IDAHO Postpones November Execution as Parole Board Considers Life Sentence

In a recent development, the scheduled November execution of Thomas Creech, Idaho's longest-serving death row inmate, has been delayed. This reprieve comes as the state's parole board has granted a hearing to contemplate changing Creech's sentence from death to life imprisonment.

The Case Unfolds

Last week, an Idaho judge issued a death warrant for Thomas Creech, who had been convicted of the 1974 double homicide in Valley County. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later reduced to life in prison following an appeal.

However, less than a decade later, Creech found himself in trouble again. He was convicted of beating another inmate, David Jensen, to death using a sock filled with batteries. For this crime, he was sentenced to death in 1983.

Execution on the Horizon

After the recent issuance of the death warrant, the Idaho Department of Correction had set the execution date for November 8, stating they had all the necessary chemicals for lethal injection.

Appealing for Leniency

In a surprising turn of events, Creech's attorneys, representing the nonprofit Federal Defender Services of Idaho, submitted a 256-page plea to the parole board. They argued that, at 73 years old, Creech should be allowed to spend the rest of his days in prison and ultimately succumb to natural causes. This plea challenges the impending execution.

As of now, the board has yet to schedule a hearing date for the case.

Silent Response from Authorities

The Ada County Prosecutor's Office, responsible for pursuing Creech's death warrant, declined to comment when contacted by the media on Wednesday.

Creech's Apology and Petition for Clemency

In a clemency hearing petition, Thomas Creech identified himself as a "devout Christian" and expressed his remorse to the family of the man he had killed in prison. He apologized for the pain he had caused them and stated his regret for all his past crimes, as detailed in the petition.