Texas appeals court stays next week's execution

Feb. 3 (UPI) -- The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday stayed the execution of Edward Busby, ordering that a lower court hear his claim of intellectual disability.

Busby, 48, was scheduled to be given the lethal injection Feb. 10 for the 2004 slaying of Laura Lee Crane, 77, in Fort Worth.

The Texas Christian University professor died after Busby covered her nose and mouth with duct tape while attempting to kidnap and rob her. He transported her in the trunk of a car and her body was found in Davis, Okla.

Busby's stay application said his execution would violate the 8th and 14th amendments, which ban cruel and unusual punishment, and provide equal protections under the law, respectively.

The appeals court ordered his case be returned to a trial court for review of his claims.

The state delayed Busby's last execution date in May 2020 citing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.