In a dramatic turn of events, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of execution for Ruben Gutierrez, a Texas inmate, just 20 minutes before he was scheduled to receive a lethal injection. The stay was issued shortly before Gutierrez was to be taken to the death chamber at a Huntsville prison.
Case background
Gutierrez was convicted for the 1998 murder of 85-year-old Escolastica Harrison during a home robbery in Brownsville, Texas. Prosecutors argued that the killing was part of a plot to steal over $600,000 that Harrison had hidden in her home. Gutierrez has long maintained his innocence, asserting that DNA testing would prove he was not involved in the crime. His attorneys claim there is no physical or forensic evidence linking him to Harrison’s death.
Supreme Court’s decision
The Supreme Court’s brief order, released around 5:40 p.m. CDT, stated that the stay would remain in effect until the justices decide whether to review Gutierrez’s appeal. If the court denies the appeal, the stay will be lifted.
Gutierrez, who was set to be executed after 6 p.m. CDT, was informed of the court’s intervention while in a holding cell. “He was visibly emotional,” said prison spokeswoman Amanda Hernandez. “He was tearing up, speechless. He was shocked.” Gutierrez prayed with a prison chaplain and expressed his relief by saying, “God is great!”
Ongoing legal battle
Gutierrez has had several previous execution dates delayed, including a stay from the Supreme Court in June 2020. In his most recent appeal, his attorneys argued that Texas had denied his right to post-conviction DNA testing, which they believe would exonerate him. Items from the crime scene, such as nail scrapings, loose hair, and blood samples, have never been tested.
Prosecutors contend that Gutierrez’s request for DNA testing is merely a delay tactic. They emphasize that he was convicted based on multiple pieces of evidence, including a confession. Gutierrez was convicted under Texas’ law of parties, holding him liable for the actions of his co-conspirators.
Shawn Nolan, an attorney for Gutierrez, welcomed the court’s decision, stating, “We are hopeful that now the Court has stepped in to stop this execution, we can ultimately accomplish the DNA testing to prove that Mr. Gutierrez should not be executed now or in the future.”
Case details
Authorities charged three individuals in connection with the case: Rene Garcia, who is serving a life sentence, Pedro Gracia, who remains at large, and Gutierrez. Prosecutors argue that Gutierrez befriended Harrison to rob her, with the stolen money hidden under a false floor in her bedroom closet.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant development in a case that continues to attract national attention.
