Court gives hope to Texas death-row inmate

[IScreamSundays]

Source: Chron

Henry Skinner, a convicted killer who once came within an hour of execution, won a major victory Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would consider whether he can seek DNA testing of bloody knives, a rape kit and other evidence under federal civil rights law.

If the court rules in his favor — an action not expected until early next year — Skinner's lawyers would return to federal court to seek authorization for testing. Ultimately, his lawyers hope for a new state trial or — if DNA testing absolves Skinner and implicates someone else — release from prison.

Skinner, 48, was condemned for the 1993 Texas Panhandle murders of his girlfriend, Twila Busby, and her two adult sons, Elwin Caler and Randy Busby. Twila Busby was strangled and battered with an ax handle; her sons were stabbed.

The nation's high court stayed Skinner's March 24 execution just one hour before he was to be put to death. The Pampa man's case became an international cause celbre among death penalty opponents after Chicago journalism students found new witnesses and pointed to potentially important evidence that had not been DNA tested.

Skinner consistently has maintained innocence.

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Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7019927.html

[dballance]

1. Hang 'Em High Scalia will make sure he dies

Tony the fixer will make sure this guy dies whether or not he's guilty. Mr. Medieval justice doesn't really seem to value human life unless it's in the womb. His power-trips are disgusting. I can only assume his penis is sooooo small it's an "innie." Nothing else explains his behavior.

[Stargleamer]

2. Not just Tony, but his clones Thomas, Roberts and Alito

4 votes right there. My guess is this guy's done for.