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Today in History: Karla Faye Tucker executed as first woman since 1984

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Karla Faye Tucker was executed on February 3, 1998, becoming the first woman executed in the U.S. since 1984. Convicted of murdering two people with a pickaxe during a burglary in Texas, her case sparked significant national and international advocacy for her sentence to be commuted, largely due to her gender and religious conversion.

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Story summary

Karla Faye Tucker was executed on February 3, 1998, becoming the first woman executed in the U.S. since 1984. Convicted of murdering two people with a pickaxe during a burglary in Texas, her case sparked significant national and international advocacy for her sentence to be commuted, largely due to her gender and religious conversion.