Texas High Court Rejects Innocence Finding For Death Row Inmate Melissa Lucio
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected a bid for habeas relief by death row inmate Melissa Lucio on Thursday, September 24, 2026, leaving her on death row in Texas.[1]
The 5-4 decision overturned Cameron County Judge Arturo Nelson's earlier finding that Lucio was "actually innocent" in the 2007 death of her daughter, Mariah Alvarez.[1] Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz has said a predecessor withheld evidence, and Lucio's lawyers said they will ask a federal court to intervene.[1]
Mariah Alvarez died in 2007.[1] Lucio's scheduled execution was halted in April 2022 when the state court ordered a fresh review of the evidence.[1] Saenz's April 2024 statement that a predecessor withheld evidence renewed attention and prompted new filings.[1] Her lawyers say their next move will be to ask a federal court to step in and review the decision.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a 5-4 decision rejecting habeas relief for Melissa Lucio.
- The ruling overturns Cameron County Judge Arturo Nelson's prior finding that Lucio was "actually innocent" in the 2007 death of her daughter, Mariah Alvarez.
- Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz had said in April 2024 that his predecessor withheld evidence favorable to Lucio, and Lucio's lawyers plan to ask a federal court to intervene.
- The court previously halted Lucio's scheduled April 2022 execution to order a fresh review of the evidence.
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