WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has taken the unusual step of asking the Supreme Court to stop Texas from executing a Mexican citizen convicted of raping and killing a 16-year-old girl.
The administration says the court should delay the planned July 7 execution of Humberto Leal for up to six months to give Congress time to consider legislation that would directly affect Leal's case.
The 38-year-old native of Monterrey, Mexico, wasn't told he could contact the Mexican consulate after his arrest for the murder of Adria Sauceda. His lawyers say police violated an international treaty by not telling Leal he could have consular assistance.
Legislation pending in the Senate would allow federal courts to review cases of condemned foreign nationals. Last week, a federal judge refused to delay the execution.
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