The US Supreme Court granted a stay of execution for a Texas man just 20 minutes before he was scheduled to receive a lethal injection on Tuesday evening. The inmate, Ruben Gutierrez, has long maintained that DNA testing could help prove his innocence in the fatal stabbing of an 85-year-old woman during a home robbery decades ago.
Gutierrez was condemned for the 1998 killing of Escolastica Harrison in Brownsville, Texas. Prosecutors alleged that the murder of the retired teacher was part of a robbery attempt to steal over $600,000 she had hidden in her home due to her distrust of banks. Despite being charged, Gutierrez has consistently sought DNA testing to demonstrate his lack of involvement in the crime, with his attorneys highlighting the absence of physical or forensic evidence linking him to the murder.
The Supreme Court's decision to issue an indefinite stay of execution came shortly before Gutierrez was to be taken to the death chamber at a Huntsville prison. The order stated that the stay would remain in effect until the justices determine whether to review his appeal request, with the possibility of the execution reprieve being lifted if the request is denied.
Upon being informed of the court's intervention, Gutierrez, who had faced multiple previous execution dates, was visibly emotional and expressed shock at the news. He then prayed with a prison chaplain, reflecting on the turn of events.
In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Gutierrez's attorney expressed satisfaction and emphasized the importance of conducting DNA testing to prevent a wrongful execution. Prosecutors, however, have dismissed the request for DNA testing as a delay tactic, citing Gutierrez's confession and other evidence that led to his conviction under Texas' law of parties.
While lower courts have previously denied Gutierrez's requests for DNA testing, his legal team remains hopeful that the recent intervention by the Supreme Court will pave the way for further examination of the evidence in the case.
The stay of execution has brought temporary relief to Gutierrez and his supporters, as they continue to seek justice and clarity in a case that has spanned several years and raised questions about the application of the death penalty in Texas.
