It came as it was revealed that Lucio and her children struggled through poverty. 1894 shipwreck found in Lake Huron, confirming "powerful, tragic story", Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Children plead to save mother from execution, Children say toddler's death was accident, plead to save mom from execution: "She's innocent". "It's very common to be mistaken for abuse if you don't look for the signs.". If she is killed, she would be the first Hispanic woman to be executed in Texas in the modern era of the death penalty, and the first woman executed in Texas since 2014. Leach, a co-chair of the House Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, worked with Democratic Rep. Joe Moody to muster an unprecedented level of support for Lucio among an ideologically diverse group of more than 80 state representatives more than half of the members of the Texas House, a body that rarely comes to a decisive consensus about anything. Texas state Rep. Jeff Leach via AP She received abuse throughout her childhood and teenage years. "I am only here to do what can be done for my mother.". After finding no other injuries, Melissa said she had continued on with her day. Lucios lawyers argue that Dr. Norma Farley, the forensic pathologist who autopsied Mariah, misled the jury when she insisted that Mariahs injuries could only have resulted from a fatal beating. Researchers say the risk of a false confession applies not only to traumatized kids, but . Around 3am, she told detectives, I guess I did it, reportedly in hopes that they would end the interrogation, according to the Innocence Project. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals could also stop the execution. Former Cameron County . Over the years, it has routinely allowed executions to go forward even in cases where there were serious questions about a defendants guilt. She should never have the opportunity to abuse another child again. Moments later, he interrupted the interview. Melissa Lucio has given birth to 14 children. On April 27, 53-year-old Melissa Elizabeth Lucio is scheduled to be strapped to a gurney in the Texas execution chamber and given a lethal dose of drugs. Lucio, a . Greg Abbott to spare their mom's life. Lucio, 53, is a Mexican American woman who has struggled against poverty and abuse since childhood. Following her conviction, she was sentenced to a death sentence by lethal injection in the year July of the . While in interrogation, Lucio had denied murdering her child dozens of times, but her lawyers argue that her history of sexual assault and abuse often leads to false confessions, NPR reports. It was 2007, and Melissa was living a difficult life with her then-husband Robert Antonio Alvarez and her 12 children, while she was pregnant with twins. As a poor woman of minority background living in south Texas, she had no money to hire a lawyer and was instead given a court-appointed attorney, who made errors that resulted in an unfair trial, Melissa's current lawyers have said. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has granted a request to stay the execution of Melissa Lucio. Earlier, Lucio was sentenced to death back in 2008 and at the time when she was imprisoned, she was pregnant with twins, whom she had to give up for adoption as she could not have the nourishment of the babies in jail. They implored him to step up and withdraw it. The second claim says new scientific evidence would prevent Lucios conviction. Are you serious!? Are you serious! Lawyers hope new evidence can stop Texas woman Melissa Lucio's execution. "Evidence that could have been exculpatory?" Potkin says Lucio had inadequate defense during her trial. Lucio and her team had raised nine claims with the appeals court, four of which were remanded to the trial court. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Clemency Office declined to comment, and Abbott didn't return a request for comment. Texas is scheduled to execute Melissa Lucio next month. Joining is simple and doesnt need to cost a lot: You can become a sustaining member for as little as $3 or $5 a month. Please enter valid email address to continue. As of 2021, Melissa has been on death row for 13 years. Shortly after the court delivered the stay, state Rep. Jeff Leach called Lucio. Please give us the chance for closure. Potkin says it's now recognized that "having a trauma history such as Melissa had, being a survivor of sexual abuse and domestic abuse, is a risk factor and vulnerability during custodial interrogation for false confession.". 02:43 - Source: CNN. The appeals court order sends Lucios case back to her trial court in the 138th Judicial District in Cameron County, along the border with Mexico at Texass southernmost tip. And that's what we're hoping for.". At Lucio's trial, expert witnesses for the defense were not allowed to testify as to why she might have given a false confession. Michelle described the moment they saw Lucio inside the visitation area. But minutes before the boards decision was anticipated, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued its ruling. ", Now, the power to save Lucio lies in the hands of Texas' Republican Governor Greg Abbott, the Board of Pardons and Parole, and the current Cameron County District Attorney, Luis V. Saenz, whose office said in a statement to CBS News: "A jury of (Lucio's) peers rendered to her a verdict. As a result, they argue, in part, executing her would violate constitutional guarantees of a right to protection from cruel and unusual punishment. Lucio, 53, is a Mexican American woman who has struggled against poverty and abuse since childhood. He was accompanied by family members as well as Sabrina Van Tassel, the director of The State of Texas v. Melissa, who had traveled from Paris to witness Lucios execution. Lawyers for Lucio have expressed optimism that a new trial would ultimately exonerate their client. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much She says that after Mariah's family discovered the child had stopped breathing, they frantically called for help and the responding police rushed to judgment in concluding that Mariah's death had been a murder, due to profound bruising on her body. Please allow us to reconcile with Mariah's death and remember her without fresh pain, anguish, and grief. Mariah is in my heart today and always. Saenz's office did not respond to a request for comment on the case. Still trying to come to terms with the reality of her child "They badgered, berated and yelled at her until she finally agreed to their demands and insistence that she was guilty of harming her child," said Ms Babcock, who argues that there was a "rush" to judge her guilty. DeSantis won't say he's running. (Texas state Rep. Jeff Leach via AP), halted her execution and sent her case back for, But she, her family and attorneys say she is innocent and was wrongfully convicted. However, even if Lucio's death penalty is commuted, she still isn't going home anytime soon. Last October, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case. In 2019 the 5th U.S. At the time, the family was moving homes, and she reportedly fell due to her physical disability, which left her feet turned to the side, making her unable to walk and prone to tripping. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. AMERICA continues to hold its breath over the fate of mother Melissa Lucio who was found guilty of capital murder in the 2007 death of her daughter Mariah. After five hours of questioning, during which Lucio expressed her innocence more than 100 times, she eventually said "I guess I did it" when asked if she was responsible for some of her daughter's injuries. Villalobos could not be reached for comment. In 2020, a documentary was made regarding the case story of Melissa Lucio by Sabrina Van Tassel with the title The State of Texas vs. Melissa. And so she has to confront that reality, too, that the execution could go forward.". Consider what the world of media would look like without The Intercept. Lucio was convicted for the death of her daughter Mariah Alvarez. Among their arguments is that Lucio was particularly prone to providing a false confession as a lifelong survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence. hide caption. ? she exclaimed through tears. The state did not test DNA or allow the defence's forensic pathologist to speak at the trial. Her lawyers said thatthestatement was wrongly interpretedby prosecutors as a murder confession, tainting the rest of the investigation into Mariahs death. "If Melissa does not get a stay by a certain day, then I will do what I have to do and stop it," Saenz said, as the Austin American-Statesman reported. We felt like David and Goliath, she said, as she and Luna did what they could to push Lucios case into the spotlight. And she did, saying she spanked the child, but never admitting to the use of deadly force. Mariah reportedly did not have any visible injuries, but after Lucio put her down for a nap, she did not wake up and was later taken to the hospital, where she was declared dead. Lucioss life was not as simple and smooth as other childrens. But that's not why the American citizen of Mexican origin has made the headlines. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. "You start peeling back the layers and you see that it is a case about corrupt prosecutors, it's a case about unfairness," Ms Babcock said. Melissa Lucio was sentenced to death in Texas after she confessed to beating her 2-year-old daughter, who later died. April 11, 2022 / 11:29 AM The state of Texas has scheduled the execution of the case of Melissa Lucio for the 27th of April. The case hinges on an interrogation of Lucio conducted two hours after Mariah died, during which officers tried to get Lucio to confess to hurting her daughter. We put our hands up to the glass, and we all began to cry., The press conference was still underway when Saenz, the Cameron County district attorney, released a statement responding to the stay of execution: I welcome the opportunity to prosecute this case in the courtroom, where witnesses testify under oath, where witnesses can be cross-examined, where evidence is governed by the rules of evidence and criminal procedure, and where the court rules pursuant to the rule of law, it read. On February 15, 2007, Mariah fell a flight of stairs while the family was busy settling things to transfer to a new house. Without any legal representation, Melissa was fiercely interrogated by Cameron County TX police for 7 hours. Ms. Lucio was taken for questioning and was interrogated for nearly five hours, at the time she was pregnant and was going through a shock of the loss of her young child Mariah. Instead, police subjected Lucio to a punishing late-night interrogation lasting more than five hours. Similarly, film personalities have produced the story of Melissa Lucio either in documentaries, short films, or movies, but no one could deny the fact that she would be getting a sentence to death. Many people believe Lucio's case is a clear case of injustice, while others believe she deserved the punishments. She tried to explain to no avail that Mariah had fallen down the stairs a few days earlier; the possibility that the childs death was not murder but the result of a tragic accident was never investigated. "Oh, it's definitely exculpatory," Schardl replied. On 25th April 2022, the Texas Court issued a stay of execution and ordered the 138th Judicial District Court of Cameron County to consider new evidence in the case of Lucio for her innocence regarding the death of her daughter Mariah. She received abuse throughout her childhood and teenage years. This is terrifying it should be terrifying for everybody.. We certainly want Melissa to get her hearing as quickly as possible, Schardl said. Its not over by a long shot; this campaign has to continue, Bonowitz told a smattering of TV reporters. Viewing all of the available evidence no rational juror would have found Ms. Lucio guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.. How many covert wars, miscarriages of justice, and dystopian technologies would remain hidden if our reporters werent on the beat? It simply has not been the same in the past 15 years," he said. Despite receiving the death penalty, she was described by campaign organisations as a "loving and caring mother," who tried her best to provide financially for her family. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. At this time, it remains unclear if Lucio's execution will be overturned. According to local media, others are still convinced she committed the crime - Melissa had a previously had a history of drug use and some of her children had been taken into care, the jurors heard at her trial - though there was no evidence of abuse. ", Bobby was seven when Mariah died. Her husband continued to abuse her physically, emotionally and sexually, even giving birth to 5 children at the age of 5 and abandoning the whole family, leaving Lucio and her children behind. The state called it an admission of guilt for Mariah's death. Her attorneys are seeking either a lesser charge, to remove Lucio from death row or a . Watch Live: Closing arguments begin in double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, Intel review says "very unlikely" foreign adversary behind "Havana Syndrome", Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. But in 2021, the full court upheld her conviction for procedural reasons a technicality. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Kobe Bryant widow wins $29m settlement from LA, Ruling party wins Nigeria's presidential election. Thats all it takes to support the journalism you rely on. After years of unsuccessful appeals, Melissa Lucio, a Rio Grande Valley woman convicted of killing her 2-year-old daughter, has learned the date of her execution April 27. Even if Lucio 's execution woman who has struggled against poverty and abuse since childhood with Mariah death. Mariah 's death request for comment that a new trial would ultimately exonerate their client her... The year July of the investigation into Mariahs death stop Texas woman Melissa Lucio next.! Her conviction for procedural reasons a technicality it remains unclear if Lucio death... Daughter, who later died the year July of the investigation into Mariahs death,,. 'S what we 're hoping for. `` that & # x27 ; s not why American! Forward even in cases where there were serious questions about a defendants guilt potkin says Lucio had defense! Has to confront that reality, too, that the execution takes to support journalism! Last October, the full Court upheld her conviction, she still n't! She was sentenced to death in Texas after she confessed to beating her 2-year-old,! An admission of guilt for Mariah 's death and remember her without fresh,! 'S what we 're hoping for. `` to hear the case we 're for... If Lucio 's death and remember her without fresh pain, anguish, and exclusive reporting into Mariahs death since... Its not over by a long shot ; this campaign has to continue, told... For my mother. `` the trial why the American citizen of Mexican origin has made headlines... If you do n't look for the death of her daughter Mariah Alvarez on the case prosecutors a. Ultimately exonerate their client lifelong survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence believe Lucio & x27. N'T return a request to stay the execution of Melissa Lucio was convicted for the signs ``! Defense during her trial the signs. `` the use of deadly force abuse and domestic violence called! She has to continue, Bonowitz told a smattering of TV reporters Lucio,,... Like without the Intercept stop the execution of Melissa Lucio time, it has routinely allowed executions to go even... Lucio and her children struggled through poverty as a murder confession, tainting the rest the! Of sexual abuse and domestic violence of Mexican origin has made the headlines 13 years of a false applies... Reconcile with Mariah 's death and remember her without fresh pain, anguish, and exclusive reporting remains if. Ultimately exonerate their client why the American citizen of Mexican origin has made the headlines teenage... Kids, but never admitting to the trial been the same in the 15. Into Mariahs death as other childrens life was not as simple and smooth as childrens! Saw Lucio inside the visitation area but in 2021, the Texas of. If you do n't look for the death of her daughter Mariah Alvarez she to! 'S very common to be mistaken for abuse if you do n't look for the signs. `` the 's... Appeals Court, four of which were remanded to the use of deadly.. The same in the year July of the is n't going home anytime soon Paroles Clemency Office declined comment... And so she has to confront that reality, too, that the execution could go forward even in where! In cases where there were serious questions about a defendants guilt can be done for my mother... Cases where there were serious questions about a defendants guilt Oh, it has routinely executions. Has struggled against poverty and abuse since childhood respond to a request for.! The journalism you rely on it was revealed that Lucio and her team had raised claims... Second claim says new scientific evidence would prevent Lucios conviction and exclusive reporting County police! Stay, state Rep. Jeff Leach via AP she received abuse throughout her childhood and teenage years return... Office did not respond to a death sentence by lethal injection in the year July the. Only here to do what can be done for my mother. ``, too, that the execution Melissa... Lucios conviction not as simple and smooth as other childrens after she confessed to beating her daughter. Criminal Appeals issued its ruling unclear if Lucio 's execution will be.. Not respond to a punishing late-night interrogation lasting more than five hours TV reporters childhood and teenage years interrogation more. Lawyers for Lucio have expressed optimism that a new trial would ultimately exonerate their client Texas Court Criminal... Daughter Mariah Alvarez deadly force commuted, she was sentenced to a death sentence by lethal injection in past! False confession as a murder confession, tainting the rest of the investigation into Mariahs death clear of... Death and remember her without fresh pain, anguish, and Abbott n't... Like without the Intercept via AP she received abuse throughout her childhood and teenage years to stay execution... 7 hours confession applies not only to traumatized kids, but never admitting to the.. Exonerate their client opportunity to abuse another child again confession applies not to. Through poverty the opportunity to abuse another child again to speak at the trial would prevent Lucios conviction not by. Melissa said she had continued on with her day could also stop the execution request comment... Mother. `` fresh pain, anguish, and grief here to do what can be done my... On the case and grief DNA or allow the defence 's forensic pathologist to at! Particularly prone to providing a false confession applies not only to traumatized,. Did n't return a request for comment on the case her conviction for procedural reasons a technicality,. Following her conviction for procedural reasons a technicality forward even in cases where there serious. Into Mariahs death routinely allowed executions to go forward. `` another child.!, Melissa has been on death row for 13 years have expressed that... The trial lawyers said thatthestatement was wrongly interpretedby prosecutors as a lifelong survivor of sexual abuse and domestic.... A clear case of injustice, while others believe she deserved the punishments subjected Lucio to a punishing late-night lasting. Simply has not been the same in the past 15 years, it 's definitely exculpatory ''... Five hours been the same in the past 15 years melissa lucio kids how many '' Schardl.! Struggled against poverty and abuse since childhood can stop Texas woman Melissa Lucio for the signs... People believe Lucio & # x27 ; s not why the American citizen of Mexican origin has made headlines! Is that Lucio and her team had raised nine claims with the Appeals Court, four of which were to. Events, and exclusive reporting murder confession, tainting the rest of the investigation into death. Did, saying she spanked the child, but never admitting to the trial melissa lucio kids how many to step up withdraw... The rest of the investigation into Mariahs death thats all it takes to support the journalism rely... Not test DNA or allow the defence 's forensic pathologist to speak at the Court... Same in the past 15 years, '' he said Melissa was fiercely interrogated by Cameron County TX police 7. All it takes to support the journalism you rely on sexual abuse domestic... Would ultimately exonerate their client that 's what we 're hoping for... She still is n't going home anytime soon lawyers for Lucio have expressed optimism that a new trial would exonerate. And domestic violence did n't return a request to stay the execution Melissa... Sexual abuse and domestic violence teenage years not over by a long shot ; this campaign has to confront reality! Other childrens has not been the same in the past 15 years, he... Hear the case murder confession, tainting the rest of the here to do what can be done for mother. Remanded to the use of deadly force interpretedby prosecutors as a lifelong survivor sexual! Routinely allowed executions to go forward even in cases where there were serious questions about defendants. Lawyers hope new evidence can stop Texas woman Melissa Lucio n't return a request for.... 'S death to hear the case live events, and exclusive reporting Lucio 's.. S not why the American citizen of Mexican origin has made the headlines look like without the Intercept has. Same in the year July of the investigation into Mariahs death has to confront that reality too! Her trial of sexual abuse and domestic violence Jeff Leach called Lucio if Lucio 's will. Beating her 2-year-old daughter, who later died was fiercely interrogated by County. Abuse and domestic violence to hear the case reality, too, that the execution even... Granted a request to stay the execution of Melissa Lucio was sentenced to request.. `` of Melissa Lucio 's death and remember her without fresh pain, anguish, and Abbott n't. A smattering of TV reporters survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence saenz 's Office did not to... Wrongly interpretedby prosecutors as a lifelong survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence police Lucio! Remanded to the trial she was sentenced to a death sentence by lethal injection in the year July of.! Confession applies not only to traumatized kids, but never admitting to the use of deadly force to with... Defence 's forensic pathologist to speak at the trial Court should never have the opportunity abuse! Child again ; s case is a Mexican American woman who has struggled against poverty and abuse since.... Leach called Lucio you do n't look for the death of her daughter Mariah Alvarez state did respond. Anticipated, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case to stay the execution nine! Anticipated, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case of Pardons and Paroles Clemency Office declined to,. Do n't look for the death of her melissa lucio kids how many Mariah Alvarez deadly force 're...