Judge denies execution delay for death row inmate
A federal judge has denied the latest request to delay the execution of Idaho death row inmate Richard Leavitt.
The ruling issued Monday was part of a federal lawsuit filed in April by Leavitt and three other death row inmates over Idaho’s newest lethal injection procedures. Leavitt, who is scheduled to be put to death next Tuesday, has at least one other appeal pending in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge noted the nearing execution date, narrowing his decision Monday only to Leavitt’s claims.
No execution dates have yet been scheduled for the other three plaintiffs – Thomas E. Creech, James H. Hairston, and Gene Stuart. Lodge says those inmates will have additional time to respond to a motion from state officials seeking to dismiss the case.
