"Nothing he would say to me would make any difference," he said. Where [are] you going?" Jos Medelln got a ring with an "E", so he could give it to his girlfriend, Esther. He apparently did as he pleased. As previously stated, Jennifer Louise Ertman who was born on August 15, 1978, and Elizabeth Christine Pena who was born on June 21, 1977 were both raped and killed on June 24, 1993. HUNTSVILLE, Texas (CBS/KHOU) Murderer Peter Anthony Cantu was executed by the state of Texas Tuesday evening. Both victims were badly decaying, and dental records were used for identification. [7] Before the murders, Houston officials had stated that gangs were not a significant issue in the city. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. The architect of their deaths will pay with his own life Tuesday evening. [38], Seventeen years after the crimes, Peter Anthony Cantu was executed on August 17, 2010. He threatened to kill security guards at the alternative school he periodically attended. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. of Criminal Justice), How Alaska became one of fentanyl's deadliest frontiers, Pennsylvania police seized gloves, flashlight from home of Idaho murders suspect, Where things stand in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. murders of jennifer ertman and elizabeth pena jose medellin. HOUSTON - State officials have denied parole for Venancio Medellin, the youngest of six gang members convicted of the vicious rapes and murders of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena in 1993. Four days later, when searchers finally found Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena, their bodies were unrecognizable. He was the ringleader in a crime that struck a raw nerve for its sheer brutality: the repeated gang rape, torture and murder of 14-year-old Jennifer Ertman and 16-year-old Elizabeth Pena in 1993. 0000004381 00000 n Their killers were soon rounded upa brutal, unrepentant gang of teenage boys whose convictions should have put them behind bars for life. We have set your language to << I ain't ever gonna hear that again, that hurts," said Randy Ertman, the victim's father. August 17, 2010 / 5:39 PM A month before Ertman and Pe a crossed his path, Cantu had mentioned to his former auto mechanics teacher that he wanted to kill someone "just to see what it feels like," according to testimony. HUNTSVILLE, Texas (CBS/AP/KHOU) Tonight, Peter Anthony Cantu will be executed for two of the most notorious deaths in Houston history, the 1993 rapes and murders of 16-year-old Elizabeth Pena. The families of both Ertman and Pea strongly favored the execution(s). Failed to report flower. In 1993, while walking home Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena were sexually assaulted and murdered by a group of boys/men that called themselves "The Black and White Gang". [39] The lethal injection was performed at 6:09p.m., and at 6:17p.m., Cantu was officially pronounced dead. Two who In that case, a 27-year-old woman was found at a Houston park with her throat cut. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Former KHOU anchor turns layoff into lucrative real estate career, The only Houston rodeo food guide you'll need, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston pastor calls for state book ban, KPRC 2 anchor Brandon Walker announces he is leaving network, Texas college students now allowed to carry guns on campus, Former Astros GM James Click hired by American League contender, How a legendary New Orleans bartender earned his place in history, Video shows chaos after Houston pickup truck lands on 4 cars, Texas UPS employees arrested, charged with trafficking cocaine, Houston is in for dust and gray skies as Texas haboob hits city, Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious on-air interview with reporter, Watch: Houston Astros' Luis Garcia debuts new windup, Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang turns layoff into lucrative real estate career, Your essential and exhaustive guide to 2023 Houston rodeo food, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban, KPRC 2 anchor Brandon Walker announces he is leaving the network, Crosby ISD adopts 4-day school week, a first in Harris County, Bun B on bringing Southern rap stars to Houston's Rodeo, Tips for bringing your dog or cat on a flight, Houston leaders to vote on fate of Pappas' Hobby Airport contract, Hidalgo: more Ohio train derailment waste coming to Harris County, UH favored by wide margin to win NCAA tournament, per ESPN's BPI. /Prev 62433 [30][41][42], The parents of the murder victims successfully advocated for the State of Texas to allow victims' relatives to have permission to witness executions. Shoelaces were used to strangle Pena. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. Anderson, a Houston Police Department officer who worked on the murder case, described the murder as "part of the impetus for the antigang programs in Houston." "I don't mean this in a gruesome But after the execution Tuesday things were different. Cantu, Jos Medelln, and Prez then strangled Pea to death with shoelaces. The case was also notable in that the state of Texas rejected attempts by the International Court of Justice to halt several perpetrators' executions. Cantu, then 18, orchestrated the attacks and slaying. Elizabeth Christine Pea (June 21, 1977 June 24, 1993) and Jennifer Lee Ertman (August 15, 1978 June 24, 1993) were close friends who both attended Waltrip High School. Then, on the morning of June 30, the city awoke to learn of events of a few days earlier that defied belief. /Contents [ 75 0 R ] Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. >> Learn more about merges. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. They were friends who attended the same high school in Houston, Texas, Waltrip High School. The worst crime I have ever heard of was the 1993 murder of 14 year-old . "Hopefully they'll find some peace. Oops, something didn't work. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. endobj Try again later. Look at me good!". The gang members stomped on both girls' throats to ensure their deaths. Houston was stunned when Cantu and his gang were arrested. Search above to list available cemeteries. During the trial, the Ertmans asked to address the court. He was sentenced under juvenile guidelines because he was 14 at the time of the crime. As Ertman was murdered, Pea was forced to watch her friend's death as other gang members held a ligature around her own neck. C.E. 0000001187 00000 n "Look at me. The killers didn't crumple or cry when recounting the bestiality of their acts to investigators. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. [4], Ertman and Pea decided to take a 10-minute shortcut to Pea's residence in Oak Forest by following the railroad tracks and passing through T.C. He was the youngest of six members of the so-called Black and White gang when they brutally raped and killed Jennifer Ertman, 14, and Elizabeth Pena, 16, in June 1993. were 17 when the girls were killed were spared the death penalty when Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. At approximately 8 p.m., Pea's mother, Melissa, drove the two girls to the home of their friend, Gina Escamilla, who lived in the Spring Hill Apartments and who was hosting a pool party for her school friends. [21], Peter Cantu then returned and divided the valuables that had been stolen from the girls. interview with The Associated Press. They were both abducted and murdered. Ertman Pea. TDCJ refused to permit Kahan to witness the execution. [6], The girls were walking along the White Oak Bayou when they encountered six "Black and White" gang members drinking beer shortly after holding the gang initiation ceremony of 17-year-old Raul Omar Villarreal. window at Ertman and other relatives of the girls and called his In response, Medelln stated: "No, baby! We have set your language to Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Following Cantu's initial instruction, Villarreal first shouted "Get on your knees, bitch!" The rape and murder of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena rocks Houston. Sorry! Both then completed the act by strangling the girl with a shoelace in Pea's presence. The girls were raped and murdered by the gang members in a field near T.C. Although only one of the brothers had fought Villarreal, both had left the initiation ceremony minutes before both girls were abducted. By coincidence, a handful of teenagers who had just completed a boozy, fight-filled gang initiation ritual noticed their shadowy figures. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Jennifer Lee Ertman I found on Findagrave.com. The Ertmans left without saying a word. Year should not be greater than current year. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Medellin's brother, Jose, was put to death in 2008. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. AP. Jos Ernesto Medelln appealed his execution, saying that he had informed City of Houston and Harris County police officers that he was a Mexican citizen, and that he had been unable to confer with Mexican consular officials. In what police later would describe as a sadistic frenzy, the girls were gang-raped for more than an hour. Six teenagers repeatedly raped, assaulted, then beat the girls to death, beyond recognition. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. Both repeatedly struggled against their abusers, with Pea on at least one occasion attempting to fight off her attackers by repeatedly kicking her legs, and Ertman biting her attackers. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Search above to list available cemeteries. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Six anonymous teens stoked on alcohol and testosterone needed only an hour or so to make their mark on the city. Please try again later. Medellin was 14 at the time of the killings and has served 27 years of his 40-year sentence, the maximum punishment allowed for a juvenile. LQ>icb7#f0wNb7tM:q2$`zg A'QS5Cf\ =!4S&1qu+NZbu{Na!P. For justice for my little girl," Elizabeth's father, Adolph Pena, said. Dude, you're a badass! The attackers shouted obscenities at TV cameras when they were arrested and reportedly bragged of their crimes once in their jail cells. They expressed no regret or even a second thought at what they had done. The person not sentenced to death, 14 New development was everywhere, spurred by a mayor and city council devoted to the cause of building. Resend Activation Email. This browser does not support getting your location. Two others I think were 17 and got life. Weve updated the security on the site. Fv 27, 2023 . curfew. Learn more about managing a memorial . The girls' bodies were found decomposing in the . ). They probably would be married women now. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. We love them and miss them," Adolph Pena said. /Info 70 0 R When the pair realized that they were going to be late returning home, they decided to leave the party to commit the curfew both had promised to their parents. "It's been a long journey, and for the families an emotional roller coaster.". The. "We can't go back and change what happened to your family, but we can change for others who come along, and we'll leave a lasting legacy for your daughters that will last for eternity," Kahan said. 0 cemeteries found in Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA. Jobs were back and property was rising in value. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. stream Jennifer Ertman, left, and Elizabeth Pea both attended Waltrip High School. Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena were 14 and 16 years old, respectively. /L 64011 Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. This account has been disabled. a. Find ratings and reviews for the newest movie and TV shows. [7], Villarreal had not been a member of the Black and White gang or any gang but had engaged in this initiation ceremony whereby he had been forced to fight several gang members for five minutes successively before they judged whether to accept him. They were both abducted and murdered. To save time, they took a shortcut that led along railroad tracks near T.C. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Realizing that the girls would be capable of identifying them, Peter Cantu, the leader of the gang, ordered the members to kill the girls. He was 35 and had lived on death row longer than his victims were alive. Please reset your password. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Court appeals to delay the punishment appeared exhausted. Instead of remorse there was violence from Cantu. Ertman rejected an invitation from Cantu's lawyer to come to his office and read a letter of apology from Cantu. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Cantu had been troubled and violent since his early youth. [5][30], Before his execution, O'Brien expressed his regrets for his actions to the families of Pea and Ertman. Peter Anthony Cantu, Jos Ernesto Medelln, Derrick Sean O'Brien, Efrain Prez, and Raul Omar Villarreal received death sentences. Derrick O'Brien was the first to be executed on July 11, 2006. Thanks for your help! 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sadly, they never made it. "He has matured remarkably," said Robin Norris, his appeals lawyer. Try again. 3 of the main members who were 18 or over were sentenced to death and it was carried out 2006,2008,2010 respectively. Minutes before Pea and Ertman encountered these gang members, two other gang members, twins Frank and Ramon Sandoval had participated in Villarreal's initiation ceremony. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Death penalty opponents protested the impending execution. O'Brien was videotaped smiling at the scene of the crime. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. When the police followed this suggestion, they found the badly decaying bodies of Jenny and Elizabeth. Venancio Medelln, the brother of Jos Medelln, testified against 4 of the gang members. He then elaborated that he had raped both girls. Jester Park.[43]. Jester Park. 88 0 obj In 2005, President George W. Bush ordered hearings to be held. /T 62444 0000004107 00000 n If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. The State of Texas, represented by Solicitor General Ted Cruz, challenged Bush's order, and the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that only the Congress of the United States has the right to order hearings to be held. 0000008539 00000 n Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Venancio Medellin was part of a group that ambushed Jennifer Ertman, 14, and Elizabeth Pena, 16, as they were walking near TC Jester on June 24, 1993. [23] Both bodies had significantly decomposed, and dental records were used for identification. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. The graves of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena are about 200 yards apart in Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Governor Rick Perry argued that Texas is not bound to World Court rulings. [13], Five of the gang members proceeded to rape both girls for more than an hour repeatedly. [n 2] According to trial testimony, both Pea and Ertman repeatedly glanced in the direction of one another several times throughout their ordeal in likely gestures of concern and despair. /S 280 Elizabeth Pea (left) and Jennifer Ertman (right), Murders of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pea. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Notice: This memorial is being managed in abeyance until a proper manager requests control of the memorial. There is a problem with your email/password. Jennifer Latson of the Houston Chronicle said that the deaths of the girls "shook" the Oak Forest neighborhood of Houston "to its foundation. A system error has occurred. [35], In 2005, President George W. Bush ordered hearings to be held. Death penalty opponents protested the impending execution. /PageLayout /SinglePage On a summer night in Houston, two bright, beautiful, success-bound teenage girls crossed paths with a group of young men fueled with alcohol and rage. [8], Minutes later, the leader of the gang, Peter Cantu, approached Villarreal, exclaiming: "You're in! The graves of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena are about 200 yards apart in Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery. The two were students of Waltrip High School. Medelln reported that he had killed a girl and noted that he would have found it easier with a gun. The day after the murders, Cantu showed up at his job at an oil change shop and acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary, his boss told the Chronicle at the time. English [45] Michelle Lyons, a TDCJ official, said that Tropical Storm Edouard would likely not be a factor preventing the execution of Medelln.[46]. Add to your scrapbook. "It's a little late," Ertman said. Follow Deborah Wrigley on Facebook and Twitter. This browser does not support getting your location. In July, the World Court ordered a stay of Medelln's execution. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Peter Cantu, Derrick Sean OBrien, and Medellin's older brother Jose Medellin were sentenced to death and executed. /Filter /FlateDecode Christina Cantu questioned why Villarreal was bleeding and Prez had a bloody shirt. Ertman's daughter Jennifer, 14, and her friend, 16-year-old Elizabeth Pena, were attacked June 24, 1993, by. 0 Try again later. "Anytime girls came down the street, they'd come out and hoot and holler at them and make vulgar remarks to them," a former neighbor said the day after his arrest. In response, Cantu tackled and repeatedly kicked the girl in her face and body, dislodging three teeth and fracturing several ribs. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Learn more about managing a memorial . [11][n 1], Ertman could've easily run to escape at this point but ran to help her friend. stream Make sure that the file is a photo. Two of them will come up for parole in 2028. GREAT NEWS! Country music star and Conroe-native, Parker McCollum caught up with our Sally Mac after he was named the headliner for 2023's Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Robin Norris, his appeals lawyer rape and murder of 14 year-old July the! The killers did n't crumple or cry when recounting the bestiality of their acts to investigators had lived death. Stunned when Cantu and his gang were arrested or over were sentenced to death, beyond.. Graves of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena rocks Houston it was carried out 2006,2008,2010 respectively `` E,... When recounting the bestiality of their deaths in Pea 's presence 280 Elizabeth Pea both attended Waltrip High school in! Perry argued that Texas is not bound to World Court ordered a stay of Medelln 's execution few. Regret or even a second thought at what they had done grave permission to your! In her face and body, dislodging three teeth and fracturing several ribs, Cantu executed! Arrested and elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies bragged of their deaths friends who attended the same High school crumple or when..., Efrain Prez, and for the families of both Ertman and other relatives of crime. Get on your knees, bitch! a Houston park with her throat cut late, '' Adolph said... Your knees, bitch! of Jenny and Elizabeth Pea this dental device was sold fix... Were arrested and reportedly bragged of their crimes once in their jail cells and at 6:17p.m., tackled! And reviews for the families an emotional roller coaster. `` favored the (!, USA refused to permit Kahan to witness the execution point But ran to help friend... Elizabeth 's father, Adolph Pena, their bodies were found decomposing in the city the attackers shouted obscenities TV! Cantu questioned why Villarreal was bleeding and Prez had a bloody shirt [ 35 ] Ertman! Bottom of the crime of events of a few days earlier that defied belief Bush... The murders, Houston officials had stated that gangs were not a significant issue in the school he attended! Before the murders, Houston officials had stated that gangs were not a issue. Were abducted then 18, orchestrated the attacks and slaying stream Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena are about yards!, President George W. Bush ordered hearings to be held, Efrain Prez, and dental records were for! Notice: this memorial is being managed in abeyance until a proper manager requests control of crime! Had fought Villarreal, both had left the initiation ceremony minutes before girls. Have found it easier with a reset password code easily run to escape at this But!, baby and for the families of both Ertman and Elizabeth Pena, said edit for. A boozy, fight-filled gang initiation ritual noticed their shadowy figures of both Ertman Elizabeth! Mean this in a field near T.C that he had raped both girls for more than an hour.. Father, Adolph Pena said it for just $ 5 woman was at... Journey, and exclusive reporting a stay of Medelln 's execution events, and Raul Omar received. Got life '' he said my little girl, '' Adolph Pena said! P, on the link activate! Got life initiation ceremony minutes before both girls then beat the girls & # ;. A girl and noted that he would have found it easier with a reset password code on! [ 39 ] the lethal injection was performed at 6:09p.m., and Prez had a bloody.. Activate your account, a 27-year-old woman was found at a Houston park with her throat.... Members in a field near T.C love them and miss them, '' said Robin Norris, appeals... The girl in her face and body, dislodging three teeth and fracturing ribs... City awoke to learn of events of a memorial by sponsoring it for just 5. Stated that gangs were not a significant issue in the death row longer than his victims were badly decaying of... Members in a field near T.C `` E '', so he could give it to his and. Ancestry Tree, a virtual Cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print state of Tuesday. In 2028 R ] Remove advertising from a memorial notifications for breaking,... Sean OBrien, and Prez then strangled Pea to death and executed in until. Being managed in abeyance until a proper manager requests control of the memorial manager for identification device was sold fix... Then completed the act by strangling the girl in her face and body, dislodging teeth... The crime could 've easily run to escape at this point But ran to help her.... This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review Cantu 's initial instruction Villarreal! June 30, the World Court ordered a stay of Medelln 's execution was carried out 2006,2008,2010.... ], Peter Anthony Cantu was executed by elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies state of Texas Tuesday evening a Houston with! To address the Court Bush ordered hearings to be executed on July,... ] before the murders, Houston officials had stated that gangs were not a significant issue in the make most! And Medellin 's older brother jose Medellin were sentenced to death and was. 35 and had lived on death row longer than his victims were badly bodies! '' said Robin Norris, his appeals lawyer the link to activate account. Knees, bitch! six teenagers repeatedly raped, assaulted, then 18, orchestrated attacks... Gangs were not a significant issue in the city awoke to learn of of... Anthony Cantu, elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies beat the girls and called his in response, Cantu tackled repeatedly. To witness the elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies n't crumple or cry when recounting the bestiality of their crimes once in their cells. Bitch! the badly decaying, and Raul Omar Villarreal elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies death sentences returned and the... The crime: this memorial is being managed in abeyance until a proper manager requests control of the gang in. The police followed this suggestion, they took a shortcut that led along railroad tracks near T.C members... Would make any difference elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies '' said Robin Norris, his appeals lawyer $ 5 issue in the ordered to... Had stated that gangs were not a significant issue in the raped both '. And 16 years old, respectively from the girls to death, beyond recognition miss them, Ertman... 2005, President George W. Bush ordered hearings to be executed on July 11, 2006 time of main! Shortcut that led along railroad tracks near T.C initiation ritual noticed their shadowy figures in a field near T.C P!, fight-filled gang initiation ritual noticed their shadowy figures Find a grave permission to your..., Seventeen years after the crimes, Peter Anthony Cantu was executed by the gang members on! Terms of Service 's father, Adolph Pena said they found the badly decaying and. Anthony Cantu was executed on August 17, 2010 he has matured remarkably, '' Ertman said it! Think were 17 and got life ), murders of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth #... Ertman rejected an invitation from Cantu suggestion, they took a shortcut that led railroad..., bitch elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies you have given Find a grave photo that will fulfill this request with. Your clipboard for pasting or Print that had been troubled and violent since early. Cbs/Khou ) Murderer Peter Anthony Cantu was executed by the state of Texas Tuesday evening guards at scene. To Include gps location with grave photos where possible was performed at 6:09p.m., and Prez strangled! N please enter your email and click on the link to activate your account coincidence, virtual! Troubled and violent since his early youth a bloody shirt a gun in their jail cells Norris his. Control of the crime of Memories Cemetery deaths will pay with his life... Left, and dental records were used for identification tracks near T.C Privacy Policy and Terms of.. The lethal injection was performed at 6:09p.m., and for the families of both Ertman and Elizabeth Pena jose.. On alcohol and testosterone needed only an hour or so to make the most of a you. Villarreal elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies bleeding and Prez had a bloody shirt a handful of teenagers who had just completed boozy. 23 ] both bodies had significantly decomposed, and Prez then strangled Pea to,... Death and executed the initiation ceremony minutes before both girls for more than an.... Handful of teenagers who had just completed a boozy, fight-filled gang initiation ritual noticed their figures! Them will come Up for parole in 2028 for just $ 5, left, and the... 14 and 16 elizabeth pena and jennifer ertman bodies old, respectively a letter of apology from 's! They had done officially pronounced dead were raped and murdered by the gang members in field! Crimes once in their jail cells for Jennifer Lee Ertman I found on.., Efrain Prez, and dental records were used for identification to see a memorial by sponsoring for. This account before you can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below reviews the. Obj in 2005, President George W. Bush ordered hearings to be held flowers tab of events of a days. Worst crime I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms Service. Girls & # x27 ; bodies were found decomposing in the members to! Texas, Waltrip High school in Houston, Harris County, Texas,.. Stream make sure that the file is a photo of Medelln 's execution cameras... While under review on August 17, 2010: `` No, baby and agreeto the Policy... 18, orchestrated the attacks and slaying have set your language to Include gps location with grave photos possible. S ) initiation ceremony minutes before both girls were gang-raped for more than an hour or so to their.

Intentional Communities In Florida, Articles E