Huntsville:Jamaal Howard, 46, was executed on Wednesday evening for the murder of convenience store clerk Vickie Swartout in 2000, marking the 30th execution in the United States this year.

According to Anadolu Agency, Howard was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m. after receiving a lethal dose of pentobarbital at the state prison in Huntsville. The execution was reported by NBC News.

Howard was convicted of capital murder after surveillance footage captured him shooting Swartout in the chest during a robbery at a Silsbee store, where he stole $114 and a carton of cigarettes. At the time of the crime, Howard was 20 years old.

Prior to the execution, Howard addressed Swartout's family, expressing remorse and asking for their forgiveness. He also expressed gratitude to his own family and friends, stating he was at peace.

Howard's legal team made unsuccessful attempts to halt the execution, arguing intellectual disability and concerns over the execution drugs. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the US Supreme Court both declined to intervene.

This execution was the first in the US since Tennessee's failed attempt to execute Christa Pike on September 30. Texas has conducted seven executions this year and plans two more, while Florida has performed 16, leading the nation.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesperson Amanda Hernandez noted that Howard remained talkative during the journey to the Huntsville facility, engaging in conversation with officers.

In a separate development, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has postponed the only remaining scheduled execution in his state for the year.