Today a federal district judge granted Dexter Johnson’s request for a stay of execution – but not because of claims of brain damage and intellectual disability. The court stayed the execution so that federal public defender Jeremy Schepers can continue his investigation into whether or not Mr. Johnson’s appellate attorney, Patrick McCann was ineffective.
For the time being, Mr. McCann and Mr. Shepers are both representing Mr. Johnson. The court will decide later whether to schedule a hearing to determine whether Mr. McCann should be removed from the case.
The stay could still be overturned by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.