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7th Texas execution delayed as attorneys cite pandemic

Posted at 4:31 PM, Aug 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-17 22:02:04-04

A seventh Texas execution has been postponed after the death row inmate's attorneys raised concerns over the coronavirus spread around the state.

John Henry Ramirez had been set for execution Sept. 9 for the 2004 stabbing death of 45-year-old Corpus Christi convenience store worker Pablo Castro.

Authorities say Castro was stabbed during a robbery that netted the thief just $1.25.

But Ramirez attorney Seth Kretzer said state District Judge Bobby Galvan withdrew the death warrant in a Friday oral order and canceled the execution.

The next Texas execution is set for Sept. 30.