[Deathpenalty]death penalty news----TEXAS

[Rick Halperin]

June 29


TEXAS----stay of execution:

Execution stayed for inmate who was 17 at time of slaying


The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked tonight's scheduled execution of Texas
convicted killer Mauro Barraza.

Barraza was condemned for the 1989 slaying of a woman when he was 17.

The victim was 73-year-old Vilorie Nelson of Haltom City.

The U.S. Supreme Court had been asked to halt Barraza's execution because
justices later this year plan to review the issue of executing teenage
killers.

The high court earlier this year said it would decide whether the
Constitution forbids execution of killers who were under 18 at the time of
their crimes.

(source: Associated Press)