Case fileNovember 14, 2026
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A Texas judge ruled on Oct. 7 that John Allen Rubio, convicted of beheading three young children in Brownsville in 2003, is competent to be executed, according to local outlets. His execution was scheduled for Nov. 12, and an appeals court was to review the judge's findings first, KRGV reported.
What we know
Where: Brownsville, Texas (Cameron County)
When: Children killed March 11, 2003; competency hearing Oct. 7
The accused: John Allen Rubio, 46, on death row
Charges or verdict: Convicted in the deaths of three children; sentenced to death
Status: Execution scheduled for Nov. 12
A 23-year legal fight
According to KRGV and ValleyCentral, three children were killed on March 11, 2003, in Brownsville: Julissa Quesada, 3; John Rubio, about 14 months; and Mary Jane Rubio, 2 months. Rubio was convicted in 2003, True Crime News reported, citing MyRGV, but that sentence was overturned in 2007. At a 2010 retrial he was convicted again and sentenced to death. ValleyCentral says he has been on death row since 2010. KRGV says he has spent 23 years fighting the sentence. Angela Camacho, described by True Crime News as his then-partner, was also convicted.
The defense filed a motion in April asking for more evaluation, ValleyCentral reported, claiming Rubio lacks a rational understanding of his sentence. Two experts evaluated him. State District Judge Noe Gonzalez reviewed their findings and other recent evidence, then found that Rubio fully understands he is being put to death for killing the three children, according to ValleyCentral. KRGV reported the hearing lasted less than half an hour. Asked if he had anything to say, Rubio answered, per ValleyCentral, “no your honor.” Prosecutors and the defense said no more filings were pending, KRGV reported.
Words in the courtroom
ValleyCentral quoted the judge as saying, “Justice for them would’ve been that they lived.” Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz told the outlet, “We’ve been down this road many, many times,” adding that on Nov. 12 “justice might be finally brought” to the children. An aunt of two of the victims shouted at Rubio and was escorted out, according to KRGV. Investigators believe the couple killed the children because they could not support them financially, KRGV and True Crime News reported. Both outlets say Rubio has claimed since 2003 that the children were possessed by demons. Camacho is serving life sentences, according to the reports, which differ on the number.
Source:Texas man who beheaded 3 children found competent to be executed
Where the case stands
Rubio was convicted and sentenced to death. A judge found him competent to be executed on Oct. 7, and the execution was scheduled for Nov. 12 in Huntsville, per ValleyCentral.
KRGV reported an appeals court must review the judge's findings before the execution moves forward. The sources reviewed do not show whether the Nov. 12 date was carried out or delayed.
The reports reviewed show no outcome for the Nov. 12 date. Two of the victims' aunts planned to witness the execution, ValleyCentral reported.
Sources
True Crime News: Texas man who beheaded 3 children found competent to be executed, October 9, 2026
KRGV: John Allen Rubio found competent to be executed
ValleyCentral: Family member breaks silence after judge rules Rubio competent for execution
This story is based on the records and reports linked above. An arrest or charge is an accusation, not a finding of guilt, unless the story says a court has ruled.