Published: November 12, 2008 09:29 pm      

Harris County man executed for 1994 slaying

A man convicted of the 1994 murder of his ex-girlfriend’s 16-year-old sister was executed Wednesday at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Walls Unit.

George H. Whitaker, 36, who was convicted of the capital murder of 16-year-old Shakeitha Carrier, was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. after he made a brief and apologetic last statement.

Whitaker’s execution was witnessed by his stepfather, Paul Joseph, and his brother, Gerard Whitaker. However, no witnesses connected to Shakeitha Carrier attended the execution.

“I’d like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Carrier, I apologize for your pain and suffering,” Whitaker said. “To my family, I love you. Continue to pray for me. I am fine, and I have made peace with God.

“I’m going to sleep.”

According to information released by the Texas Attorney General’s office, Whitaker drove to the Crosby home of his former girlfriend, Cantina Carrier, on June 15, 1994, under the pretense of returning some of her belongings.

Once he arrived, Whitaker forced his way into the house and shot Cantina Carrier’s mother, Mary, in the shoulder. He then ran up the stairs and located her younger sisters, Ashley Carrier, 5, and Shakeitha Carrier.

Before hearing a gunshot, Mary Carrier heard her 5-year-old scream and her 16-year-old yell, “Please don’t hurt me.” When she ran out of her house to find help, Whitaker caught up with her and shot her a second time.

Shakeitha Carrier died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Ashley Carrier was revived after extensive surgery for blunt head injuries. She does, however, retain permanent neurological damage.

Mary Carrier has permanent nerve damage and no use of her right hand.

Cantina Carrier was not at her parents’ home when Whitaker arrived.

Whitaker was indicted in the 339th District Court of Harris County for the capital murder of Shakeitha Carrier on Oct. 21, 1994. After he plead not guilty, he was found guilty of the capital offense on March 28, 1996.

During Whitaker’s trial, Catina Carrier testified concerning the nature of her relationship with Whitaker. She stated there were occasions when Whitaker physically and verbally abused her.

In one incident, after Whitaker hit Carrier in the temple in her daughter’s presence, Carrier woke up to Whitaker choking her. After the fact, Whitaker said he did it because he had a dream she was cheating on him.

In another incident, after she left work, Whitaker told Carrier she was embarrassing to him. Then, he started punching her in the back of her head with his fists while he was driving.