HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) - Condemned murderer Reginald Blanton
looked to the U.S. Supreme Court to keep him from the Texas death
chamber for a robbery-slaying in San Antonio more than nine years
ago.
     
The 28-year-old Blanton was set for lethal injection Tuesday
evening in Huntsville for the shooting death of 22-year-old Carlos
Garza at Garza's apartment.
     
Blanton maintained his innocence but a security video showed him
pawning two gold necklaces belonging to Garza about 20 minutes
after the shooting. He also was wearing jewelry identified as
Garza's when he was arrested.
     
Blanton's attorneys went to the Supreme Court trying to halt the
punishment. They argued his execution warrant was flawed, jury
selection at his trial may have been improper and earlier legal
help with his appeals was deficient.
     
     
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
     
AP-NY-10-27-09 0402EDT