Mark Soliz, Texas
Mark Soliz, Texas
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Mark Anthony Soliz was executed by the state of Texas on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. Mark was pronounced dead at 6:32 pm CDT, inside the Walls Unit execution chamber at the Huntsville State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. Mark was 37 years of age. He was executed for the murder of 61-year-old Nancy Weatherly, on June 29, 2010, in Godley, Texas. Mark spent the last seven years of his life on Texas’ death row.
Mark was born in Texas. During his trial, his attorneys included evidence that his mother drank, sniffed paint, and did drugs through her pregnancy. Mark was continually neglected after he was born. During his trial, it came out that Mark had been diagnosed with partial fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. He did not graduate from school, dropping out after the 8th grade. Prior to his arrest, Mark worked as a cabinet maker.
Mark Soliz and his friend, Jose Ramos began a crime spree in Fort Worth, Texas on June 22, 2010. First they robbed a store, making off with several different firearms and other items. The duo sold some of the weapons, but “had plans for” the weapons with which they would not sell.
On June 24, 2010, Soliz approached Justin Morris, a stranger, and demanded his wallet. Justin gave Soliz his wallet and Soliz was later captured on a security camera attempting to use Justin’s debit card. Later that same day, Soliz approached Sammy Abu-Lughod, pointed a gun at him and demanded Sammy’s wallet, cell phone, and car. Soliz ordered Sammy to walk away, with which Sammy complied, and Soliz drove away in Sammy’s vehicle.
During the early morning hours of June 28, 2010, Soliz and Ramos robbed four people leaving a bar, demanding their money and wallets. The four people complied.
The following day, the crimes escalated. Around 3:30 am, Ramos drove Sammy’s stolen car, while Soliz fired a gun into a house they were driving by. They believed that a rival gang member was in the house. Around 5:00 am, Soliz and Ramos approached Enrique Samaniego, who was approaching his vehicle as he was getting ready to leave for work. Enrique was shot five times in the stomach. He sustained life-threatening injuries, but survived.
A short time later, Soliz and Ramos approached Ruben Martinez, a delivery truck driver who was walking back to his truck after completing a delivery. Soliz pointed a gun at Ruben and demanded his wallet, which only contained $10. Upset at the lack of money, Soliz shot Ruben in the neck. Ruben eventually died from his injuries.
A short time later, Soliz approached a man exiting his vehicle at a store. When the man saw the gun, wrapped in a bandanna, he locked his car and ran into the store. The man heard gunshots behind him as he ran.
Soliz and Ramos then left Fort Worth, driving to Benbrook, Texas and robbed two homes there. They then drove to the home of Nancy Weatherly in Godley, Texas. The knocked on her door and, when she opened it, pushed her aside and robbed her home. Before leaving, they shot and killed her.
Soliz and Ramos were arrested later in the day on June 29, 2010, along with others who were with them. Upon being arrested and questioned by police, Ramos confessed to the crimes, including the not-yet-known murder of Nancy. Soliz also eventually confessed to Nancy’s murder, including to being the person who pulled the trigger.
Soliz had also told at least one of his friends about the murder. That friend testified at his trial. Soliz was convicted and sentenced to death in March 2012.
Jose Ramos received a plea deal and was given a life sentence, without the possibility of parole, in exchange for pleading guilty to Nancy’s murder. Prosecutors had also planned to seek a death sentence again Ramos for his part in the murder.
Please pray for peace and healing for the families of the Nancy Weatherly and Ruben Martinez. Please also pray for all who have been affected by Mark Soliz’s crimes. Please pray for the strength for the family of Mark.
