Man Is Executed for Teen’s Slaying

A former used car salesman was executed for sexually abusing and killing a teenager he picked up at a bowling alley almost 11 years ago.

Dennis Dowthitt, who maintained his innocence, was put to death by injection, becoming the fifth prisoner to be executed in Texas this year. The state conducted a record 40 executions last year.

Dowthitt was condemned for the 1990 rape and fatal slashing and stabbing of 16-year-old Grace Purnhagen, who was an acquaintance of Dowthitt’s son. She and her 9-year-old sister, Tiffany, were killed after accepting a ride home from a bowling alley with Dowthitt and his son, Delton.