Taichin Preyor, Texas

Taichin Preyor, Texas

July 27, 2017

Texas carried out the execution of Taichin “Box” Preyor on Thursday, July 27, 2017. He was pronounced dead at 9:27 pm local time, inside the Walls Unit execution chamber at the Huntsville State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. Appeals delayed Taichin’s execution several hours. He was 46 years of age. Taichin was convicted of murdering 24-year-old Jami Tackett on February 26, 2004, in Bexar County, Texas. Taichin spent the last 12 years of his life on Texas’ death row.

Before his arrest, Taichin worked as a truck driver and a laborer. He did not graduate from high school, dropping out after the 10th grade. In 1999, Taichin was arrested and served time for a drug offense in Syracuse, New York. After being released from prison, Taichin moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he was later joined by his wife and children. Police had previously been called to the residence for a “family violence call.” Taichin’s brother was one of the police officers who responded to the call.

During the early morning hours of February 26, 2004, at approximately 4 am, Taichin Preyor broke into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Jami Tackett, by breaking down the door. Preyor went to Jami’s bedroom, where he jumped on the bed and began attacking her with a knife. He also stabbed Jami’s new boyfriend, Jason Garza, who fled the apartment. Jason went to a neighbor and asked them to call the police.

During the fight, Preyor lost his car keys, leaving him unable to flee the scene. Preyor searched the apartment while Jami lay on the floor, struggling to breathe. As he attempted to leave the building for a second time, Preyor encountered the police. The police were forced to use pepper spray to subdue Preyor, who refused to comply with their demands. Preyor was covered in blood when he was arrested.

Jami died from her injuries before paramedics arrived on the scene. Jason survived his injury.

During his trial, Preyor argued that his actions that morning were in self-defense. Prosecutors argued that the door being broken down indicates that Preyor was the aggressor.

Please pray for peace and healing for the families of Jami Tackett and Jason Garza. Please pray for strength for the family of Taichin Preyor.

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