Late this afternoon we learned that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has granted a stay of execution to Marcus Druery. The Court stayed the execution pending review of the appeal of the denial of a competency hearing for Druery.
Here’s a statement from Attorney Kate Black in response to the stay of execution:
“We are pleased that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed the execution of Marcus Druery to allow for careful consideration of our request for a competency hearing. The State has never contested the fact that Mr. Druery suffers from a psychotic disorder, which has been diagnosed by the State’s own experts. Executing Mr. Druery, who lacks a rational understanding of his punishment, would stand in clear violation of the Constitution. We are hopeful the Court will find that Mr. Druery is entitled to a full and fair hearing to present the evidence of his severe psychosis and establish his incompetence to be executed.”
– Kate Black, Attorney for Marcus Druery
July 27, 2012
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Here’s coverage of the stay from KBTX: http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Stay-of-Execution-Issued-for-Bryan-Murderer-164075016.html