WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court rejected on Tuesday a last-ditch appeal by a Mexican muderer on Texas death row, paving the way for him to be put to death despite a world court order for a stay of execution.
A Mexican national convicted of murder is scheduled to be put to death in Texas on Tuesday in defiance of an International Court of Justice order to halt his execution.
Jose Ernesto Medellin, convicted of the 1993 rape and murder of two teenagers, is among 51 Mexicans on death row. But their government has complained they were not informed of their right to consular access and assistance during trial, a right under the Vienna Convention.
Medellin's request for a reprieve was unanimously turned down on Monday by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. His fate lies in the hands of Texas Governor Rick Perry, who is expected to make an announcement on the issue, his spokeswoman said.