Appeals court delays execution of Texas mom accused of killing daughter

HOUSTON, Texas -- A Texas appeals court on Monday delayed the execution of Melissa Lucio amid growing doubts about whether she fatally beat her 2-year-old daughter in a case that has garnered the support of lawmakers, celebrities and even some jurors who sentenced her to death.

"I am grateful the court has given me the chance to live and prove my innocence," Lucio said in a statement provided by her lawyers."Mariah is in my heart today and always. I am grateful to have more days to be a mother to my children and a grandmother to my grandchildren. I will use my time to help bring them to Christ. I am deeply grateful to everyone who prayed for me and spoke out on my behalf.

The execution stay was announced minutes before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles had been set to consider Lucio's clemency application to either commute her death sentence or grant her a 120-day reprieve. The paroles board did not review her clemency petition because of the execution stay. If the case were to come back before the board in the future, Lucio's lawyers would have to file a new petition.

Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz, whose office prosecuted the case, said in a statement he expected the execution to be delayed because various legal issues remain unresolved.

Freedom of speech is back our way. I am laughing at all leftists for their loss.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Supporters raise awareness on Melissa Lucio case days before scheduled Texas executionFriends, family, and even complete strangers all gathered together in front of the state capitol on Saturday to show support for Melissa Lucio, a Texas mother on death row.
Source: kgun9 - 🏆 584. / 51 Read more »

Texas court halts execution of Melissa Lucio, set to die in 2 daysLucio was convicted of capital murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Mariah. Her family has asked for her execution to be stopped.
Source: NBCNews - 🏆 10. / 86 Read more »

Texas appeals court delays execution of Melissa LucioBREAKING: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has granted a stay of execution for Melissa Lucio, and has ordered a district court to consider new evidence.
Source: SpectrumNews1TX - 🏆 333. / 59 Read more »

Melissa Lucio Execution Stayed by Texas Court of AppealsNearly half of the jurors who sentenced Lucio to die for the death of one of her 14 children have called for her upcoming execution to be halted and for her to get a new trial.
Source: nbcsandiego - 🏆 524. / 51 Read more »

Appeals court delays Texas execution of Melissa LucioBREAKING: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has delayed the execution of Melissa Lucio so a lower court can review her case.
Source: CBS DFW - 🏆 542. / 51 Read more »

Melissa Lucio’s execution halted by Texas Court of Criminal AppealsAcknowledging substantive questions about Lucio’s guilt and the fairness of her conviction, the appeals court blocked her Wednesday execution so the case can be further investigated. 🙏🏽💜⚖️ Thank you for sharing this story.
Source: TexasTribune - 🏆 441. / 53 Read more »