The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a rare stay of execution for David Leonard Wood, convicted in the notorious "Desert Killer" case, just 48 hours before his scheduled execution. Wood, who has been on Texas Death Row for nearly four decades, was convicted of the murders of six women and girls in El Paso in 1987. The stay of execution was issued "until further order of this court" without explanation, leaving many questions unanswered.
The victims, aged between 14 and 24, were found in shallow graves in the same desert area in northeastern El Paso. The local media dubbed the case the "Desert Killer," capturing public attention due to the heinous nature and the number of victims. Despite the conviction, no DNA evidence linked Wood to the murders, raising doubts about the strength of the state's case against him.
A Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
David Leonard Wood's conviction relied heavily on circumstantial evidence. The jury found him guilty based on two jailhouse informants' testimonies, who claimed Wood confessed to the killings. Additionally, a sex worker testified that Wood raped her in the same desert area where the victims' bodies were discovered. However, no direct DNA evidence connected him to the crimes.
"It's incomprehensible to me how little evidence there is," said Gregory Wiercioch, Wood’s attorney.
Only three pieces of evidence out of hundreds were ever tested: fingernail scrapings from one victim and bloodstains on the clothing of two others. The tests on the fingernail scraping and one bloodstain were inconclusive, further questioning the conviction's validity. Despite these gaps, Wood was sentenced to death, a decision that has remained controversial over the years.
Victims and Public Reaction
The victims included 14-year-old Dawn Marie Smith, 15-year-old Desiree Wheatley, 17-year-old Angelica Frausto, 20-year-old Karen Baker, 23-year-old Ivy Susanna Williams, and 24-year-old Rosa Maria Casio. Their tragic deaths left a lasting impact on their families and the El Paso community. The discovery of their bodies in shallow graves highlighted the brutal nature of these crimes.
"It’s clear that the signature aspect of these murders was the shallow graves in this dark, isolated desert area," commented El Paso Assistant District Attorney Karen Shook.
Despite the stay of execution, emotions remain high among the victims' families and the community. Marcia Fulton, a relative of one of the victims, expressed disappointment but also noted a resigned acceptance of the lengthy legal process.
"Victims have no justice system. Disappointed yes, but it's not like I am waiting for him to die," she remarked.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
The decision by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to issue a stay of execution comes amid ongoing debates about the reliability of convictions based solely on circumstantial evidence. Wood has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
"I’ve never confessed anything to anybody about anything," Wood stated emphatically.
The stay opens up potential avenues for further legal challenges and reviews of the evidence. With the case drawing significant attention due to its complexity and the length of time Wood has spent on Death Row, it underscores the importance of thoroughly examining all aspects of evidence in capital cases.
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