Edward Busby was executed by lethal injection Thursday, reinforcing Texas’ position as the nation’s leader in capital punishment.
Criminal Justice
Get the latest Texas Tribune coverage on criminal justice, including crime, courts, law enforcement, and reforms shaping the state’s justice system.
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Criminal Justice
Texas can execute death row inmate Edward Busby, U.S. Supreme Court says
Busby’s execution, set for Thursday evening, had been halted by a federal appeals court less than a week ago.
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Criminal Justice
Abbott’s public safety wish list includes statewide prosecutor, more bail restrictions
Some items on Abbott’s agenda would require amending the Texas Constitution, meaning they would need supermajority support in the Legislature.
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Criminal Justice
Former Texas lottery director reindicted for abuse of office by grand jury
Gary Grief, former executive director of the now-dissolved Texas Lottery Commission, is alleged to have used his position to defraud the state during a 2023 Lotto Texas drawing.
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Criminal Justice
Greg Abbott expands task force targeting repeat offenders from Houston to other large cities
The effort, which combines federal, state and local law enforcement, will expand to the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas.
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Criminal Justice
Federal appeals court temporarily halts execution of Texas death row inmate Edward Busby
Thursday’s execution was blocked by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals “pending further order” from the court.
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Politics
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar faces removal attempt following federal fraud indictment
Cuellar has denied that he defrauded the sheriff’s office during the COVID-19 pandemic. His brother is Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar.
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Politics
By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas cities
The governor’s threats have produced quick wins on hot-button issues important to the GOP base – immigration and perceived threats posed by Islam.
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Criminal Justice
Texas agency that inspects jails doesn’t go far to find its new director
Ricky Armstrong had been interim director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which monitors county lockups that mainly hold people awaiting trial, since February.
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Criminal Justice
Austin bar shooter didn’t have international terrorism ties, FBI says
Three people died and 15 were injured in the attack, now considered an “impulsive” act. Investigators don’t know why the gunman chose Austin’s busy entertainment district to open fire.