Step right up, American Pharoah. Final rehearsal's a few days away, and it's time to see whether you or your dance partner, Dortmund, will be the Kentucky Derby favorite.

Dortmund proved there's little doubt he's No. 1 again on the AP's latest Run to the Roses Top 10 Kentucky Derby list following a commanding 4 1/4 -length win in the Santa Anita Derby over the weekend. The imposing colt comes into the May 2 Derby with a 6 for 6 record, the same as Seattle Slew (1977) and Smarty Jones (2004) before their Derby wins.

American Pharoah, meanwhile, remains No. 3 and is all set for the Arkansas Derby following a six-furlong workout in 1:11.60 at his home base at Santa Anita Park on Sunday. He comes into the final major Derby prep with four wins in five starts, including a 6 1/4-length romp in the Rebel in the rain at Oaklawn Park.

Both 3-year-old colts are trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, who added a third Derby starter after One Lucky Dane ran second to Dortmund in the Santa Anita Derby.

Carpe Diem, trained by Todd Pletcher, retains the No. 2 spot after his impressive three-length win in the Blue Grass at Keeneland Race Course on Saturday. Sunland Derby winner Firing Line, who tested Dortmund twice before losing each time by a head, is No. 4.

Frosted soared into the rankings at No. 5 with a two-length win in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack on Saturday while El Kabeir ran third and dropped out. He's still Derby bound.

The owner of American Pharoah says his 2-year-old champion is the real deal and is looking for a comfortable win in Arkansas.

"We're hoping that he would win it easy, with not too much effort taken out of him," Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables, which also owns El Kabeir, said Tuesday. "We're totally high on this horse."

The Arkansas Derby carries Derby-qualifying points of 100-40-20-10, and is a last chance for several Derby hopefuls. Among them is Far Right, No. 8 this week, but with a borderline 22 qualifying points.

Louisiana Derby winner International Star leads with 171 points; Dortmund is second with 170; and Carpe Diem third with 164. Bolo, third in the Santa Anita Derby, is 20th with 30 points.

The other Derby prep is the Lexington Stakes, with points scaled down to 10-4-2-1.

___

Here's our Top 10:

1. Dortmund (Bob Baffert, trainer; Martin Garcia, jockey): Can't see how unbeaten colt is not Derby favorite after win in Santa Anita Derby. ... His 6 for 6 record matches marks of Seattle Slew and Smarty Jones before their Derby wins in 1977, 2004. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs (May 2). ... Final Derby future odds (pool 4): 6-1.

2. Carpe Diem (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez): Capped stellar Derby prep campaign with three-length win in Blue Grass at Keeneland. ... Comes into Derby with 4 for 5 mark, only loss a second-place finish in BC Juvenile. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 10-1.

3. American Pharoah (Baffert, Victor Espinoza): Expected heavy favorite for Arkansas Derby. ... 2-year-old champion romped in Rebel in 3-year-old debut. ... Worked 6 furlongs in 1:11.60 at Santa Anita on Sunday. ... Next start: Arkansas Derby (Saturday). ... Odds: 5-1.

4. Firing Line (Simon Callaghan, Gary Stevens): Finally, a workout for Sunland Derby winner (March 22). ... Went 4 furlongs in 48.00 at Santa Anita on April 3. ... Trainer says long layoff won't both horse. ... Two-time runner-up to Dortmund, losing both by a head. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 13-1.

5. Frosted (Kiaran McLaughlin, Joel Rosario): Finally struck Derby pay dirt with Wood Memorial win. ... Needed those 100 points to qualify for Run to the Roses. ... Hadn't won (0 for 3) since breaking maiden more than five months ago. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 40-1.

6. Materiality (Pletcher, Velazquez): Florida Derby winner heads to Churchill Downs with a 3 for 3 record. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 12-1.

7. International Star (Mike Maker, Miguel Mena): May not be among Derby favorites, but the resume is a good one: Swept Lecomte, Risen Star and Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 17-1.

8. Far Right (Ron Moquett, Mike Smith): With 22 points, horse needs to finish in money in Arkansas Derby to gain spot for Kentucky Derby. ... Comes into race with wins in Smarty Jones and Southwest. ... Next start: Arkansas Derby (Saturday). ... Odds: 39-1.

9. Mubtaahij (Mike De Kock, Christophe Soumillon): Biggest question is whether long trip from Dubai to Kentucky will affect UAE Derby winner. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 8-1.

10. Upstart (Rick Violette, Jr., Jose Ortiz): Remains in rankings despite runner-up finish in Florida Derby, and DQ to second after finishing first in Fountain of Youth. ... Next start: Kentucky Derby. ... Odds: 18-1.

___

Keep an eye on: Bolo, Danzig Moon, El Kabeir, Ocho Ocho Ocho, One Lucky Dane.

Sabra Dipping Company is voluntarily recalling its "Classic Hummus" because of possible Listeria contamination.

The company said about 30,000 cases are affected in the recall.

The possibly tainted containers have a "best before May 11th" or "best before May 15" stamp.

As of Wednesday, there have been no reports indicating the Classic Hummus products have caused any illness, according to the company.

Sabra said in a statement that the potential for contamination was discovered when a routine, random sample collected at a retail location on March 30 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tested positive for listeria.

Consumers who have purchased any of the products included in the recall are urged to throw it away or return it to where they bought the hummus for a full refund.

Water use rules in Poway are getting stricter to meet the state-mandated 25 percent savings.

On Tuesday, the Poway City Council approved the city manager’s watering restriction recommendations. Now, residents will only be able to irrigate outdoors two days per week before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

If any “measurable” rainfall comes to the area, residents won’t be able to water their yards for 48 hours. The new rules go into effect on May 1.

According to data from the nonprofit Equinox Center, Poway falls above the county’s average water use. The research center estimates each Poway resident used about 151 gallons of water a day in fiscal year 2014. The county average was 92 gallons.

Since water restrictions went into effect in Poway last August, water use dropped by 4 percent compared to 2013, according to the city’s agenda information. That’s a far cry from the governor’s 2014 request of 20 percent savings.

Under California Gov. Jerry Brown’s mandatory restrictions announced last week, water districts will be forced to reduce their water by 25 percent or face $10,000 penalties for each day they don’t comply.

The San Diego County Water Authority is expected to determine its water cutbacks on April 23, Poway officials say. The authority will decide how much each district has to cut based on average water use from July 2012 to June 2014.
 

It's more than three months since Christmas, and Shelley Hunter says it is time to spend your gift cards.

The woman who calls herself the "Gift Card Girlfriend" says those cards may not expire but they can get lost or lose their value.

"Use your gift cards right away so you're not susceptible to this kind of thing," said Hunter.

The spokeswoman for www.Giftcards.com says when stores or businesses declare bankruptcy their cards are often worthless. Hunter says there are now $44 million worth of Radio Shack gift cards that have never been used.

"If you have a gift card to a store that is going out of business or you know it's having some sort of financial trouble, the urgency is even greater," said Hunter.

Even businesses that are still open may not be accepting gift cards if they are going through restructuring. If you're not sure what you want to buy with the card, Hunter suggests using it to buy a gift or present for someone else.

You can buy a gift and sell it online or donate the gift and use it as a deduction. There are also companies that allow you to exchange your card or sell it online.

Major League Baseball season sure makes a fan hungry. In San Diego, fans can root for the Padres while snacking on many scrumptious concessions at Petco Park in downtown San Diego.

For the 2015 season, fans can enjoy everything from traditional peanuts and Cracker Jacks to fish tacos fit for America’s Finest City.

This year, new stadium eateries include Pizza Port, The Patio, Swell Coffee Roasting Co. and a Deep Eddy Vodka “Hideaway” – a seating area and vodka bar tucked in left field corner terrace.

Several concession stands at the ballpark – including Friar Franks, Diego Dogs and K Street Grill – will offer your traditional hot dogs, nachos and pretzels.

Anthony’s Fish Grotto at Field Level 102 and Field Level 206 serves fish tacos, fried shrimp and calamari, among other seafood. The Food Network Cart (Field Level 121) offers a blue cheese steak sandwich and a chipotle lime steak sandwich.

Meanwhile, The Pier/El Pueblo at Field Level 222 is a Mexican cantina offering south-of-the-border specialties. Mexican food (think quintessential San Diego burritos) is also available at Lucha Libre
(Field Level 215) and Padres Mexican Café (Field Level 319).

For BBQ at the ballpark, try Randy Jones BBQ at Field Level 213 or Phil’s BBQ at Field Level 113. For delicious, juicy hamburgers, head over to Hodad’s at Field Level 203.

Fans with a sweet tooth can get their fix at lots of sweet spots scattered throughout the stadium. This includes Suh-wheet (Field Level 206), Sweet Spot (Field Level 328), Rita’s Italian Ice (multiple stands throughout the park) and the Baked Bear (Field Level 123), specializing in gourmet ice cream sandwiches.

To warm up during the breezier night games, Ryan Bros. Coffee stands offer coffee, tea and other specialty drinks.

The 21+ fans can quench their thirst at one of the many wine, beer and spirits stands throughout the stadium. This includes El Agave Mission Tequila Bar (Field Level 119 and 122), Wines at the Park (Field Level 104), Craft Beers of San Diego (Field Level 119 and 213), Ballast Point Beer Garden (Field Level 103) or Stone World Bistro (Field Level 309), among many, many options.

Fans looking for healthier snacks have some options as well, including wraps, salads and fruit available at Friar Fit (Field Level 101), plus gluten-free hot dogs, burgers and pretzels available at the Gluten-Free Stand (Field Level 104).

Needless to say, fans will not go hungry at the ballpark this season. So, eat your hearts out, Padres fans. And pass the nachos.

What’s your favorite Petco Park snack? Comment in the section below. For a full list of Petco Park concessions, click here.
 

California saw a record number of deaths from West Nile virus last year, and health officials say the state's drought may have contributed to the spike.

The state Department of Public Health said Wednesday that 31 infected people died in 2014, the most since California began recording West Nile cases in 2003.

Among them was a 78-year-old La Mesa man who was hospitalized on Oct. 6 and died several days later. His was the first death from the illness in San Diego County since 2007.

Officials also said there were 801 Californians who tested positive for the virus -- coming close to the record of 880 cases a decade ago.

In July 2014, a Santee man was the first to test positive for West Nile virus in San Diego County since 2012.

Department head Dr. Karen Smith said it's possible the drought had a role in the increased virus activity by creating more limited sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. Smith said the dry spell could have caused some sources of water to stagnate.

"As birds and mosquitoes sought water, they came into closer contact and amplified the virus, particularly in urban areas," Smith said. "The lack of water could have caused some sources of water to stagnate, making the water sources more attractive for mosquitoes to lay eggs."

Just last week, a dead hawk in Spring Valley tested positive for the West Nile virus, marking the first time officials have found the disease in San Diego since the start of the year.

California is in its fourth-consecutive dry year after a dismal wet season that saw below-normal rainfall and diminishing snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In 2015, there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in California. Cases involving birds have been reported in Los Angeles, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Diego counties.

Officials can't predict West Nile virus activity in 2015, but said it will be influenced by climate, the number and types of birds and moquitoes in a given area and the birds' level of immunity.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through an infected mosquito's bite. The risk of serious illness is low for most people, health officials said. People 50 and above and individuals with diabetes and/or high blood pressure are at greatest risk to develop complications.

State health officials recommend that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the "Three Ds:"

1. DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

2. Dawn and Dusk: Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear protective clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tightfitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

3. Drain: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
 

A number of small spot fires were reported Thursday in the North County along State Route 76, fire officials said.

Firefighters rushed to the area near Melrose Drive and westbound SR-76 around noon after the report of several small fires in the area.

Another location was near Loretta Street and SR-76, Oceanside firefighters said.

An NBC 7 news crew arrived to the scene before 1 p.m. and found crews mopping up.

No damage was reported. No one was injured.

An after-school assistant who stripped off her clothes and warned of demons while caring for children at a San Diego elementary school has been ordered to undergo an examination to decide if she is competent to stand trial.

Linda Lira, 31, faces three felony charges of false imprisonment of a minor and one misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.

Lira had what her defense attorney characterized as a breakdown at the Lemon Grove Academy. “Miss Lira suffers from emotional issues,” Defense attorney Corey Wlodarczyk said after a previous court hearing.

She barricaded herself and students inside a classroom. When staff intervened, Lira fought them, undressed and dressed again, upended desks and threw things around the room, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

As children tried to leave the room, they were injured according to the prosecutor. One child was slapped on the hand and two were pushed to the ground.

Any future court appearances have been suspended pending the outcome of the mental competency exam.

The results of the exam were expected to be discussed when both parties meet June 5.

A pit bull owner convicted two years ago in fatal dog attack of her 75-year-old neighbor was re-sentenced on Thursday after an appellate court reversed one of her charges.

Carla Cornelio of San Diego was sentenced to 3 years and 8 months in prison, slightly less than her original sentence of 4 years.

With credit for time she served before her conviction, Cornelio has already spent four years in prison, so she will be credited by paying less fees and fines.

The appellate court reversed one of Cornelio’s charges, involuntary manslaughter, after ruling that owning animals that caused a death was a more specific crime for what happened.

Carla Cornelio was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and death from a mischievous animal for the attack June 18, 2011 that resulted in the death of Emako Mendoza.

Mendoza, 75, was mauled by the Cornelio's two pit bulls when she stepped outside of her home to get the morning newspaper.

Cornelio’s mother, Alba Cornelio, also was convicted in Mendoza’s death, but she died in custody before being sentenced.

On Thursday, Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey said Cornelio’s re-sentencing is a reminder to animal owners.

“Really the message is: If you own a dangerous animal…you have to take precautions,” Harvey said.

The San Diego Padres Home Opener against the San Francisco Giants starts at 3:40 p.m. Thursday. Here’s everything you need to know about the sold-out ballgame.

For starters, the Padres say right-handed pitcher Ian Kennedy is set to take the mound before the crowd. Every fan in attendance will receive a free Padres fedora presented by Sycuan.

The pre-game ceremony will include the unveiling of Petco Park’s newest addition, the National League’s largest video board. After the game, fans can enjoy the video board in all its glory with a 10-minute post-game video produced by Padres Productions and SONY.

The U.S. Navy parachute team – known as the Leap Frogs – will also perform an aerial demonstration for fans. The unfurling of the Holiday Bowl Big Flag is also on the agenda and will be held by 300 sailors from Navy Region Southwest, United States Third Fleet, Naval Air Forces, Naval Surface Forces, Naval Special Warfare and Submarine Squadron 11.

The team said recording artist Ashleigh Stone will sing the National Anthem at Opening Day. Stone’s Anthem will be followed by a flyover by two Harriers from the VMA-311 Tomcats from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Ariz. In addition, San Diego native Caroline Corn will perform “God Bless America” before the 7th inning stretch.

The Ceremonial First Pitch will be thrown by local sports icons including Padres Hall of Famer and 1976 Cy Young Winner Randy Jones, former San Diego Chargers Center Nick Hardwick, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, one of the world’s greatest surfers, Rob Machado and San Diego State Aztecs basketball forward J.J. O’Brien.

Fans are advised to be in their seat by 3 p.m. so they can catch all of the fun of the pre-game ceremony.

Park in the Park – the grassy hangout inside the stadium – will host Happy Hour starting at 5 p.m. featuring food and drink specials, plus entertainment.

New security measures are in place at the ballpark this season, including walk-through metal detectors installed at all Petco Park entry gates and access points. All fans will be screened as they enter the park.

Fans are advised to use public transit when visiting Petco Park. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will offer additional "Special Event" trolley service from Qualcomm Stadium and Mission Valley stations to the ballpark area. All three Trolley Lines offer direct service to Petco Park and increased service following the game.

The North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer extra Coaster service with trains departing from Oceanside Station at 11:05 a.m., 1:51 p.m. and 2:32 p.m.

Though Opening Day is sold out, limited tickets are still available for the three remaining weekend games in the Opening Series. Tickets can be purchased here.

On Sunday, the Padres will honor military service members with Military Opening Day. Sunday will also bring KidsFest at the Park, a kid-friendly event boasting bounce houses, inflatable games, balloon artists, face painters and other family-friendly activities.
 

A Minnesota teen was reportedly accepted to all eight Ivy League schools, becoming one of few teens to receive the prestigious honor.

Munira Khalif, a senior at Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul, told NBC affiliate KARE that she was “humbled” by her acceptance to all eight Ivy League schools along with a number of other prestigious universities.

The Ivy League schools include Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania. She was also accepted to Stanford, Georgetown, and the University of Minnesota.

"I was very surprised. The best part for me was being able to call family members on the phone and to hear their excitement," she told KARE. "This was truly a blessing from God. To me this news is reflective of the support and encouragement of my family, my school and my community."

Khalif, who is the daughter of Somali immigrants, is also a state speech champion and founder of her school’s Social Consciousness Club. She hopes to major in political science and plans to work on making positive changes to society through public service.

She said she has not yet made her decision, but hopes to visit a few more college campuses before picking her final choice May 1.  

Earlier this week, a Long Island high school senior who moved to New York from Nigeria was also accepted to all eight Ivy League schools. 

A high-ranking Secret Service supervisor accused of making unwanted sexual advances to one of his employees at agency headquarters last week was placed on leave, a source familiar with the investigation confirmed to NBC News.

The accuser said her boss, Xavier Morales, told her he was in love with her and wanted to have sex with while they were at a party at Capitol City Brewing Company in downtown D.C. the night of March 31, The Washington Post first reported.

Back at the office later that night, Morales allegedly tried to kiss her, then grabbed her arms when she resisted, The Post reported.

Morales was placed on leave with his security clearance suspended April 2, the day the incident was reported, according to a spokesperson. Director Joseph Clancy was informed that afternoon, the Secret Service spokesman told NBC News.

Clancy immediately ordered the matter reported to the Office of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, which is investigating, according to the Secret Service.

“The Secret Service is an agency that demands that our employees conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity,” Clancy said in a statement. “These allegations as reported are very disturbing. Any threats or violence that endangers our employees in the workplace is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., who serves on the House committee that oversees the Secret Service, said while this accusation is disturbing, he's glad that in this case Clancy was notified immediately and took action.

"He cannot control every action of every officer, but when these things happen, he has to send a message that there will be zero tolerance to these types of activities, and so I'm very pleased about that," Cummings said. "But again, we have a lot of work to do. The president's life is on the line, and we've got to protect it."

Morales is a manager in the security clearance division, which determines when agents should lose their jobs, The Post reported, and his wife is a special agent recently promoted to deputy assistant director over government and public affairs.

The allegations come less than a month after two members of the Secret Service came under investigation after the car they were in crashed at the White House complex on March 4 after they were allegedly drinking at a retirement party downtown.

A police officer in Worcester, Massachusetts, has been arrested amid accusations of racism and physical assault.

Worcester Police confirmed Thursday that 50-year-old officer Michael Motyka, a 17-year veteran with the department, had been charged after an internal investigation into an incident that took place on Dec. 1, 2014.

The victim, who had been arrested, was handcuffed and shackled while awaiting transfer from a holding cell at the police department to the courthouse for arraignment when Motyka allegedly forced him against a wall, punched him, threw him to the floor and kicked him while he was down.

Police say a witness supported the victim's claims of assault and racism.

"The complaint and witness alleged that during the prisoner release process, the officer made a disparaging remark with respect to the complainant's 'black' [sic] skin," Worcester Police said in a statement.

"I want to thank Chief [Gary] Gemme and the Worcester Police Department for taking this matter seriously and investigating it quickly," said City Manager Edward Augustus in a statement. "Worcester will not tolerate this type of allegd behavior."

Motyka was arrested Thursday and charged with assault and faces charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a civil rights violation.

The officer is on paid administrative leave after his arrest.

A guard at the headquarters of the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, Maryland has died after being shot in the chest Thursday evening. The gunman has been shot by police in D.C.

The gunman was shot after a police chase that ended at 11th and H Streets, a busy section of Northeast D.C. The gunman was shot multiple times, but there was conflicting information about his condition Thursday night.

The gunman is also a suspect in two other violent incidents Thursday, police chief Cathy Lanier said: the abduction of his girlfriend, who has been found safe, on the 300 blk of T St NE; and a shooting on Bruce Place in southeast D.C.

A D.C. police officer was shot in the leg during the confrontation at 11th and H, and another was injured. The officers have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

As many as 40 police cars swarmed 11th and H streets during the incident.

The only official statement from the bureau read that there had been a "incident" at the campus.

"There has been an incident at the Suitland Federal Center and there is an ongoing investigation," the tweet read. "We are committed to the safety of all staff who work at the Census Bureau and are currently making sure that everyone is safe and secure. We will provide more details as they become available"

The FBI is investigating the incident. The Census Bureau headquarters, which opened in 2006, houses about 5,000 permanent employees.

Stay with us for more on this developing story.

The preseason opponents for the San Diego Chargers were announced Thursday. 

The lineup will be - drumroll please - the same opponents as last year.

The Chargers lead off with the Dallas Cowboys at home just like last summer.

Then it's the Arizona Cardinals in Phoenix, home against Seattle Seahawks and 49ers in the Bay Area. In a little different order than the previous year.

The game against the defending NFC Champs will be nationally televised on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 5:00 p.m.

Unlike last year, the Chargers won't have to worry about repeating any preseason opponents in the first two weeks of the season.

The regular season scheduled is expected to be announced by the end of April.

A San Diego man was arrested Thursday, accused of exposing himself near Chula Vista Middle School Thursday.

Sergio Becerra-Soto, 26, was arrested by Chula Vista Police investigating two separate reports of a man in a parked car exposing himself to passersby. 

The first report came in before 8:30 from Chula Vista Middle School.

A student told school officials that a man was touching himself near the campus at Fifth Avenue and Otis Street.

Officers received a second report of indecent exposure almost three miles away on Marina Parkway, west of Bay Boulevard and Interstate 5.

A woman told police she saw a man in a car exposing himself.  The vehicle in the second report matched the one described by the student, police said.

When officers tracked down the vehicle, they arrested Becerra-Soto. He will face two charges of indecent exposure, police said.

Texas prison officials on Thursday executed a man convicted in the slaying of a Dallas-area police officer during a 2002 shootout that followed the killing of a customer outside a convenience store.

Kent Sprouse, 42, became the fifth convicted killer put to death this year in Texas, the nation's most active death penalty state. He was pronounced dead at 6:33 p.m. CDT.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review Sprouse's case in November, and no last-day appeals were filed for him in the courts.

Sprouse was sentenced to death for the October 2002 killing of 28-year-old Harry Marvin "Marty" Steinfeldt III, a police officer in Ferris, about 20 miles south of Dallas.

Witnesses said Sprouse carried a shotgun into the Ferris Food Mart store while he made a purchase and then walked outside and fired toward two men at a pay phone. He went to his car and appeared to have some trouble with it, then shot and killed 38-year-old Pedro Moreno, a customer who was pumping gas near him.

Steinfeldt responded to a 911 call about a customer shot at the store and came under gunfire. He was struck twice under the arm where his protective vest did not cover him. He managed to fire 17 shots, reloading his gun once, and wounded Sprouse in the chest, leg and hand.

Court records indicate Sprouse told an officer who accompanied him in an ambulance to a hospital that he believed Moreno was an undercover officer, so he shot him.

"And I shot the other officer that was in uniform," Sprouse said, according to the records.

Sprouse was charged in Moreno's killing, but wasn't tried for it.

Relatives of both Steinfeldt and Moreno declined to speak with reporters after Sprouse's execution. Michelle Steinfeldt released a statement saying the execution was "the emotional end of a long, excruciating journey."

Tests showed that Sprouse, a Boone County, Missouri, native, had taken methamphetamine and other illegal drugs within 48 hours of the killings.

Jim Jenkins, who was Sprouse's lead lawyer at his trial in Steinfeldt's death, said Sprouse suffered from the effects of methamphetamine addiction.

"It's very addictive and easy to get and sort of melts your brain after a while," Jenkins said last week, recalling the case.

"He just didn't know what he was doing, but the jury has to buy that. It's sort of like being drunk and killing somebody. That's really not a defense, not a legal defense. ... The whole thing is extremely sad."

Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials said a recent purchase of pentobarbital means they have enough of the sedative to carry out three other executions set for this month, including one next week. But at least three more are set for May and June, meaning they would have to find a new supply or switch to a different drug to carry out those executions on schedule.

Death penalty states have found it increasingly difficult to acquire execution drugs because traditional manufacturers now refuse to sell their drugs for use in executions. States now rely on compounding pharmacies for their made-to-order execution drugs.