Suspension of execution requested: convict wants to donate kidney | Abroad

Ramiro Gonzales, 39, was convicted in 2001 for the murder of an 18-year-old girl. He is due to receive a lethal injection on July 13, but his lawyers Thea Posel and Raoul Schonem have asked for a postponement because Gonzales could be an excellent potential organ donor for “someone in urgent need of a healthy kidney.” Gonzales has a fairly rare blood type and has been rated an “outstanding donor candidate” by a team at the University of Texas, the New York Post writes.

The lawyers dispute that Gonzales wants a kidney donation, in order to delay his inevitable end. They produced a letter from a Jewish cleric who has a lot of contact with the death row inmate. Cantor Michael Zoosman wrote: “I am convinced that Ramiro’s desire to donate a kidney was not driven by the desire to delay his execution. I deeply believe that Ramiro wants this to come to terms with his God.”

A previous request from Gonzales to donate an organ was rejected, but it was not disclosed why. The governor of the state of Texas must consider the request for a postponement.

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