WASHINGTON, D.C. — Texas executions could face delays over the state’s refusal to permit religious advisers to the touch an inmate and pray aloud as they’re being put to demise.
The U.S. Supreme Court docket’s determination to listen to spiritual freedom claims from inmate John Henry Ramirez could have future executions placed on maintain – no less than for now.
Ramirez was convicted and sentenced to demise for the 2004 theft and stabbing of Pablo Castro, a comfort retailer clerk in Corpus Christi.
The court docket blocked Ramirez’s execution final month.
Different inmates have since made comparable spiritual claims – which is forcing the courts to put their executions on maintain.
The Supreme Court docket will hear arguments on Ramirez’s case starting Nov. 1.