The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Monday released a stay of execution for Melissa Lucio, on death row for the murder of her 2-year-old child in 2007.
Lucio, 53, was arranged to be performed Wednesday. The court bought the 138th Judicial District Court of Cameron County to thinkabout the brand-new proof provided by Lucio’s legal group, and provided a stay on her execution “pending resolution of the remanded declares” in her habeas application.
“I am grateful the court hasactually provided me the opportunity to live and show my innocence. Mariah is in my heart today and constantly,” Lucio stated in a declaration through her lawyers. “I am grateful to have more days to be a mom to my kids and a granny to my grandchildren.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DEATH PENALTY? Melissa Lucio’s case deepens concerns about capital penalty.
Lucio was foundedguilty in 2008 for the murder of Mariah, who districtattorneys stated suffered physical abuse leading to her death. In clemency appeals, Lucio’s legal group has declared brand-new proof reveals the youngchild’s death was an mishap triggered by an undiagnosed injury continual after falling down the stairs 2 days prior.
Lucio has broughtin public assistance from celebs and state legislators giventhat her case got attention last month. Kim Kardashian, an outspoken supporter of criminal justice reform, expressed assistance for Lucio’s clemency on social media in early April, and Amanda Knox – whose murder conviction in the death of a British trainee in Italy was reversed in 2015 – penned a Twitter thread on Lucio’s case.
In declarations released after the choice, Lucio’s legal group shared that her household and liked ones feel relieved by the court’s choice.
“We understand that Melissa’s kids – Mariah’s siblings and sis – and Mariah’s grandparents, aunties and uncles are all alleviated and grateful that Melissa’s life will not be taken by the State of Texas,” Tivon Schardl, one of Lucio’s lawyers, composed in a declaration. “Melissa is entitled to a brand-new, reasonable trial. The individuals of Texas are entitled to a brand-new, reasonable trial.”
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