Execution of Mentally Ill Inmate to Proceed
From Times Wire Reports
The Supreme Court refused to halt the execution of a Texas death row inmate whose lawyers argue was mentally ill and unable to assist in his defense at his murder trial.
James Colburn, 42, was convicted of killing a woman in his home in 1994 and has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. His execution is scheduled for today.
The Supreme Court declared in June that executing mentally retarded murderers is unconstitutionally cruel. But the justices have refused blanket protection for all mentally ill people.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
