Convict Creates Courtroom Chaos

AN ANTONIO -- Chaos erupted in a Bexar County courtroom Wednesday when a convicted killer was in court to learn his execution date.

Kevin Watts, who was found guilty of killing three people execution-style during a restaurant robbery in 2002, asked 226th District Judge Sid Harle if he could address the court. Watts, who is black, began a racially-charged tirade when granted permission to speak to the court.

"Mr. Watts ... you're welcome to address me at this time," Harle said.
Watts told Harle, "I want to say that you white folks can kill me for something they've been doing for years. You white folks, you've been doing this (expletive) for years. You all started this (expletive)."

Harle then ordered the courtroom to be cleared.

Minutes later, Watts, who was wearing a mask and additional restraints, was then brought back in.

The convict continued to protest. At that point, Harle's patience wore out and he ordered Watts out of the courtroom for good.

"I don't want him here," Harle told the bailiffs. "Get him out. I don't want to see him either."

Harle set an execution date for October 16.

Watts was sentenced to death for the execution-style murder of three members of a family that owned the restaurant. He shot each of the victims in the back of the head as they knelt in front of him, prosecutors said. Watts also kidnapped the daughter of one of the victims and allowed an accomplice to rape her, according to police reports.