[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----TEXAS

[Rick Halperin]

July 27



TEXAS----impending execution

Appeals court refuses to halt Texas execution


A federal appeals court Thursday refused to block the scheduled execution of a 
Texas prisoner who killed a San Antonio woman more than 13 years ago.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from lawyers for 
46-year-old TaiChin Preyor.

The attorneys contend he received deficient legal help during earlier stages of 
his appeals and he deserves a reprieve so his appeals can be reviewed more 
fairly.

They argue an inexperienced California attorney who handled earlier federal 
appeals in his case was "utterly unqualified" and that her use of a disbarred 
lawyer for guidance perpetrated a fraud on the courts.

His lawyers say they'll now take their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Preyor would be the fifth Texas inmate put to death this year and the 16th 
nationally if his lethal injection is carried out Thursday evening.

He was convicted of breaking into the San Antonio apartment of 24-year-old Jami 
Tackett in February 2004 and fatally slashing her.

Court documents show she was his drug supplier.

(source: Associated Press)