While convicted double murderer Duane Buck's guilt is not in question, his death penalty sentence is. So in a last-minute measure — Buck had already eaten his last meal — his execution was stayed, because during his sentencing hearing the prosecution had a psychologist testify that black people are more likely to commit crimes.

Luckily, former Texas AG turned senator John Cornyn asked, eleven years ago but still, that Buck's and five other death penalty sentences be reviewed for racial bias, which gave the Supreme Court enough fodder to halt Buck's execution early this morning. Governor Rick Perry, the presidential candidate who loves nothing more than personally executing people with his six-shooter, has so far remained mum about the case, possibly because someone else was already executed in Texas this week, temporarily sating his all-consuming bloodlust.

Buck will remain on death row while the Supreme Court mulls over an appeal. To cheer himself up, Perry will likely re-execute Cameron Todd Willingham. [NYDN]