Inmate who fought rules on prayer executed
A Texas death row inmate whose case redefined the role of spiritual advisers in death chambers nationwide was executed Wednesday evening, despite the efforts of a district attorney to stop his lethal injection.
John Henry Ramirez, 38, was executed at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. He was convicted of killing 46-yearold Pablo Castro in 2004 as he took out the trash while working at a convenience store in Corpus Christi.
Prosecutors said Ramirez robbed Castro of $1.25, then stabbed him 29 times. Castro’s killing took place during a series of robberies conducted by Ramirez and two women following a threeday drug binge. Ramirez fled to Mexico but was arrested3½ years later.
Ramirez challenged state prison rules that prevented his pastor from touching him and praying aloud during his execution, saying his religious freedom was being violated. That challenge led to his execution being delayed as well as the executions of others.
In March, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Ramirez, saying states must accommodate the wishes of death row inmates who want to have their faith leaders pray and touch them during their executions.
Ramirez’s case took another turn in April when current Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez asked a judge to withdraw the death warrant and delay the execution, saying it had been requested by mistake. Gonzalez said he considers the death penalty “unethical.”
He did not return a phone call or email seeking comment.
In June, a judge declined Gonzalez’ request to withdraw Wednesday’s execution date. Last month, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declined to even consider the request.
Ramirez was the third inmate put to death this year in Texas and the 11th in the U.S. Two more executions are scheduled this year in Texas, both in November.