Texas death The guest whose condition was clarified role of spiritual guides in death Rooms are scheduled nationwide for Wednesday’s execution, despite the attorney general’s efforts to stop his lethal injection.
John Henry Ramirez, 38, sentenced death for killing 46-yearOld Pablo Castro, rest store file writer, in 2004. Prosecutors said Castro was taking trash out From store in Corpus Christi when Ramirez stole it of $1.25 and stabbed 29 times.
Castro killing took place During series of Thefts. Ramirez and two women was stealing money After a three-day drug frenzy. Ramirez fled to Mexico but was arrested three and a half years later.
Ramirez challenged the state prison rules which forbade the priest from touching him and praying loudly during his execution, saying that his religious freedom was being infringed. who – which challenge This led to the postponement of his execution and execution of others.
In March, the US Supreme Court upheld with Ramirez, saying that states should accommodate desires of death class prisoners who want To pray and touch their clergy during their execution.
Monday, Texas Council of Unanimous pardon and parole declined To move Ramirez death wholesale for less penalty. According to his lawyer, Ramirez has exhausted everything possible appeal no final An application to the Supreme Court of the United States is planned.
The lead The prosecutor in the trial of Ramirez in 2008, Mark Skorka said, It’s unfair for Ramirez to pray over He died when Castro did not have the same opportunity.
“It’s been a long time, but it’s possible that Pablo Castro will finally get justice that’s his family I have sought for Skorka said, who He later served as the Neuses County District Attorney before retiring.
Ramirez’s lawyer, Seth Kreitzer, said he felt sympathy for Castro’s family is his client challenge It was about protecting religious freedoms for All. Ramirez wasn’t asking for Something new But the thing that was part of Jurisprudence all over historyKrister said. He said that even Nazi war criminals were staffed with ministers before being executed after World War II.
“It wasn’t a reflection on Some of the services we were doing for Kreitzer said. “Provide religious management at that time of death is a reflection of relative moral strength of kidnappers.”
Kritzer said that Dana Moore, Ramirez’s spiritual advisor, would do so also Be able to carry the Bible in The death The room that was not allowed before.
Ramirez case took Another turn in April when current Newses County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez asked the judge to withdraw a file death Memorandum and postponement of execution, saying that it has been requested by mistake. Gonzalez said he considers death penalty “Unethical.”
In about 20 minutes on Facebook live In the video, Gonzalez said he believes that death penalty he is one of “Many things wrong with our justice system. Gonzalez said he would not seek death penalty while he remains in office.
The phone did not answer call or search for email comment.
also in April four of Castro children Apply for the execution order of Ramirez left in place.
“I want Mine father In the end justice As well as peace in the end move on with my life and leave this nightmare Be over Fernando Castro one of His children said in the movement.
In June, a judge declined Gonzalez requested that Wednesday’s execution date be withdrawn. Last month, Texas court of Criminal Appeal declined Even to consider the application.
If Ramirez is executed, he will be the third inmate to be executed death this is year in Texas and 11 in United State
