The last words of a man sentenced to death before his execution were addressed to the family of his victim

Warning: This article contains a discussion of rape that some readers may find disturbing.

More than two decades after the rape and murder of an 18-year-old girl, a prisoner sentenced to death was finally executed.

In 2001, Ramiro Gonzales murdered Bridget Townsend of Bandera, a small town in Texas, after meeting her by chance at her boyfriend’s house, which he had visited with the intention of robbing her.

Bridget Townsend was only 18 years old when she was raped and murdered by Ramiro Gonzales. (Change.org/David Townsend)

Not only cash, but also Bridget disappeared – she was missing for two years before the police realized what had happened to her and where she had been taken.

This came to light when Gonzales was sentenced to two life terms in prison after being found guilty of raping and kidnapping a real estate agent, also from Bandera, when he asked to speak to the sheriff.

He stated that he raped Bridget and then took her to a ranch in neighboring Medina County, where he drove to a remote hill and disposed of her body.

When Gonzales searched Bridget’s boyfriend’s house for drugs, he couldn’t find any. Instead, he allegedly stole cash and Bridget, whom he caught trying to use the phone.

Then he tied her up and threw her into the back of his truck. On the way, he stopped at his grandfather’s house to get a rifle.

Gonzales then drove to the ranch, raped and shot her.

He was later found guilty of capital crimes, sentenced to death, and placed on death row.

Murderous rapist Ramiro Gonzales was executed on Wednesday. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

But it was yesterday (June 27), when Gonzales addressed his apologetic final words to Bridget’s family on what would have been her 41st birthday, that sent shivers down their spines: “Principal, I am ready.”

Addressing Bridget’s mother, father and family, he said: “Patricia, I’m sorry. David, I’m sorry. To all your family, I’m sorry. I just want you to know that I love you and I tried my best to give everything back.”

“To my family and friends, thank you for all the support. Every decision I’ve made, everything I’ve said in this prison system, was based on what light it would shed on you. And Bridget, I lived my life for you.

“I love you all. To the administration, Waders Dickerson, Hazelwood, thank you for being so brave to make decisions to improve this correctional system. You are my target too. That is why I am better.

“It gives me the responsibility and the opportunity to take responsibility, be accountable and do good.”

With his last breath he said: “Keep fighting, especially for your faith. God bless you all. Warden, I am ready.”

Gonzales was executed by lethal injection on the seventh attempt after his execution had previously been postponed six times.

If you are affected by any of the issues described in this article, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or you can chat online at online.rainn.org