HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The latest on the scheduled execution of Texas inmate Daniel Lee Lopez (all times local):
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12:50 p.m.
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block the execution of a Texas inmate who ordered his appeals dropped so he could be put to death more quickly.
Attorneys for Daniel Lopez asked the justices to halt his scheduled Wednesday evening execution despite lower court rulings that found him competent to decide to end appeals.
The attorneys argued Lopez's mental illness was responsible for him trying to use the legal system for suicide.
The high court disagreed, rejecting the appeal about five hours before Lopez could be taken to the death chamber. State attorneys had opposed any delay.
The 27-year-old faces lethal injection for the 2009 death of Corpus Christi Police Lt. Stuart Alexander, who was run down by Lopez's SUV during a police chase.
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