Texas Executes Inmate Who Changed Spiritual Advisor Role for Death Row Prisoners
Associated Press reporters Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk write in a wire piece for USA Today, “A Texas death row inmate whose case redefined the role of spiritual advisors in death chambers nationwide was executed Wednesday, despite the efforts of a district attorney to stop his lethal injection.” The inmate, John Henry Ramirez, won his Supreme Court case last term, arguing that a spiritual advisor should be allowed to touch him during his execution. The ruling was a landmark victory for inmates’ religious liberty rights across the country. Ramirez’s pastor, Dana Moore, placed his hand on Ramirez’s chest for the duration of his execution and offered a final prayer before his passing.