I must say that I’m surprised that Justice Kennedy sent this up to the entire SCOTUS. The appeal had been shown to be without merit to several courts below. However, it now appears that Michael Morales final appeal has been denied and that justice will finally be done for his victim and her family.
Inset: Morales’ victim Terri Winchell.
From the Sacramento Bee:
U.S. high court denies killer’s bid for stay
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the execution of convicted killer Michael Morales, ending his legal battle to avoid the execution planned for just after midnight.
Justice Anthony Kennedy reviewed the case, then sent it to the full court, which denied Morales’ final appeal at 6:29 p.m. EST, according to court spokesman Ed Turner.
“The court entered orders denying the request for stays of execution,” he said.
The Supreme Court was the only legal option left for Morales, 46, who is scheduled to die from lethal injection at 12:01 a.m. at San Quentin State Prison for killing teenager Terri Winchell, of Lodi.