Mentally Retarded Man Scheduled for Execution in Texas
Arthur Lee Burton, a Texas man described by attorneys as mentally retarded, is facing execution for the murder of Nancy Adelman in July 1997. Adelman, a 48-year-old mother of three, was beaten and strangled with her own shoelaces near a jogging trail in Houston. Burton, now 54, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection at Huntsville State Prison.
Legal Battle Over Intellectual Disability
Burton’s attorneys have argued that he demonstrated low scores on tests of learning and reasoning, indicating severe intellectual functioning. They have presented evidence showing that he scored significantly below grade level on standardized tests and struggled with daily activities. However, prosecutors have contested these claims, stating that Burton did not raise the issue of mental retardation until shortly before his scheduled execution.
Despite a previous conviction in 1998, Burton’s death sentence was overturned in 2000. His attorneys have accused the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals of denying his intellectual disability claim based on outdated criteria.
Controversy Surrounding Execution
The case has sparked debate over the standards used to determine intellectual disability in death penalty cases. While the Supreme Court has banned executions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, states are given some discretion in evaluating such claims. The conflicting opinions from experts and legal authorities highlight the ongoing challenges in this complex legal issue.
As Burton’s execution date approaches, the legal battle continues, raising questions about the fairness and accuracy of the justice system in cases involving individuals with intellectual disabilities.
