James Paster And Stephen McCoy
Texas Serial Killer Duo
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Houston, Texas
TIME PERIOD
1980-1981
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
James Emery Paster and Stephen Albert McCoy, American serial killers, were responsible for the murders of at least three individuals in Texas between 1980 and 1981. The crimes included the murder of Robert Edward Howard on October 25, 1980, in Houston, where Paster shot Howard at the behest of his ex-wife; the abduction and murder of Diana Trevino Oliver in November 1980; and the killing of Cynthia Darlene Johnson on January 1, 1981. Both men were sentenced to death, with McCoy executed on May 24, 1989, in a botched execution, and Paster executed on September 20, 1989. Significant evidence included confessions and witness testimonies linking them to the murders, although Paster confessed to two additional murders in Houston for which he was never tried.
James Paster and Stephen McCoy are believed to have killed at least three people in Texas as part of a scheme involving a hired murder. There is speculation that Paster's confession to two additional murders in Houston could indicate a higher victim count than officially recognized. Additionally, McCoy's execution is often cited as a botched procedure, raising concerns about the methods and ethics of capital punishment.
The Dark Alliance: James Emery Paster and Stephen Albert McCoy
The Deadly Pact
In the shadowy underbelly of Houston, Texas, between 1980 and 1981, a chilling alliance between two men led to a series of brutal murders. James Emery Paster and Stephen Albert McCoy, born in Ohio and Texas respectively, were more than just friends; they were partners in crime. Their sinister pact claimed the lives of at least three known victims, leaving a trail of fear and death in its wake. These acts of violence would ultimately lead them to their fates at the Huntsville Unit, where both men would meet their end by lethal injection.
The Sinister Trio
The deadly saga began in October 1980, when Paster, McCoy, and an accomplice named Gary LeBlanc conspired to murder 38-year-old Robert Edward Howard. In a grim transaction, Paster was promised $1,000 and a motorcycle by Howard’s ex-wife and her new husband in exchange for the hit. The trio stalked Howard to a nightclub in Houston, where they sabotaged his truck by slashing its tires. Upon Howard’s return, Paster struck, firing a fatal shot to Howard's head before vanishing into the night.
The violence escalated in November 1980. The same trio abducted 27-year-old Diana Trevino Oliver, forcing her into their vehicle. Her nightmare ended tragically in a secluded field where McCoy raped and then stabbed her to death.
On December 31, 1980, the trio encountered 18-year-old Cynthia Darlene Johnson stranded by the roadside. In a horrifying sequence, they took her to a warehouse, where she was raped. LeBlanc's attempt to strangle her failed, but Paster ensured her death by strangulation. To confirm the deed, he drove a nail into her nose. This brutal act marked the dawn of a new year with blood.
The Long Arm of the Law
The law eventually caught up with Paster and McCoy. In 1982, Paster faced justice in Alabama for unrelated crimes, earning three life sentences for robbery-assault, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. But his past deeds haunted him. On June 1, 1983, while incarcerated at Holman Correctional Facility, he was indicted for the capital murder of Robert Howard. His confession was recorded, sealing his fate.
By September 21, 1983, Paster was found guilty of capital murder, receiving the death penalty the following day. Meanwhile, McCoy, who was serving a five-year sentence for burglary in Texas, faced charges for his involvement in the murders. Indicted on April 19, 1983, he was found guilty of capital murder and rape on July 26, 1984, and sentenced to death for his crimes against Johnson.
LeBlanc, their partner in crime, cooperated with the authorities. His testimony against Paster and McCoy earned him a lighter sentence of thirty-five years. Howard’s ex-wife and her new husband were also convicted, each receiving life sentences for orchestrating Howard's murder.
The Final Chapter
In a desperate bid for freedom, Paster attempted an audacious prison escape in April 1989, along with another inmate. Their plan involved squeezing through an air vent and sawing through an exhaust fan. However, they were discovered in a pipe corridor and promptly returned to death row.
Stephen McCoy's execution on May 24, 1989, was a macabre spectacle. Witnesses described the event as botched. As the lethal drugs coursed through his veins, McCoy's chest heaved, and he gasped for air, his back arching from the gurney. The scene was so disturbing that one witness fainted, toppling another. Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox later acknowledged the unusual reaction, suggesting a possible overdosage or rapid administration of the drugs. McCoy's last meal was a simple cheeseburger, french fries, and a strawberry milkshake, and he left this world without a final statement.
On September 20, 1989, Paster faced his own execution for the murder of Robert Howard. Before his death, he confessed to two additional murders in Houston, although he was never tried for these crimes. His final meal was a hearty serving of steak, salad, french fried potatoes, and watermelon.
The remains of both men were laid to rest at Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, their dark legacies forever etched into the annals of Texas criminal history.
Sources
For more about James Paster and Stephen McCoy, visit the original Wikipedia article.
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First Murder Committed
James Paster, Stephen McCoy, and Gary LeBlanc murder Robert Edward Howard in Houston.
Second Abduction and Murder
The trio abducts and murders Diana Trevino Oliver, stabbing her to death.
Third Murder Committed
Cynthia Darlene Johnson is raped and strangled to death by Paster.
Paster Indicted
James Paster is indicted for the capital murder of Robert Howard while in prison.
Paster Convicted
James Paster is found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death.
McCoy Convicted
Stephen McCoy is found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death for the murder of Cynthia Johnson.
McCoy Executed
Stephen McCoy is executed via lethal injection in a botched execution.
Paster Executed
James Paster is executed via lethal injection for the murder of Robert Howard.
James Emery Paster and Stephen Albert McCoy, American serial killers, were responsible for the murders of at least three individuals in Texas between 1980 and 1981. The crimes included the murder of Robert Edward Howard on October 25, 1980, in Houston, where Paster shot Howard at the behest of his ex-wife; the abduction and murder of Diana Trevino Oliver in November 1980; and the killing of Cynthia Darlene Johnson on January 1, 1981. Both men were sentenced to death, with McCoy executed on May 24, 1989, in a botched execution, and Paster executed on September 20, 1989. Significant evidence included confessions and witness testimonies linking them to the murders, although Paster confessed to two additional murders in Houston for which he was never tried.
James Paster and Stephen McCoy are believed to have killed at least three people in Texas as part of a scheme involving a hired murder. There is speculation that Paster's confession to two additional murders in Houston could indicate a higher victim count than officially recognized. Additionally, McCoy's execution is often cited as a botched procedure, raising concerns about the methods and ethics of capital punishment.
The Dark Alliance: James Emery Paster and Stephen Albert McCoy
The Deadly Pact
In the shadowy underbelly of Houston, Texas, between 1980 and 1981, a chilling alliance between two men led to a series of brutal murders. James Emery Paster and Stephen Albert McCoy, born in Ohio and Texas respectively, were more than just friends; they were partners in crime. Their sinister pact claimed the lives of at least three known victims, leaving a trail of fear and death in its wake. These acts of violence would ultimately lead them to their fates at the Huntsville Unit, where both men would meet their end by lethal injection.
The Sinister Trio
The deadly saga began in October 1980, when Paster, McCoy, and an accomplice named Gary LeBlanc conspired to murder 38-year-old Robert Edward Howard. In a grim transaction, Paster was promised $1,000 and a motorcycle by Howard’s ex-wife and her new husband in exchange for the hit. The trio stalked Howard to a nightclub in Houston, where they sabotaged his truck by slashing its tires. Upon Howard’s return, Paster struck, firing a fatal shot to Howard's head before vanishing into the night.
The violence escalated in November 1980. The same trio abducted 27-year-old Diana Trevino Oliver, forcing her into their vehicle. Her nightmare ended tragically in a secluded field where McCoy raped and then stabbed her to death.
On December 31, 1980, the trio encountered 18-year-old Cynthia Darlene Johnson stranded by the roadside. In a horrifying sequence, they took her to a warehouse, where she was raped. LeBlanc's attempt to strangle her failed, but Paster ensured her death by strangulation. To confirm the deed, he drove a nail into her nose. This brutal act marked the dawn of a new year with blood.
The Long Arm of the Law
The law eventually caught up with Paster and McCoy. In 1982, Paster faced justice in Alabama for unrelated crimes, earning three life sentences for robbery-assault, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. But his past deeds haunted him. On June 1, 1983, while incarcerated at Holman Correctional Facility, he was indicted for the capital murder of Robert Howard. His confession was recorded, sealing his fate.
By September 21, 1983, Paster was found guilty of capital murder, receiving the death penalty the following day. Meanwhile, McCoy, who was serving a five-year sentence for burglary in Texas, faced charges for his involvement in the murders. Indicted on April 19, 1983, he was found guilty of capital murder and rape on July 26, 1984, and sentenced to death for his crimes against Johnson.
LeBlanc, their partner in crime, cooperated with the authorities. His testimony against Paster and McCoy earned him a lighter sentence of thirty-five years. Howard’s ex-wife and her new husband were also convicted, each receiving life sentences for orchestrating Howard's murder.
The Final Chapter
In a desperate bid for freedom, Paster attempted an audacious prison escape in April 1989, along with another inmate. Their plan involved squeezing through an air vent and sawing through an exhaust fan. However, they were discovered in a pipe corridor and promptly returned to death row.
Stephen McCoy's execution on May 24, 1989, was a macabre spectacle. Witnesses described the event as botched. As the lethal drugs coursed through his veins, McCoy's chest heaved, and he gasped for air, his back arching from the gurney. The scene was so disturbing that one witness fainted, toppling another. Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox later acknowledged the unusual reaction, suggesting a possible overdosage or rapid administration of the drugs. McCoy's last meal was a simple cheeseburger, french fries, and a strawberry milkshake, and he left this world without a final statement.
On September 20, 1989, Paster faced his own execution for the murder of Robert Howard. Before his death, he confessed to two additional murders in Houston, although he was never tried for these crimes. His final meal was a hearty serving of steak, salad, french fried potatoes, and watermelon.
The remains of both men were laid to rest at Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, their dark legacies forever etched into the annals of Texas criminal history.
Sources
For more about James Paster and Stephen McCoy, visit the original Wikipedia article.
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
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First Murder Committed
James Paster, Stephen McCoy, and Gary LeBlanc murder Robert Edward Howard in Houston.
Second Abduction and Murder
The trio abducts and murders Diana Trevino Oliver, stabbing her to death.
Third Murder Committed
Cynthia Darlene Johnson is raped and strangled to death by Paster.
Paster Indicted
James Paster is indicted for the capital murder of Robert Howard while in prison.
Paster Convicted
James Paster is found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death.
McCoy Convicted
Stephen McCoy is found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death for the murder of Cynthia Johnson.
McCoy Executed
Stephen McCoy is executed via lethal injection in a botched execution.
Paster Executed
James Paster is executed via lethal injection for the murder of Robert Howard.