Judge Signs Execution Order For December 3rd

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas death row inmate whose attorneys contend is so delusional he can't understand why he was convicted and condemned has received an execution date.  

A judge in Gillespie County has signed an order setting 56-year-old Scott Panetti for lethal injection in Huntsville on Dec. 3.

The Hayward, Wisconsin, native has a history of mental problems and his case has been to the U.S. Supreme Court at least three times. The most recent was early this month when the justices refused to review his latest appeal.

Panetti was convicted of fatally shooting his in-laws, Joe and Amanda Alvarado, at their Fredericksburg home 22 years ago in front of his estranged wife and young children.

He served as his own lawyer at his trial, wearing a cowboy outfit.