Yesterday, in his denial of a civil rights challenge by Robert Campbell, who is facing imminent execution, Judge Keith P. Ellison of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas stated:
The horrific narrative of Oklahoma’s botched execution of Clayton Lockett on April 29, 2014 requires sober reflection on the manner in which this nation administers the ultimate punishment. While the law currently does not permit injunctive relief, this Court urges the Fifth Circuit to reconsider its jurisprudence that seems to shield crucial elements of the execution process from open inquiry.
Judge Ellison did not grant a stay of execution to Mr. Campbell, “saying his hands were tied because of higher court rulings,” according to NBC News.
Mr. Campbell is challenging Texas’ right to execute him without disclosing the source of and other information about the compounded pentobarbital to be used in his execution, which is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.
For additional information, please contact Maurie Levin, one of Mr. Campbell’s attorneys at: maurielevin@gmail.com or 512-294-1540.
Read full coverage of yesterday’s ruling from NBC News.