What is the story of Melissa Lucio, and what does her stay of execution mean for her case?
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Melissa Lucio is the first Hispanic woman sentenced to death in Texas.
But this afternoon she was granted a stay from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
The Texas woman was days away from her execution, which was scheduled for this Wednesday.
“I thank God for my life," Lucio said in a statement.
"I am grateful the Court has given me the chance to live and prove my innocence ... I am deeply grateful to everyone who prayed for me and spoke out on my behalf.”
Today, we take a closer look at Melissa Lucio’s story and what this breaking news means for her case.
Filmmaker Sabrina Van Tassel is here. She directed the 2020 documentary The State of Texas vs. Melissa.
A law professor with expertise in capital punishment and criminal law also joins us, as well as a Texas State Representative who prayed with Melissa on death row.
Guests:
- Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law
Sabrina Van Tassel
- French American journalist, director and writer of the documentary The State of Texas vs. Melissa
- Texas House of Representatives, 138th District, representing the Spring Branch area
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