Mauro Barraza is scheduled for June 29. He's the only juvenile offender in Texas who did not receive a stay of execution with the upcoming Supreme Court case.

Let's keep him in our prayers.

Is there a specific reason he did not get a stay of execution? I thought they were not executing any juveniles in Texas? I really hope he gets a stay of execution!

I think they are holding out until the last minute waiting for a decision from the SC. The decision is suppose to be handed down sometime this summer. The other Juveniles had dates that have already passed, his was a little far in advance. So I am just guessing if the SC decision isn't handed down yet he will recieve a stay.

softie

Which Supreme Court case? His own appeal or the one on juvenile executions? Because the Supreme Court isn't going to hear the case on juvenile executions until the fall. I don't know why they haven't granted a stay to Mauro Barraza, but he's a week away. They say it's likely that he'll get a stay, but no luck yet.

He's known to me as Morris. He and I Have been friends since the first grade, he has been locked up since he was 17 and he has not yet gotten a stay! They say it will be any day now, but I am on the list to view if it takes place, i'm very emotional right now, but I know I got to stay firm for him. Please pray for him, life was not what you and I had.

THANKS

Destiny the one on Juvenile executions. When the rest got stays it was close to their dates and at that time they were talking about maybe a decision sometimes this summer.

Mauro's date was farther in advance, so I think they are waiting until the last minute to give him a stay.

Knowing Texas it is just another way for them to hold the cards and have the power.

softie

Alvorado
You and Mauro will be in my prayers. If you are scared, I suggest you PM Softie, and have a talk to her.
I pray he will get a stay, there will be alot of outrage if he doesnt, and there is no decision made in the Supreme Court. In June, 2 Texas inmates on death watch recieved a stay, because it was still pending in Supreme Court. I pray Mauro will be one of them. I also hope and pray, the Supreme Court will make the right decision in this, and stop all executions on Juvenille offenders.

Alvarado

I will be (all of us will be) praying for Mauro and you. This is so difficult for you but stay strong - it is not over. Mauro, his family and friends are in our prayers.

Alvarado

We will all be praying for Mauro and for you. I know this must be a really difficult time for you right now but stay strong - it's not over. Mauro and his family, you and his friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

Alvarado, both you and Mauro are in my prayers.

Has anyone heard any news about Mauro yet? I am still praying that the Supreme court grants that stay.

I'm praying too and would really like to know. Has anyone heard?

I've been checking the news all day....nothing yet

Apparently its still with the supreme court, and they are expecting to hear news soon that he will recieve a stay.
His certainly in my thoughts and prayers, Im on edge waiting for this decision. I will be so upset and mad if they dont grant this stay.

Yes the stay motion is currently pending in the Supreme Court.
At least it hasn't been turned down yet, so that means there is still hope.

softie

Thank God there's still hope. I'm also very on edge about this - my thoughts and prayers are with him.

i am also praying for Mauro to get a stay, and for all of you whatever happens there is hope

moniqueline

Lets pray the courts intervene and fast. :(

TEXAS----impending executions

Press Release Source: Jenner & Block LLP


Jenner & Block Leads Effort to Save Death Row Inmate in Texas----Supreme
Court May be Last Chance for Stay of Tomorrow's Execution


Absent 11th hour intervention from the United States Supreme Court or
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the State of Texas will go forward with the
execution of inmate Mauro Barraza tomorrow night in Huntsville, Tex.,
despite the fact that the United States Supreme Court will decide next
term whether the execution of inmates like Mr. Barraza is constitutional.

Jenner & Block Partner Scott T. Schutte, who represents Mr. Barraza, said
in a letter to Gov. Perry requesting a 30-day reprieve: "We respectfully
submit that it would be unconscionable for the State of Texas to proceed
with Mr. Barraza's execution. The State of Texas will not be prejudiced by
delaying Mr. Barraza's execution for a relatively short period of time so
that the State can be assured that it is not violating the United States
Constitution."

Meanwhile, Mr. Schutte and his Death Row client are hoping U.S. Supreme
Court Justice Antonin Scalia will step in and stay the state execution
until the full Court can address the issue later this year. Now 32 years
of age, Mr. Barraza was 17 when he committed the crime for which he has
been sentenced to death. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear
the case of Roper v. Simmons, in which the issue is whether it is
constitutional to execute persons for crimes they committed when they were
17 years of age. Nevertheless, in February a trial court in Texas set Mr.
Barraza's execution date for June 29, 2004. Mr. Barraza's court-appointed
counsel did not attend the hearing, let alone object to the planned
execution.

In March, Mr. Schutte and Jenner & Block Associate Shana Shifrin agreed to
a request by the American Bar Association's Death Penalty Representation
Project to represent Mr. Barraza in his efforts to stay his execution
pending the Supreme Court's decision in Simmons. Assisting in these
efforts was the Texas Defender Service, a nonprofit law firm. On June 24,
2004, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied Jenner & Block's Motion
to Stay the Barraza execution. Mr. Schutte and Ms. Shifrin then filed its
pending Motion with the Supreme Court Justice, which the State of Texas --
through the office of the Texas Attorney General -- opposed.

Thanks for that Kyla. We will continue to pray for him.

If you scroll down to June 29th it has a stay marked by Mauro's name. I am not sure if they are right or not, lets just hope so.

http://www.aclu.org/DeathPenalty/DeathPenalty.cfm?ID=13387&c=17

softie

This shows you what kind of lawyers we have defending this people, makes me sick.

softie
Washington Post Editorial: More Texas Rules

Posted on Tuesday 24 February @ 00:00:02
Friday, February 20, 2004; Page A24

ON WEDNESDAY, we noted with unsurprised dismay that Texas was planning this spring to execute four people who committed their crimes before reaching adulthood, despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to review the legality of the death penalty in such cases. Texas officials are willing, even eager, to carry out executions that may well prove unconstitutional when the court finally rules. Yesterday a Texas court added a fifth juvenile offender to the state's busy execution calendar -- and under circumstances that highlight the need for federal court intervention.



Judge Sharen Wilson of Fort Worth had been planning to set an execution date for Mauro Barraza at a hearing today. However, the Texas Defender Service notified the court that Mr. Barraza was without a lawyer. His attorney in post-conviction review, Robert Abbott, had not formally withdrawn from the case, but he had informed the group that, believing he would not get paid, he would not file any further appeals on behalf of his client. Mr. Abbott said in an interview yesterday that he had done no work on Mr. Barraza's behalf in months. The defender service suggested delaying the scheduling of the execution because the Supreme Court had taken up the general issue of whether people like Mr. Barraza could be killed at all.

Instead, however, Ms. Wilson phoned Mr. Abbott, clarified with him that he would be paid for further work, and then asked whether he minded if she went ahead and scheduled Mr. Barraza's execution a day early. Under Texas law, a judge is not obligated to hold a hearing to set an execution date; most judges just fill out the paperwork. But Ms. Wilson likes to read death warrants in person; she considers it a courtesy, according to the prosecution and defense alike. And Mr. Abbott says he had no objection to her going ahead. So the judge set Mr. Barraza's execution for June 29 -- with no lawyer present on his behalf.

Like at least four others, Mr. Barraza will be dead by the time the high court decides whether his death would be lawful -- unless, that is, the federal courts clarify quickly that no juvenile offenders may be put to death until the issue is settled.

Hello everyone. I just found this site and im glad i did.
Wow i just started a thread about Mauro.. didnt know it already existed..sorry..lol

Softheart thanks for the info.. Im really hoping and praying that he does get that stay.
Texas is always so eager to execute people,makes me wonder just how many of those inmates was innocent?

I think the whole states should ban juvenile executions..its just not right!!

not just the juvenile executions....all executions should be banned

not just the juvenile executions....all executions should be banned

Your totally right Angie..
Noone should have the right to determine one's death except God.
Obviously the state isnt any different ..when they take a life (execution) So what does that prove? If you kill..i kill you? 2 wrongs doesnt make a right in my opinion.

Anyone give me some good news please. I hate all this damn killing. Juvenile or not. Cant they just stop all this senslessness. Please post as soon as anyone hears.

June 29, 2004

Execution stayed for inmate who was 17 at time of slaying

(Huntsville (AP) - 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.

Thank GOD!!!!!!!!

softie

To that I will say "Amen". At least i dont feel so sick in my stomach anymore. Thanx softie for letting us know.

Now we can pray that tomorrow night David Harris gets a stay.

softie

Thank goodness. I woke up this morning, and this is the first place I went to. I agree, I hope David Harris gets a stay as well.


I cant believe that article about that attorney, worrying about money over life. How rude!! He has a mouth, why didnt he just ask.

Thank God Mauro got a stay.. Was worried about that.

I was visiting at Polunsky today and saw when they came for him. I am so glad he got a stay!!!

Thank goodness! They need to put an end to the death penalty all together!! :rolleyes:

Thank God a hundred times!!! Idon't feel so sick anymore - now they must just do away with the whole thing.

Hello there everyone I thank you and so does he for all of your prayer's!
We were REALLY SWEATIN ! I was with him until 12:30 pm and then we had to leave, so that they could move him to the walls unit, he was about to eat his last meal ,when the call came in about the stay, chaplin Lopez gratefully aloud him to call us for one minute, to let us know he new about the stay, I have to say that it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, considering he had choose me to witness the exucution, the last thing he wanted to talk w/me about was what would happen once inside , He said I'll be able to see you, I then would like to see your face, I will then close my eyes, and I want you to then close yours, so that your face will be the last thing I see. I told him that would be fine, we then prayed, and they walked him away, it was hard really hard!!! but, god was watching over and we did not have to go through any of that. I'm truely relieved, thank you again for all of your prayer's they were answered!

sincerely,
Denise Alvarado

You are a very brave lady and he is lucky to have you agree to do this for him. As much as it would have broken your heart you were prepared to be with him till the end. I am in awe of you for that. i hope everything goes well.

Denise
Thanks for sharing that with us. It was very moving, the way you told us about your visit with Mauro. I am glad that he got a stay, and I just keep on praying that the laws will change to get him off death row.