A Texas jury sentenced a man, Jason Thornburg, to death for killing and dismembering three people whose bodies were found in a burning dumpster in Fort Worth in 2021.
Thornburg, 44, was found guilty of capital murder for the deaths of David Lueras 42, Lauren Phillips 34, and Maricruz Mathis 33. He confessed to the murders during questioning, according to his arrest warrant. Prosecutor Amy Allin called him evil.
Thornburg also admitted to killing his roommate, Mark Jewell 61, who was found dead in a house fire earlier that year, and his girlfriend, Tanya Begay, who went missing in 2017 after a trip with Thornburg.
Thornburg claimed he targeted his victims because he believed he was called to “commit sacrifices,” drawing on his knowledge of the Bible. His lawyers argued he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity.