Rapist-Killer of Woman, 81, Wins Stay of Execution
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Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday blocked today’s scheduled execution of Willie Celestine, convicted of raping and killing an 81-year-old woman.
The court, by a 5-3 vote, granted Celestine’s plea to stay the execution in Louisiana’s electric chair. The court said the stay will remain in effect pending its decision on whether to hear his formal appeal.
Celestine, 28, was convicted of the Sept. 13, 1981, murder of Marcellianne Richard in her Lafayette, La., home.
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