A Texas man who admitted that he kidnapped, sexually assaulted and fatally shot the 18-year-old girlfriend of his drug dealer was set to be executed on Wednesday — what would have been the victim’s 41st birthday.

The remains of Bridget Townsend weren’t found until October 2002, nearly two years after she vanished, when Ramiro Gonzales, having received two life sentences for kidnapping and raping another woman, led authorities to the spot in Southwest Texas where he left her body.

His execution by lethal injection was planned for Wednesday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville.

Patricia Townsend, the victim’s mother, told USA Today that June 26 is her daughter’s birthday. She would have turned 41 years old Wednesday.

“When they told me June 26, I started crying, crying and crying,” she said. “That’s her birthday.”

Gonzales, 41, was condemned for fatally shooting Townsend after stealing drugs and money and kidnapping her in January 2001 from a home in Bandera County, located northwest of San Antonio. He took her to his family’s ranch in neighboring Medina County, where he sexually assaulted her and killed her.

Gonzales’ lawyers have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay his execution, arguing that he has taken responsibility for what he did and that a prosecution expert witness now says he was wrong in testifying that Gonzales would be a future danger to society, a legal finding needed to impose a death sentence.

“He has earnestly devoted himself to self-improvement, contemplation, and prayer, and has grown into a mature, peaceful, kind, loving, and deeply religious adult. He acknowledges his responsibility for his crimes and has sought to atone for them and to seek redemption through his actions,” Gonzales’ lawyers wrote Monday in their petition. A group of faith leaders have also asked authorities to stop Gonzales’ execution.

Gonzales’ lawyers argue that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has violated his constitutional rights by declining to review his claims that a prosecution expert, psychiatrist Edward Gripon, wrongly asserted Gonzales would be a future danger. After re-evaluating Gonzales in 2022, Gripon said his prediction was wrong.

“I just want (Townsend’s mother) to know how sorry I really am. I took everything that was valuable from a mother,” Gonzales, who was 18 years old at the time of the killing, said in a video submitted as part of his clemency request to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. “So, every day it’s a continual task to do everything that I can to feel that responsibility for the life that I took.”

“Unforgivable acts”

Bridget Townsend’s brother isn’t persuaded. In various petitions and posts on Change.org, David Townsend has criticized efforts to portray Gonzales as anything other than a convicted murderer who committed “unforgivable acts.” He said the death sentence should be carried out.

“Our family seeks not revenge, but closure and a measure of peace after years of heartache – a quest that is hindered, not helped, by decisions that allow the perpetrator of our pain to remain in the public eye,” David Townsend wrote.

Earlier this month, a group of 11 evangelical leaders from Texas and around the country asked the parole board and Gov. Greg Abbott to halt the execution and grant clemency to Gonzalez, saying he now helps other death row inmates through a faith-based program.

“We are writing as Christians calling for you to spare the life of another Christian – Ramiro Gonzales. Ramiro has changed. Because he has changed, we believe the circumstances surrounding him should change as well,” they wrote.

On Monday, the parole board voted 7-0 against commuting Gonzales’ death sentence to a lesser penalty. Members also rejected granting a six-month reprieve.

Prosecutors described Gonzales as a sexual predator who told police he ignored Townsend’s pleas to spare her life. They argued that jurors reached the right decision on a death sentence because he had a long criminal history and showed no remorse.

“The State’s punishment case was overwhelming,” the Texas Attorney General’s Office said. “Even if Dr. Gripon’s testimony were wiped from the punishment slate, it would not have mattered.”

If Gonzales’ execution proceeds, it would be the second this year in Texas. Convicted murderer Ivan Cantu was executed in February. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Texas currently has 185 people on death row.

“She was a beautiful person who loved life and loved people,” Patricia Townsend told USA Today about her daughter. “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.” 

She told USA Today the execution will be a “joyful occasion” for her and her family,

Calling all singers and musicians: If you’re looking for your big break, consider entering the “CBS Mornings” Mixtape Music Competition starting Wednesday.

This summer, “CBS Mornings” is inviting emerging artists to submit a video of themselves singing a cover of the Johnny Nash 1972 hit “I Can See Clearly Now.” 

The song has been covered by dozens of artists over the years  – and now it’s your turn!

How to enter

Unsigned singers and musicians can record a 30 to 60-second video of their cover of the song “I Can See Clearly Now” with vocals (and instrumentals if you have them). Go to mixtape.cbsnews.com to upload your original version and read the full rules and guidelines.

Here are a few helpful tips before recording:

• Check your lighting
• Choose a good background or backdrop
• Ensure there aren’t any visible brands or logos in the frame
• Film in portrait or landscape mode
• Double-check your audio quality (use a microphone if available)
• Get permission from anyone featured in the video before sharing your video

Don’t wait! You only have from Wednesday, June 26, 2024, through Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to submit your video.

Judging criteria

Be creative and make the song your own – preferably an upbeat, energetic cover in any genre that might motivate someone to kickstart their day. 

Submissions will be ranked by a judging panel based on the following criteria:

• Originality and innovation (50%)
• Interpretation of the song (20%)
• Creativity of the performance (20%)
• Tone and mood (10%)

There will be up to 15 semifinalists who will be grouped by teams, led by “CBS Mornings” co-anchors: Team Gayle, Team Nate and Team Tony. 

Voting and the grand prize

Voting will be live on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, and will be open for one week. Viewers will get to vote for their favorite submission online and on Instagram. 

Spread the word about your submission on social media using the hashtag #CBSMorningsContest and tag @CBSMornings. 

The three top-voted finalists will be featured on “CBS Mornings.” 

The winner of the competition will receive a trip to New York City, where they will record their cover version of “I Can See Clearly Now,” and be featured on “CBS Mornings.” 
A video of the winner performing “I Can See Clearly Now” will be posted across CBS News digital and social platforms. The winner could also be featured in a new national promotional campaign for the show. Unsigned singers and musicians have until July 9 to submit their entries.

Do you have what it takes to win? Take a chance and enter the singing competition today.

You must be a legal U.S. resident and 18 years or older to enter. No purchase is necessary. Head to mixtape.cbsnews.com for the official contest rules and details.