Execution of Melissa Lucio delayed by Texas court amid claim of new, exonerating evidence

A Texas appeals court ruled on Monday that the execution of Melissa Lucio, a mother of 14 who was sentenced to death after being convicted of fatally beating her 2 year old daughter in 2007.

The execution was stayed due to claims by Lucio and her legal team that there is new evidence that may exonerate her. Lucio’s lawyers say she was never given a chance to present evidence questioning the validity of her confession. Lucio says she was coerced into a confession by endless and ruthless questioning, and a history of being abused herself.

Lucio’s attorneys say 2 year old Mariah died from injuries sustained when she fell down a steep flight of stairs days prior to her death. Prosecuting attorneys maintain Lucio fatally physically abused the child. 

Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz, who was not in office when the case was originally tried, is not surprised at the court’s decision to stay the execution.

“I welcome the opportunity to prosecute this case in the courtroom: where witnesses testify under oath, where witnesses may be cross-examined, where evidence is governed by the rules of evidence and criminal procedure … That is our criminal jurisprudence system, and it is working,” said Saenz.

Attorneys for Lucio released a statement after the court’s stay decision. “It would have shocked the public’s conscience for Melissa to be put to death based on false and incomplete medical evidence for a crime that never even happened,” said attorney Vanessa Potkin.

“All of the new evidence of her innocence has never before been considered by any court. The court’s stay allows us to continue fighting alongside Melissa to overturn her wrongful conviction.”

For Lucio’s part, she is grateful to have another chance to live and be with her family. I am grateful the court has given me the chance to live and prove my innocence,” Lucio said in a statement.

“Mariah is in my heart today and always. I am grateful to have more days to be a mother to my children and a grandmother to my grandchildren. I will use my time to help bring them to Christ. I am deeply grateful to everyone who prayed for me and spoke out on my behalf.”

There is no scheduled date for a new court hearing as yet.