Opinion
NO. WR-55,161-02
06-18-2014
EX PARTE ERIC DEWAYNE CATHEY
ON APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS IN CAUSE
NO. 713189-B IN THE 176 DISTRICT COURT
HARRIS COUNTY
Per Curiam.
ORDER
This is a subsequent application for writ of habeas corpus filed pursuant to the provisions of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 11.071, § 5.
In March 1997, a jury convicted Applicant of the offense of capital murder. The jury answered the special issues submitted pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure article 37.071, and the trial court, accordingly, set punishment at death. This Court affirmed Applicant's conviction and sentence on direct appeal. Cathey v. State, 992 S.W.2d 460 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999). The Court denied applicant's initial post-conviction application for writ of habeas corpus. Ex parte Cathey, No. WR-55,161-01 (Tex. Crim. App. April 2, 2003)(not designated for publication).
On November 17, 2008, this Court received the instant post-conviction application for writ of habeas corpus in which Applicant raised two claims. After determining that these claims met the requirements of Article 11.071, § 5, this Court remanded the cause to the trial court for development and resolution of those issues. This Court also directed the trial court to receive and evaluate evidence concerning the "Flynn effect." The case has now been returned to this Court.
In claim number one, Applicant asserts that his execution would violate the United States Supreme Court's opinion in Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002), holding that the Eighth Amendment prohibits the execution of the mentally retarded. In claim number two, Applicant asserts that his execution would violate his due process rights unless he is afforded a full and fair hearing on his claim of mental retardation with access to the tools necessary to establish his claim. This Court has determined that these claims should be filed and set, and this Court orders both parties to brief these particular issues. Briefs from both Applicant and the State are due in this Court within 45 days of the date of this order.
IT IS SO ORDERED THIS THE 18 DAY OF JUNE, 2014. Do Not Publish