Jose Medellin

The Mexican government is trying its hardest to stop the execution of Jose Medellin, a Mexican national who's supposed to be executed this week in Texas. The Mexicans say it isn't fair because Medellin, who's been on Death Row for 14 years, wasn't given access to their consulate after his arrest. (He didn't ask, and nobody told him he could.)

For those keeping score at home, Medellin has been in the U.S. since he was 3. He's about as Mexican as Taco Bell. He was part of a group of teenagers that gang-raped, then beat to death two teenage girls. He gave authorities a written confession.

The World Court wants to stop the execution. So does the White House, for that matter. Texas officials, though, say they're only bound to follow the Constitution.

UPDATE: Here's a site telling more about the crime, and what happened to the girls, Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena. (Thanks, Vibiana, for the idea.)

(AP Photo/Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

Comments

[Vibiana]

James: For those readers who aren't aware of what Medellin and his pals did, google the names "Jennifer Ertman" and "Elizabeth Pena." The story of the crime will sicken you. This guy should have been taken out behind the courthouse and shot in the head right after the guilty verdict.

[liberal]

Who cares about the opinions of the World Court and the Mexican gov't? Mexico's elite continue to exploit their own and are exporting their problems to the US through illegal immigration!

[liberal]

Who cares about the opinions of the World Court and the Mexican gov't? Mexico's elite continue to exploit their own and are exporting their problems to the US through illegal immigration!

[kmw]

there's no link...

[The_Golfer]

Link works for me.

[Searching]

I dont get why Mexico would want this sick SOB to live!

[Truth Teller]

Bye Bye Bad Guy

[Mike M]

They should release him.

Hold a big news conference on the courthouse steps. Make a big show of releasing the handcuffs ...

and then see how far he gets ...

Why is this SUDDENLY important to the World Court and our President? This person has been on death row for 14 years (and has known for the last 10 that he could have contacted Mexico) but only now is this a big thing ...

I feel that if you are sentenced to death, then it is you and your lawyer's jobs to resolve any and all appeal issues before your special date. And if you confessed to the crime, then no appeal should be allowed.

[CGo]

As Mexican as Taco Bell? Excuse me, but Taco Bell is the corporate child of Glen Bell [No Mexicanos there!]

Now, people make a relevant argument, I am sick of reading anti-immigrant sentiment..this country would be nothing without the support of immigrants (of all countries, not just Latinos).

Regardless of the crime, no one deserves the death penalty- I could never sondone the tragic death of the girls, but this execution could never be closure and is rather a temporary relief for this society's blood thirst.

[Vibiana]

CGo: Jennifer and Elizabeth didn't deserve to die. This guy doesn't deserve to live. Don't call it closure--call it JUSTICE.

[Marisa H.]

I do not agree with the death penalty, I think that life in general population instead of death row would be a more appropriate sentence. If they are in general population, their chances of survival are cut back dramatically, no one likes a person who hurts children, even other criminals. Even killers have kids. Nothing that we do now is going to bring those two young girls back, all we are doing is causing someone else's family (the Medellin family) more pain. His parents have already lost 2 out of their 3 sons to the system, now we are going to murder him in the name of justice, how in the hell is that a solution?! We teach our kids that two wrongs don't make a right, so what exactly is it that we are practicing? I wouldn't expect this kind of thing out of the United States, although Texas, I'm not surprised at all, which is very sad. Texas should be ashamed...

[Jules]

Strap him to the gurney and send him on his way to hell. The death penalty is the perfect solution for this animal.

[scott]

Vibiana the last time I checked Texas was part of the United states, and they have chosen to end the life of a scumbag. Good for them. if you cant do the time/punishment dont do the crime. we need more sentences like this to curb the violance that has taken over our cities. Way to go Texas lead the way.