Time Running Out for Convicted Killer in Amarillo

John Lezell Balentine has had about twenty-four extra years on this hearth that his victims didn't have the luxury to enjoy. Three teenagers were asleep back in 1998 when Balentine crawled through a window of an Amarillo home.

That was the end for Edward Mark Caylor 17, Kai Brooke Geyer, 15, and Steven Brady Watson,15. They were shot in the head and killed as they were sleeping. What was their crime? Edward Mark Caylor was the brother of Misty Caylor, Balentine's ex.

In Balentine's head, Edward deserved to die because the teenager had supposedly threatened Balentine and his family. Caylor wanted to hurt Balentine because his sister was hurt while they were dating. Apparently, he was mad that Balentine "jumped on his sister." The other two victims were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Balentine didn't even know them.

In the end, they were all dead in their beds.

This has been a long twenty-four years since Balentine was convicted and on death row.  He was convicted back in 1999. That time for Balentine is coming to an end. He has a new execution date set. He has in the past come within an hour of his execution before a stay was granted.

It looks like the families may finally be getting to see the end for Balentine. Execution for Balentine has been scheduled for February 8, 2023.

Texas has executed just two people so far in 2022 with three more scheduled before the end of the year.

Balentine is one of only three scheduled so far in 2023. Let's see if these families finally get the closure they deserve.