Obama calls for halt to Texas execution

[peejay 327]

Obama calls for halt to Texas execution

Mexican was convicted of raping, killing San Antonio girl

By MARK SHERMAN

ASSOCIATED PRESS

July 1, 2011, 6:42PM

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration took the unusual step Friday of asking the Supreme Court to stop Texas from executing a Mexican citizen convicted of raping and killing a 16-year-old girl.

The administration said the court should delay the planned July 7 execution of Humberto Leal for up to six months to give Congress time to consider legislation that would directly affect Leal's case.

The 38-year-old native of Monterrey wasn't told he could contact the Mexican Consulate after his arrest in the murder of Adria Sauceda. His lawyers say police violated an international treaty by not telling Leal he could have consular assistance.

Legislation pending in the Senate would allow federal courts to review cases of condemned foreign nationals to determine if the lack of consular help made a significant difference in the outcome of their cases. Last week, a federal judge refused to delay the execution.

The Supreme Court has previously ruled that states can't be forced to comply with the provisions of treaties without some intervening federal legislation.

The federal government rarely intervenes in state death penalty cases. The thrust of the administration's legal argument deals with the government's international treaty obligations, not Leal's guilt or innocence, or even whether he should ultimately be executed.

"This case implicates United States foreign-policy interests of the highest order," including protecting U.S. citizens abroad and promoting good relations with other countries, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. said. Verrilli, the administration's new chief Supreme Court lawyer, has long represented death row inmates free of charge in his private practice.

State Department legal adviser Harold Koh separately has written Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas officials asking them to step in and put off the execution.

The administration's legal filing was provided by Leal's lawyers. The Justice Department did not immediately comment Friday.

The Mexican government and other countries have joined the legal fight to grant Leal a reprieve.

Police discovered Sauceda's nude body on a dirt road in San Antonio in May 1994. Evidence showed she had been raped, bitten and strangled. A large stick that had a screw protruding from it was left in her body.

Among other evidence, the bite mark was matched to Leal. Her bloody blouse was found at Leal's home. She and Leal had been attending a party not far from where she was found.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7636361.html

[_Simpson_ 250]

I could care less, just get it over with and kill this worthless piece of shite.

[Ayman___ 92]

What kind of animal is that.how brutal.. he deserves the death sentence..more than that he deserves to be Tortured The same he did to this girl.

[Ban Hammer 12,875]

it's taken longer for her to get justice than the entire time she was alive.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Obama is looking for all the voters he can get for 2012. Can't be killing off potential Democratic voters.

I bet he wishes he didn't disrespect John Roberts at the State of the Union speech now.

[peejay 327]

Obama is looking for all the voters he can get for 2012. Can't be killing off potential Democratic voters.

I bet he wishes he didn't disrespect John Roberts at the State of the Union speech now.

If Obama and his merry band of LWN's keep it up...even the Hispanic vote he kisses azz for won't save his bacon in 2012. They may be the only ones that will vote for his sorry azz.

[TBoneTX 43,401]

They may be the only ones that will vote for his sorry azz.

They and his copigmentists.

[tmma 467]

I don't think consular help would have had much effect on this case. The guy had had due process and according to TX law is up for execution. End of story ( IMO). He got more justice than his victim.

[lostinblue 1,989]

http://www.deathrow-usa.us/HumbertoLeal.htm

Hello, my name is Humberto Leal Jr., my TDC-ID is 999162. I am a death row prisoner. I have been on death row for 11 yrs.

I am a Mexican Born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1973.

I have been living in the USA since I was about 3 yrs. old.

I speak and understand both English and Spanish well.

I would like to hear from anyone willing to write me. It don't matter to me who, if its male, female young or older. I am honest. I like to write and receive mail.

My hobbies are listing to football and baseball games. I'll go shot few baskettball at the rec., but other than that I've learned to enjoy reading.

When I was free I never read a book. But finding myself here in a boring cell I started to read and can't go a week without reading a book.

If anyone wishes to write me. Please do.

Thank you for your time.

My Peace and Respect

Humberto Leal Jr.

Humberto Leal Jr #999162

Polunsky Unit D.R.

3872 FM 350 South

Livingston - Texas 77351

U.S.A.

[luckytxn 2,263]

Illegals. Just doing the job that Americans don't want to do.

[SMOKE 1,426]

sheesh what a waste of time & money. strip him, bend him over & tie him to a pole for a weekend. monday - old used tire, gallon of gas & a match..justice served. next pos wasting our time & money..cmon down!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

is sadistic violence the only thing that people can come up with?

This guy would have approved

[SMOKE 1,426]

is sadistic violence poetic justice the only thing that people can come up with?

fixxord

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

It's only poetic justice if you are a sadist.

[SMOKE 1,426]

It's only poetic justice if you are a sadist.

you're right, i'm wrong. we should spend more money on counseling, feeding, clothing, providing medical care, & sheltering the misunderstood individual.

pfft. burn the POS!