Alix wave". September 4, 1998.
- The Monitor. "Alix parole". December 27, 1998.
For further reading, explore the Wikipedia article on Franklin DeWayne Alix.
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First Murder Committed
Franklin Alix shoots and kills Gregorio Ramirez during an attempted robbery.
Kidnapping Incident
Alix robs and kidnaps a woman at gunpoint, forcing her into the trunk of his car.
Second Murder Committed
Alix shoots and kills Selemawi Tewolde in an apartment parking lot.
Kidnapping and Third Murder
Alix kidnaps Karyl Bridgeford, later shoots and kills her brother Eric during the incident.
Fourth Murder Committed
Alix robs and fatally shoots Christopher Thomas outside his home.
Arrest Made
Franklin Alix is arrested by police in Houston after confessing to the murder of Eric.
Guilty Verdict
Alix is found guilty of capital murder for the killing of Eric Bridgeford.
Death Sentence Imposed
Alix is formally sentenced to death for his crimes.
Execution
Franklin Alix is executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit.
Franklin DeWayne Alix, an American serial killer, committed a series of violent crimes in Houston, Texas, from August 8, 1997, to January 4, 1998, resulting in at least four confirmed murders, two attempted murders, nine robberies, and multiple kidnappings and rapes. His crime spree primarily targeted victims at apartment complexes, where he utilized firearms to intimidate and control his victims. Alix was apprehended on January 6, 1998, and subsequently sentenced to death for one of the murders. He was executed by lethal injection on March 30, 2010, at the Huntsville Unit in Texas, following a conviction that included capital murder and multiple counts of robbery. Significant evidence included eyewitness testimonies and forensic links to the crime scenes, which ultimately led to his conviction.
Franklin DeWayne Alix is believed to have targeted vulnerable individuals in apartment complexes, leading to speculation that he may have been familiar with the areas or the victims. Some theorize that his violent behavior escalated due to unresolved psychological issues stemming from his strict upbringing and early criminal history. Additionally, there is a belief among some investigators that Alix may have committed more crimes than those for which he was convicted, suggesting he could have been responsible for additional unsolved cases in the Houston area during that time.
Franklin DeWayne Alix: A Twisted Tale of Crime and Punishment
The Early Life of a Future Criminal
Franklin DeWayne Alix was born on August 6, 1975, in Harris County, Texas. In his early years, he was an active member of his local church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. However, beneath this seemingly wholesome exterior lay a troubled soul. Alix would later attribute his criminal tendencies to a strict upbringing, though the path he chose was a dark one.
A Prelude to Violence
Alix's journey into the world of crime began in 1992 when he attempted to steal a bus. The ill-fated endeavor ended after a ten-minute chase, resulting in a six-month sentence for theft. This was just the beginning. By April 8, 1993, Alix had progressed to stealing a car directly from a woman's driveway. He was apprehended while driving the vehicle and received a three-year sentence for motor theft, serving his time until 1996.
His criminal activities escalated further on July 11, 1996, when he was caught jaywalking in Houston. During this incident, officers discovered he was illegally carrying a pistol and ammunition. This led to a conviction and a 70-day jail sentence for illegal possession of a weapon.
The Crime Spree That Shocked Houston
In August 1997, Alix unleashed a wave of terror across Houston that lasted six months. This period was marked by at least four murders, two attempted murders, nine robberies, two rapes, and four kidnappings—most of which occurred in or around apartment complexes.
The violence erupted on August 8 when Alix shot and killed Gregorio Ramirez during an attempted robbery in an apartment parking lot. His widow later identified Alix as the shooter. A week later, on August 15, he was involved in a confrontation at a gas station where he refused to pay for gas and punched the store owner who attempted to intervene.
Alix’s crimes were characterized by a chilling pattern. On September 2, after a minor traffic incident, he robbed a woman at gunpoint. Later that month, on September 29, he escalated his tactics by kidnapping a woman at gunpoint, forcing her into her trunk, and sexually assaulting her.
The violence continued unabated. On October 5, Alix claimed another life, shooting Selemawi Tewolde in an apartment parking lot. His spree included multiple further robberies and kidnappings, leaving a trail of fear and anguish.
The Final Days of Freedom
By late December 1997, Alix's actions grew increasingly brazen. On December 6, he shot a security guard in the back, though the man survived. He repeated this act of violence on December 19, wounding another guard before committing additional robberies and kidnappings.
The chaos reached a tragic climax on January 3, 1998, when Alix kidnapped 19-year-old Karyl Bridgeford. After terrorizing and raping her, he murdered her brother, Eric, in cold blood when he attempted to intervene. Alix's rampage ended the following day with the murder of Christopher Thomas, whom he shot while Thomas sat listening to music in his car.
Arrest, Trial, and Execution
The law finally caught up with Alix on January 6, 1998, in Houston. He confessed to Eric Bridgeford's murder on videotape and led police to the murder weapon. Charged with capital murder, Alix faced a trial where prosecutors sought the death penalty.
The trial began in August 1998. Although Alix admitted to kidnapping Karyl Bridgeford, he claimed the sexual acts were consensual and that Eric's death was self-defense. The jury found Alix guilty on August 26, 1998.
During sentencing, prosecutors presented Alix's past convictions and described him as a "one-man crime wave." The defense attempted to humanize him, sharing testimonies from his youth and claiming he acted under duress from a drug debt to a man named Kevin Smith. Nevertheless, the jury recommended a death sentence, which the judge imposed on September 2, 1998.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Houston Police Department's crime lab and its mishandling of evidence in multiple cases, including Alix's, his appeals failed. The appellate court concluded that the evidence, including DNA inconclusiveness, would not have altered the jury's decision.
In the days leading up to his execution, Alix expressed remorse but denied many of the crimes attributed to him. On March 30, 2010, he was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit. His last words were a mix of regret and defiance, claiming, "I am not the monster they made me out to be."
The Aftermath
The execution was witnessed by the families of his victims. Despite the pain Alix's actions caused, some, like Janey Bridgeford, expressed forgiveness, seeking closure and peace. Alix's story remains a haunting reminder of the destruction wrought by a life of crime.
Sources
- Turner, Allan. "Houston man executed for 1998 burglary-slaying". Chron.
- KHOU.com. "Houston man set to die for robbery-slaying".
- Clark Prosecutor. "Franklin DeWayne Alix #1200".
- TX Executions. "Execution Report: Franklin Alix – Page 1".
- Tyler Morning Telegraph. "Franklin Alix". January 8, 1998.
- Times Record News. "Alix wave". September 4, 1998.
- The Monitor. "Alix parole". December 27, 1998.
For further reading, explore the Wikipedia article on Franklin DeWayne Alix.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Franklin Alix shoots and kills Gregorio Ramirez during an attempted robbery.
Kidnapping Incident
Alix robs and kidnaps a woman at gunpoint, forcing her into the trunk of his car.
Second Murder Committed
Alix shoots and kills Selemawi Tewolde in an apartment parking lot.
Kidnapping and Third Murder
Alix kidnaps Karyl Bridgeford, later shoots and kills her brother Eric during the incident.
Fourth Murder Committed
Alix robs and fatally shoots Christopher Thomas outside his home.
Arrest Made
Franklin Alix is arrested by police in Houston after confessing to the murder of Eric.
Guilty Verdict
Alix is found guilty of capital murder for the killing of Eric Bridgeford.
Death Sentence Imposed
Alix is formally sentenced to death for his crimes.
Execution
Franklin Alix is executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit.