HOUSTON (AP) -- A federal appeals court is asking a lower court to determine if a prisoner on Texas death row for the slaying of a Houston boy more than 20 years ago is competent to drop his appeals and volunteer for execution.
Inmate Perry Austin wrote the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in September that he wants to drop his appeals but hasn't received a response. He says in the letter he'd like an execution date as soon as possible.
In a ruling late Friday, the appeals court says there's evidence that questions Austin's competency to make that decision.
Austin confessed to the slaying years after 9-year-old David Kazmouz disappeared from his Houston home in 1992. The boy's remains were found in April 1993, eight months after his disappearance.
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