Granville Riddle was executed by the State of Texas for the murder of Ronnie Bennett
According to court documents Granville Riddle would break into the home of Ronnie Bennett who he would beat to death using a tire iron
Granville Riddle would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death
Granville Riddle would be executed by lethal injection on January 30 2003
Granville Riddle Photos
Granville Riddle FAQ
When Was Granville Riddle Executed
Granville Riddle was executed on January 30 2003
Granville Riddle Case
A Stinnett man has been executed for the murder of an Amarillo man 15 years ago. Granville Riddle was 19 years old when he killed Ronnie Hood Bennett, 39, in 1988. Bennett was beaten to death in his own home with a tire tool. Because Riddle stole Bennett’s wallet and pickup truck, he was charged with capital murder and a jury sentenced him to death. This was Riddle’s second execution date. A stay was granted the first time around, back in the ’90s. Riddle was moved from his holding cell at 6:00pm Thursday, made his final statement at 6:07pm and was dead ten minutes later.
None of Bennett’s survivors attended Thursday’s execution, but five people which were part of Riddle’s last days made the trip to Huntsville. Family friend Dan Berger said, “It’s a very difficult situation for everyone, and especially for his wife and his parents and his brother.” “We had always hoped there was a way to get him off death row. Granville was more than just a murderer, though that’s a terrible crime. He was also an artist and my children are now about the same age.”
Riddle’s final statement included, “I have no grudges against anyone or things gone wrong and would like to say to the world I have always been a nice person, never been mean-hearted or cruel and wish everyone well.” He also said several things in French, including “au revoir” and “I love you.” Those phrases were primarily addressed to his wife, who does not speak English. Officials report Riddle was talkative and not overly nervous before being taken to the death chamber.
STINNETT — It’s been more than 14 years since Riddle went to prison for murder. People in Stinnett say they’re curious about what’s happening to the man that grew up in their town. Despite the connection, many believe he’s getting what he deserves. Mary Davis says, “Its not suprising to anyone here. The ones I talked to say they figured he’d turn out like this since he was in trouble before he was 18.”
Many described Riddle as a loner. They say he always tried to fit in, but never made many friends. Davis says, “They say he was an odd man that used to be in trouble a lot and he caused a lot of problems for people.”
News travels fast in small towns and when word of the murder first reached Stinnett, it was all that the town talked about. The execution is causing some buzz in the town, but much of the interest has waned. Michelle McDaniel says, “If something goes wrong or something happens, everyone knows probably wihin an hour.”
About 14 years have passed since the murder and the town’s connection to the man has all but died in that time. It is talked about, but people don’t feel sorry for the man who many said was causing trouble even in his early years. Wayne Mahan says, “I hadn’t heard a lot of talk about it. There at first, when it first happened, there was a lot of talk, but I haven’t heard a lot about it lately.”
