January 9, 2002

USA - Amnesty International Urges Texas Prosecutors to Drop Pursuit of the Death Penalty

Cites American Convention on Human Rights Treaty that Prohibits Execution of the Elderly

(WASHINGTON) -- Amnesty International today expressed concern over the Hays County prosecution's attempt to seek the death penalty for Melvin Hale, 74, accused of murdering State Trooper Randall Vetter in 2000. The United States, as a signatory to the American Convention on Human Rights that explicitly prohibits the execution of anyone over the age of 70, would circumvent this agreement by sentencing an elderly man to death.

 "If the state of Texas sentences Mr. Hale to death, he will become the oldest person to be executed in the United States since 1977," said Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn, director of the Program to Abolish the Death Penalty for Amnesty International USA (AIUSA.) "While Amnesty International has the utmost sympathy for the family and friends of State Trooper Vetter, the state of Texas must not perpetuate the cycle of violence by executing an elderly man."

 Vetter was shot on a highway near San Marcos in Hays County in August 2000, and died two days later. Hale, then a 72-year-old rancher, was charged with the murder.

 Hale is currently undergoing a hearing to establish his competency to stand trail, to determine whether he understands his situation and can assist in his defense. If the jury finds him competent to stand trial, the selection of another jury to try him for the murder is due to begin on January 22, 2002. In the event that the case goes to trial, Hale will offer an insanity defense, according to his lawyer.

Amnesty International opposes executions unconditionally and has mobilized its activists worldwide to appeal to the District Attorney of Hays County, Texas, to end the pursuit of the death penalty in this case.

TEXAS: Trooper slaying suspect said actions were 'God's will'

 In San Marcos, an elderly rancher may believe that God directed him to kill state trooper Randall Vetter during a traffic stop in August 2000, mental health experts have testified.

 But the experts disagreed Monday on whether Melvin Edison Hale is delusional or just trying to rationalize his actions.

 Hale, 74, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of the Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. Hale believes himself to be the Antichrist, according to testimony in his competency trial.

 The trial continues Tuesday. Hale is accused of shooting Vetter during a traffic stop for a seat belt violation.

 "God appointed me the Antichrist," Hale said, according to Hays County Jail psychiatrist Michael Moore.

 Ed Bullock, Hale's neighbor, and another psychiatrist, also reported that Hale said he was the Antichrist.

 In a telephone conversation from his jail cell, Hale told Bullock not to worry because it was God's will that he return home.

 "At the time I thought he said he was the Antichrist," Bullock said. "Then afterward I thought he must have meant Christ. But after hearing his conversations today, I realize he did say Antichrist."

 Hale apparently believes "the Antichrist takes orders from God" and "does God's will," said court-appointed psychiatrist Mary Anderson.

 She disagreed with 2 other experts who testified Monday that Hale is delusional.

 She said Hale understands the role of the jury, the attorneys and the judge and understands the charge against him and the consequences of a conviction.

 "Many people believe insanity is a medical issue, but in fact it's a legal issue," said Ron Becker, a professor of criminal justice at Southwest Texas State University.