Supreme Court Halts Texas Execution (UPDATED)

Duane Buck’s Thursday night execution is on hold because of a  Texas Supreme Court stay of execution. He was convicted of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend and another man in 1995.

Buck’s case is one of six convictions that then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn — a political ally of Perry who is now a Republican U.S. senator — reviewed in 2000 and said needed to be reopened because of the racially charged statements made during the sentencing phase of the trial. A psychologist told jurors that black criminals were more likely to pose a future danger to the public if they are released.

The question isn’t about Buck’s guilt or innocence, but whether or not the jury was influenced by racial statements.

UPDATE: Following the Texas Supreme Court’s temporary stay, the U.S. Supreme Court has halted the execution.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.