August 17, 2010
Cantu’s Clemency denied
Houston killer set to die today
Associated Press
HOUSTON — The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has refused a clemency petition from condemned killer Peter Cantu, set to die today for a notorious 1993 double rape-slaying in Houston.
Maria Ramirez, clemency director for the parole board, said Friday the panel voted 7-0 to reject Cantu's request that his death sentence be commuted to life.
The 35-year-old Cantu was one of five young gang members condemned for killing 14-year-old Jennifer Ertman and 16-year-old Elizabeth Pena. A sixth, 14 at the time, got a 40-year prison term.
Cantu is set to die Tuesday evening. Two from the gang he led already have been executed and two had their death sentences reduced to life when the U.S. Supreme Court banned execution of people under 18.