Court delays would-be president’s deadly run

A STAY-of-execution has delayed American presidential hopeful and Texas governor Rick Perry from ordering the death of his 236th condemned prisoner, but has done little to dent his record on the issue.

The US Supreme Court has ordered that convicted murderer Duane Buck be reprieved as it investigates claims that racially biased statements played a role in him being sentenced to die.

But those hoping the decision brings any reduction in the rate of executions in Texas are likely to be disappointed – two more convicts are expected to die next week. With the issue a vote winner in the race to become the Republican Party’s presidential candidate, Governor Perry is unlikely to show leniency.

Mr Perry has already presided over the executions of 235 convicted murderers – more than any other governor since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. Polls show that support in America for the death penalty has dropped in recent years, from 80 per cent in the mid-1990s to around 64 per cent last year, but it is still a touchstone issue for conservatives. In a recent Republican debate, the audience applauded the mere mention of Mr Perry’s record.

The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the execution of Buck, 48, meant Mr Perry did not have to rule on the case. Lawyers for the convict argued that sentencing was influenced by a psychologist who told jurors that ‘black people were more likely to commit violence and reoffend”.

Buck, who shot dead his former girlfriend and her boyfriend in 1995, was praying in his cell when he heard the news. He responded with the words “Praise the Lord!” officials said, adding: “God is worthy to be praised. God’s mercy triumphs over judgment.”