Texas Catholic Voice April 30, 2024

Death Penalty

We are overjoyed that the district judge in Cameron County has recommended to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that Melissa Lucio’s conviction be overturned. For those who may not remember this case, Melissa Lucio was sentenced to death 16 years ago for the death of her two-year-old daughter, Mariah.  

District Attorney Luis Saenz and Melissa’s defense cosigned a filing that evidence had been withheld by prosecutors during her 2008 trial for Mariah’s death. In 2022, Lucio was granted a stay of execution after much public outcry questioning the guilty verdict based on evidence of a coerced confession and the possibility that Mariah’s death was an accident. Melissa remains incarcerated, but her family is hopeful that the appeals court will find in her favor, and she will be freed. 

Another death row inmate has also been granted a reprieve. Thomas Gallo will not be executed due to his intellectual disability. He has been re-sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Destiny Flores. 

Sadly, two other men have been given new execution dates; Ramiro Gonzales on June 26 and Ruben Gutierrez on July 16. We continue to pray for all those on death row, their victims, the victims’ families, and for an end to the death penalty. 

Abortion 

In last month’s issue of the Voice, we discussed the Texas Medical Board’s proposed rule changes regarding exceptions to the ban on abortion. As promised, we are sharing the comments we submitted along with the Catholic Health Association of Texas. Pregnancy complications can be life threatening for both mother and baby and a life-limiting diagnosis of an unborn child is devastating. Some media and advocacy groups are exploiting tragic stories to expand so-called abortion rights. We will continue to advocate for the highest levels of authentic medical care and support for pregnant women, their unborn children, and their families. 

The Texas primary runoff is Tuesday, May 28, the day after Memorial Day. For a sample ballot, enter your address here. Let us pray that those in elected office will work for the common good.