The fate of Idaho's longest-serving death row inmate remains up in the air as a federal judge ordered a stay of execution.
U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow announced the stay Tuesday, postponing 74-year-old Thomas Creech's second visit to the death chamber, according to the Idaho Statesman and East Idaho News.
Creech was scheduled for execution Nov. 13.
"I'm not going to rush justice in a case like this," Snow said, the papers reported. "Even if the (high court) opinion came down today, I would be inclined to stay this matter for at least 20 days."
Earlier this year, Creech survived the state's attempt at his execution when medical professionals were unable to locate a satisfactory vein to administer the lethal dose of pentobarbital, forcing prison officials to put his capital punishment on hold.
Creech's defense attorneys previously said a second attempt at killing him constituted cruel and unusual punishment, therefore violating his Eighth Amendment. They also argued it infringed upon his Fifth Amendment, protecting him from double jeopardy, according to KTVB-TV.
The Idaho Supreme Court subsequently issued its opinion also on Tuesday, disagreeing with the defense's allegations. Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan sided with the majority, stating he affirmed the "decision of the district court, denying Thomas Creech relief," the outlet reported.
Creech was sent to death row in 1983 after he was convicted of five murders in three states, including Idaho. He's also suspected of killing others.
