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Ex-football star executed for Texas murder

HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- A former Texas high school football star was executed Tuesday for the abduction, robbery and murder of a gay man 10 years ago in the Houston area.

Demarco McCullum, 30, was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection for the murder of Michael Burzinski. Three of McCullum's classmates were also convicted in the case and sentenced to prison.

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In his final statement, McCullum said: "I just wanted to say to all of those that have supported me over the years that I appreciate it and I love you. And I just want to tell my mom that I love her and I will see her in heaven."

The murder occurred the summer after McCullum graduated from Aldine High School with a football scholarship. His coaches, teammates and friends were shocked when they learned he was involved in the slaying, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Burzinski, 29, was abducted in Houston, forced to withdraw $400 from an ATM machine, and then driven to an isolated area where he was shot in the back of his head. McCullum later confessed to police.

McCullum was the 21st person executed in Texas this year.

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