Appeals Court Judge Seeks Dismissal Of Wrongful Death Lawsuit
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Appeals Court Judge Seeks Dismissal Of Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A state appeals court judge who refused to keep her court open for an 11th hour death row appeal is seeking dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widow of the executed inmate.
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(December 16, 2007)--The judge who prevented a convicted killer from making a last-minute appeal by not extending office hours has asked a federal judge to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit filed against her by the executed man's widow.

Judge Sharon Keller acknowledges as the chief administrator of the Court of Criminal Appeals that she could have ordered the clerk's office to remain open.

But she says she would have to make such an order only if she considered it "necessary or advisable."

Keller refused to allow the Court of Criminal Appeals to stay open past 5 p.m. on Sept. 25, even though attorneys for Richard had called and asked for extra time to file their appeal because of computer problems.

Richard was put to death hours later for the rape and murder of a Houston-area woman and mother of seven.

Keller's refusal to keep the court open outraged defense attorneys and civil rights activists and led to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Richard's widow, Marsha.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Roy Location: copperas cove on Dec 17, 2007 at 08:02 AM

the criminal should get the same right to appeal as he gave his victem,NONE!
Posted by: B Location: Central Texas on Dec 16, 2007 at 10:14 PM

Did the convicted offer his victim an extention to appeal before he raped and murdered her? Why should we allow criminals the opportunity to appeal numerous times when their victims did not have the same right.
Posted by: jesse Location: coopperas cove on Dec 16, 2007 at 01:12 PM

this lawsuit is a joke! maybe the victim's family should sue the ... wife!
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