Texas executes man despite pleas by Mexico, Obama Administration

A Mexican national was executed in Texas Thursday for the rape-slaying of a teenager after the U.S. Supreme Court turned down an appeal to spare him that was supported by Mexico and the White House. Humberto Leal was pronounced dead 10 minutes after the lethal drugs began flowing into his arms.

After his arrest, police never told him following his arrest that he could seek legal assistance from the Mexican government under an international treaty.

Mexico, the Obama administration and others had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to delay Leal's execution so Congress could consider a law that would require court reviews in cases where condemned foreign nationals did not receive help from their consulates.

Leal's execution was seventh this year in Texas.

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