Mom: Execution of my son's killer will bring joy

Texas man to be executed for 1997 rape and murder of 18-year-old Bridget Townsend on what would've been victim's 41st birthday

“She was a beautiful person ... She didn't deserve what she got.”
— Patricia Townsend, Bridget's mother

On the night of Jan. 14, 2001, 18-year-old Bridget Townsend was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by Ramiro Gonzales in Texas. Townsend, who worked full-time and dreamed of becoming a nurse, was last seen by her mother, Patricia Townsend, who now eagerly awaits justice and Gonzales' execution, set for June 26, which would have been Bridget's 41st birthday.

Gonzales, who had gone to Bridget's boyfriend's house to steal cocaine, found her alone. He tied her up, drove her to his grandfather's ranch, raped and shot her, and dumped her body. For nearly two years, Gonzales was the only one who knew what happened until he confessed while serving a life sentence for another woman's rape and kidnapping. He was convicted of Bridget's murder in 2006.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/434353314/?match=1&terms=Bridget%20Townsend

Patricia Townsend, who spent years putting up flyers and chasing leads, received the worst news when a sheriff told her of Gonzales' confession and took her to identify her daughter's remains. She rejects any sympathy for Gonzales, stating his traumatic childhood is no excuse and that he robbed Bridget of her life and future.

Quotes

“She was a beautiful person who loved life and loved people... Every time she was with somebody she hadn’t seen in a while, she had to hug 'em ... She didn’t deserve what she got.” – Patricia Townsend, remembering her daughter.

“Thank God I got to see her. And I told her I loved her. And I hugged her.” – Patricia Townsend, recalling the last time she saw Bridget.

"I should have known better because [Bridget] always slept with her phone right next to her in case somebody called her." – Patricia Townsend, reflecting on the night of her daughter's disappearance.

“He doesn't deserve mercy... I know a lot of people that had a hard childhood ... He made his choice." – Patricia Townsend, on Gonzales' arguments for mercy due to his traumatic childhood.

“When they told me June 26, I started crying, crying and crying... That’s her birthday." – Patricia Townsend, reacting to the date of Gonzales' execution.