By BJ Austin, KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – A federal appeals court has rejected an appeal from a convicted killer sent to death row for a drug-related double slaying in suburban Dallas more than nine years ago.
The ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals moves 30-year-old Steven Michael Woods Jr. closer to execution. The case involves the deaths of 21-year-old Ronald Whitehead of Dallas and 19-year-old Bethena Brosz of Denton.
The victims were found May 2, 2001, dumped along a golf course road near The Colony, a suburb midway between Dallas and Denton. Both were shot in the head and had their throats cut.
Woods argued in his appeal that his trial attorneys were deficient for not fully investigating and presenting mitigating evidence during the punishment phase of his trial in Denton in 2002.
Jury pool quizzed about politics at DeLay trial
Potential jurors in the Austin corruption trial of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay were quizzed about politics.
Attorneys asked the jury pool members Tuesday about whether their political beliefs could interfere in their ability to make an impartial decision.
DeLay is accused of illegally funneling corporate money to help Republicans in Texas legislative races in 2002.
DeLay has denied the allegations and says the charges were politically motivated.
He's charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Most in the jury pool said they could be fair, but one man who said he was a Democrat doubted his own impartiality because of his "distaste for the Republican party and the way they behave."
Testimony is expected to begin Monday.
Mayors Make World Series Bet
The Mayors of Arlington and San Francisco have made their "bet" on the World Series - which begins tomorrow night.
Mayor Robert Cluck, and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome say the loser will travel to the winning city for a day of community service. In San Francisco, the Junior Giants - a youth baseball program will benefit. In Arlington, it's the Miracle League, a youth program affiliated with the Rangers and Mission Arlington.
And the losing Mayor will also send the traditional "food" offering. Mayor Cluck is offering Spring Creek barbeque. Mayor Newsome: Dungeness crab and sourdough bread.