Melissa Lucio Granted Stay of Execution

AUSTIN, TX- A Texas woman who was set to face lethal injection this Wednesday has been granted a stay of execution.

Melissa Lucio, 53, sentenced to death after she convicted of killing her 2-year-old daughter. Lucio claimed her daughter fell down the stairs and has had 5 jurors ask for the state parole board and Governor Greg Abbott to stop Lucio’s execution. The jurors state that they have information now that they did not have when sentencing Lucio and would not have sentenced her to death.

In a statement released by her lawyers, Lucio said, “I thank God for my life. I have always trusted in Him. I am grateful the Court has given me the chance to live and prove my innocence. 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.”

Lucio’s case has been in the national news and has been featured on a documentary titled, “The State of Texas vs. Melissa” and has had high profile individuals like Kim Kardashian voice her support.

The group called Death Penalty Action sent a petition on Friday, April 22, 2022, and called upon Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz to rescind the execution warrant for Lucio. Death Penalty Action says Saenz could stop the execution be pulling that warrant.

Governor Greg Abbott said, “With regard to the death penalty that could arise next week. I still have not received a report from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. That’s a requirement for the governor to receive before any action is taken… when I receive that, I’ll consider it and take whatever action I think is appropriate.”