Texas executed James Broadnax on Thursday following the Supreme Court's denial of a last-minute appeal to spare his life. Broadnax had been convicted for a 2008 double killing but maintained his innocence until the end.

The execution proceeded despite final efforts by Broadnax's legal team to halt the death sentence. His attorneys had submitted emergency appeals to the Supreme Court, which were ultimately rejected, clearing the way for the execution to move forward as scheduled.

Broadnax consistently claimed he did not commit the 2008 murders that led to his death sentence. His legal team had presented arguments challenging his conviction, but these efforts proved unsuccessful in the final hours before his execution.

The case included a last-minute confession from a relative that defense attorneys argued supported Broadnax's innocence claims. However, this development did not persuade the courts to grant a stay of execution.

The execution was carried out at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas, following standard protocols for capital punishment in the state. Texas continues to be one of the most active states in the United States for carrying out death sentences.