The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has stayed the execution of Robert Pruett “pursuant to the appeal pending in the DNA case.” Pruett was scheduled to be executed on August 23rd despite significant doubts about the reliability of his conviction. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence in the murder of Corrections Officer Daniel Nagle in the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas in 1999. No physical evidence connects him with the crime, and recent DNA analysis of the murder weapon revealed a DNA profile belonging neither to Pruett nor to Officer Nagle.
The State still has not analyzed the profile found on the murder weapon, which could reveal the identity of the real killer. In addition, a 2015 order to analyze the clothing worn by Officer Nagle on the day of his death also has not been fulfilled.
Pruett has received three other stays of execution to allow time for DNA testing. The execution is stayed until further order of the Court.