Texas Man Awaits Execution for Killing Ex-Girlfriend and Her New Boyfriend
A Texas man awaits execution for the fatal shootings of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. Charles Victor Thompson was condemned for the April 1998 murders of Glenda Dennise Hayslip, 39, and Darren Keith Cain, 30. The shootings occurred at Hayslip’s apartment in Tomball, a suburb of Houston.
Overview of the Case
Thompson, 55, is scheduled for lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. This marks him as the first individual set for execution in the United States this year.
- Date of Incident: April 1998
- Victims:
- Glenda Dennise Hayslip, 39
- Darren Keith Cain, 30
- Location: Tomball, Texas
- Scheduled Execution Date: January 2023
Background and Events Leading to the Murders
Thompson and Hayslip had a tumultuous relationship marked by Thompson’s possessive and abusive behavior. After their breakup, Hayslip began dating Cain. The night of the murders, Thompson had an altercation with Cain, which led to police being called to the apartment.
After being ordered to leave, Thompson returned hours later and shot both Hayslip and Cain. Initially, Cain died on the scene, while Hayslip succumbed to her injuries a week later. Prosecutors assert that Thompson is responsible for Hayslip’s death due to his direct actions during the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Controversies
Thompson’s attorneys argue that he was not allowed to challenge the prosecution’s evidence regarding Hayslip’s death. They claim that she died due to medical negligence following the shooting, resulting in brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. However, a jury had previously dismissed this claim.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office emphasized that the jury concluded Thompson is responsible for Hayslip’s death under state law.
Escaping Custody
In a twist of events, Thompson escaped from custody shortly after his resentencing in 2005. He walked out of the Harris County Jail without being challenged by deputies. Thompson later commented on his brief experience of freedom, saying it reminded him of childhood joys.
He was captured in Shreveport, Louisiana, while attempting to arrange for money transfers to escape to Canada.
Conclusion
If executed, Thompson will be the first person in the U.S. to face the death penalty this year. Texas continues to lead nationally in executions, although Florida executed the most individuals in 2025 with a total of 19. The case of Charles Victor Thompson reflects the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding capital punishment in the United States.
