Convict executed for gay-bashing murder

HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- A Texas convict was executed Tuesday for his role in the abduction, robbery and murder of a gay man 11 years ago.

Donald Loren Aldrich, 39, died at 6:18 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection for the November 1993 murder of Nicholas West, 23, near Tyler in East Texas.

In his final statement, Aldrich apologized to West's family and asked for their forgiveness before thanking his family for their support.

"To my family and loved ones and friends, I thank all of you all for your support and I am sorry for the pain and hurt I have caused you," he said. "I love you all and I will see you on the other side. OK, warden."

Aldrich told police he and two accomplices abducted and robbed West because he was gay. West's half-naked, bullet-riddled body was found in a clay pit near Tyler, police said.

Henry David Dunn was convicted of capital murder in West's slaying and executed last February. David Ray McMillan was sentenced to life for aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping in the case.

Aldrich was the 16th convicted killer executed this year in Texas.