Execution Date Set for Convicted Killer Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson is set to be executed by the State of Texas on May 20—marking exactly 13 years since he robbed a Fina Whip-In convenience store in Garland and set 76-year-old clerk Nancy Harris on fire. Harris later died from her injuries, and Johnson was convicted of her murder.
Throughout his trial and during his time on death row, Johnson has expressed remorse for his actions. If carried out as scheduled, his execution will be the fourth in Texas this year by lethal injection.
At this time, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has no additional executions scheduled for the remainder of the year. The execution date was requested by the Texas Attorney General’s Office after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case in 2023.
A Tragic Morning at the Fina Whip-In
On the morning of May 20, 2012, Nancy Harris began her routine opening shift at the Fina Whip-In convenience store. Not long after, a man named Matthew Johnson entered the store. Surveillance footage later confirmed he was carrying a bottle—later identified to contain lighter fluid—and a lighter.
Johnson made his way behind the sales counter where Harris stood and began dousing her with the flammable liquid while demanding cash. As Harris tried to open the register, Johnson stood behind her. Once it was open, he grabbed the contents—bills, coins—and also took Harris’s ring, two cigarette lighters, and a couple of cigarette packs. Then, he ignited the lighter fluid.
Flames engulfed Harris as she fled behind the counter, desperately trying to extinguish the fire at a nearby sink. Meanwhile, Johnson casually exited the store, even grabbing some candy on his way out. Harris, still on fire, attempted to remove her burning shirt and continued trying to put out the flames. Ultimately, she ran outside screaming for help. A nearby witness used a fire extinguisher to douse the remaining fire.
Within an hour of the attack, nearby residents reported seeing a man matching that description attempting to enter their properties. Johnson was apprehended after a brief foot chase and was found in possession of the stolen cash and items.
Tragically, five days later—on May 25—Nancy Harris died from her injuries. Following her death, the charges against Johnson were elevated to capital murder.
