John Rubio has been given an execution date in Texas for November 12, 2026. He was convicted for the 2003 murders of Julissa Quesada, John E. Rubio and Mary Jane Rubio.

Rubio was resentenced to death following his 2010 retrial. Throughout the years, he has raised appeals about adequacy of his legal defense and mental-health history.

Rubio has argued that important aspects of his mental health history and circumstances that lead up to the crime were not properly considered. The day prior to the crime, Rubio reportedly experienced bizarre and paranoid behavior. Court documents confirmed this, added that he has substance abuse issues and expressed his delusions and beliefs involving spiritual and demonic forces to others.

During legal proceedings, Rubio's attorneys were seeking a new punishment phase after arguing that the jurors were not adequately presented with the evidence of his mother’s substance abuse that stunted Rubio's mental development. Rubio’s mother testified that she did consume alcohol while pregnant with Rubio - a six pack of beer daily. This fact does not excuse Rubio’s crime, but provides an explanation for the behavior. Rubio has been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and developmental difficulties as a result.

Despite knowing all of this, the court rejected his claims. Texas courts have not properly considered the possibility of an explanation of Rubio’s crime and denied him the chance of a proper trial with all of the relevant information available.  

Join the Virtual Vigil

Call Gov. Abbott at 512-463-2000 with the following message:

"Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. Abbott to stop the execution of John Rubio in November. We acknowledge how devastating his crimes were, but executing John Rubio will not bring the victims back. One cannot be held fully culpable when they have developmental delays as a result of their mother's alcoholism during pregnancy and mental disturbances. We can acknowledge the profound loss created by John's actions, without unfairly placing full culpability on such a person."

REGISTER FOR THE 11/12 EXECUTION VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM CT SHOULD THE EXECUTION PROCEED.

Please sign the petition asking Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

Additionally, you may reach out now to the Board at bpp_pio@tdcj.texas.gov and the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/contact/ and (512) 463-1782. You can simply leave a voice message, or choose to speak to a representative if you prefer.

Please note: In Texas, the Governor does have limited power when it comes to the death penalty. But the story we are told that "it's out of the governor's hands," is only true if we allow it to be. Yes, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles must recommend clemency in that state in order for the Governor to grant clemency (mercy) by commuting a death sentence. But the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He can choose to appoint members who will take valid claims and concerns more seriously, instead of acting like rubber-stamping gate-keepers. He can still use his position of power and influence to enact justice in the State of Texas.