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Texas Defies UN, Executes Killer

World Court had ordered hearing

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2008 2:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – A Mexican national convicted of raping and murdering two girls was executed in Texas yesterday in defiance of an international court. Attorneys for Jose Medellin, 33, had argued that authorities violated an international treaty when Medellin was denied access to Mexican consular officials after his arrest, reports the Houston Chronicle. The United Nations world court ordered a hearing on the issue 4 years ago, but Texas officials refused.   

Medellin apologized for his crimes in his final statement. "I'm sorry that my actions brought you pain," he said. "I hope this brings you the closure that you seek.'' A friend of the family of one of the victims said: "The girls didn't get a second chance, why should he?" But a legal expert warned that Americans abroad could be hurt when other nations ignore similar treaties.

Jose Medellin was executed in Huntsville, Texas Tuesday for the gang rape and murder of Elizabeth Pena, 16, and Jennifer Ertman, 14, during a gang initiation.
Jose Medellin was executed in Huntsville, Texas Tuesday for the gang rape and murder of Elizabeth Pena, 16, and Jennifer Ertman, 14, during a gang initiation.   (AP Photo/Texas Department of Criminal Justice, File)
Elizabeth Pena, left, and Jennifer Ertman who were murdered in Houston in June 1993 by Jose Medellin and other members of a street gang.
Elizabeth Pena, left, and Jennifer Ertman who were murdered in Houston in June 1993 by Jose Medellin and other members of a street gang.   (AP Photo)
The Texas death chamber in which Jose Medellin was executed Tuesday.
The Texas death chamber in which Jose Medellin was executed Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
A Texas Department of Criminal Justice officer walks past the Huntsville Prision Unit during the execution of Mexican-born death row inmate Jose Medellin, Tuesday.
A Texas Department of Criminal Justice officer walks past the Huntsville Prision Unit during the execution of Mexican-born death row inmate Jose Medellin, Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Silverbow7
Jan 13, 2010 11:09 AM CST
This site tells the details of the attack and explains why Texas ignored the UN as well as Pres. Bush.... http://www.murdervictims.com/v...

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