Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Wood v. Ryan (9th Cir. - July 23, 2014)

Joseph Wood certainly has had a busy week.

He killed his ex-girlfriend and her father in 1989, and was sentenced to death.  The usual appeals and habeas petitions followed.  Finally, in 2012, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of his federal habeas claims.

Fast forward to last week.  It's about time to execute the sentence.  On Friday, the Ninth Circuit enters a couple of orders (here and here).  Then, on Saturday, the Ninth Circuit grants a preliminary injunction.

On Monday, a plethora of judges dissent from the denial of rehearing en banc. As well as predict that the Supreme Court will soon reverse.

They're right.  The next day (Tuesday), the Supreme Court reverses.  The same day, the Ninth Circuit denies Wood's latest appeal and his request for a stay.

Then, this morning, the Supreme Court also denies his request for a stay.

Which means that Wood's busy week is about to end.  Forever.  Since he's scheduled to be executed today.

And will be.