This undated photo provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, shows Texas death row inmate Ivan Cantu. A Texas judge has stopped next week's scheduled execution of Cantu, who has long claimed his innocence, for more time to review his claims that he was convicted more than 20 years ago with false testimony and questionable evidence. Ivan Cantu had been condemned for the fatal shooting of his cousin, James Mosqueda and his cousin's girlfriend, Amy Kitchen during a November 2000 robbery at their north Dallas home. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP)
HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas judge has stopped next week’s scheduled execution of a death row inmate who has long said he’s innocent so there can be more time to review his claims that he was convicted more than 20 years ago with false testimony and questionable evidence.
Ivan Cantu had been condemned for the fatal shooting of his cousin, James Mosqueda, 27, and his cousin’s girlfriend, Amy Kitchen, 22, during a November 2000 robbery at their north Dallas home. Cantu has long claimed he is innocent.
Cantu, 49, had been set for execution April 26. But state District Judge Benjamin Smith in Collin County, where Cantu was convicted, on Wednesday withdrew the execution date, saying more review is needed of the inmate’s new claims.
Bill Wirskye, first assistant district attorney with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, declined to comment.
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