The full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to reconsider a ruling from a three-judge panel of the court that rejected an appeal from a Texas death row inmate whose supporters contend was sentenced unfairly because of his race.
Attorneys for 52-year-old Duane Buck argue the legal help he received at his trial and in early stages of his appeals was deficient. The full court, in a 13-2 vote Monday, refused to rehear the three-judge panel's August rejection of his appeal.
Buck was condemned for the 1995 slaying of his ex-girlfriend and a man at her Houston apartment.
A psychologist testifying for the defense at his trial said black people were more likely to commit violence. Advocates for Buck, who is black, say that unfairly influenced the jury.
