Execution Blocked in a Tyler Case

HUNTSVILLE (AP/staff) – The state’s top criminal appeals court has blocked the execution of a man set for later this month for the slaying of a 93-year-old woman during a robbery at her Tyler home. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Tuesday sent the case of Clifton Williams, 34, back to his Smith County trial court to review whether Williams is intellectually disabled and ineligible for execution. Williams was set to die June 21 for the fatal beating and stabbing of Cecilia Schneider at her Tyler home in 2005. Evidence showed Williams entered through a back door, attacked Schneider and then set her body and bed on fire. He fled with her car and purse containing $40. Authorities say he wanted the money for drugs. Williams was within hours of execution in 2015 when the same court halted his punishment.