2022-09-04

Execution date set for man who killed 3 Amarillo teenagers in their sleep

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — A new execution date was set for a man who killed three Amarillo teenagers in their sleep.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed John Lezell Balentine, 53, is scheduled to be executed on February 8, 2023.

On January 21, 1998, Balentine crawled through the window of the Amarillo home he used share with his ex-girlfriend, Misty Caylor, and shot her brother, Edward Mark Caylor, Kai Brooke Geyer, 15, and Steven Brady Watson,15, in the head.

According to ABC-13 in Houston, where Balentine was arrested, Balentine told police he moved out of the house because of drug use there, then said he learned later that Caylor was looking to kill him because he had "jumped on his sister."

"Mark had threatened my life, threatened my brother, girlfriend and the kids, waving a gun and talking about what he was going to do to me and whoever else come over there looking for me and stuff," he said.

Balentine also said he didn't know the other two victims.

He previously served time in Arkansas for burglary, kidnapping, assault and robbery.