The U.S. Supreme Court suspends the execution of Hank Skinner

The 47-year-old man had never admitted to the triple murder that he was convicted for in 1995 and has always demanded new DNA tests.

However, the suspension of the execution only buys time for Skinner and his lawyer as a new date will be set.

Skinner was informed of the suspension of the execution an hour before it was going to be held, by his lawyer via a cell phone. Skinner was waiting in a cell just a few meters away from where he would be executed.

“I was convinced I would die, I am eager to make DNA testing for me to prove my innocence and get out of this hell. I am deeply relieved. I feel like I have really won today.” said Skinner.

Hank Skinner was on death row and was going to be executed by lethal injection at Huntsville / Texas for the murder of girlfriend, Twila Busby and her two mentally impaired sons, Randy Busby and Elwin Caler. The murders that took place in December 31, 1993 Pampa, Texas had shocked the U.S.

Hank Skinner has never denied his presence on the scene of the murders, but he has always protested his innocence.

Traces of blood was found on Skinner that belonged to two of the victims but his lawyers say he was physically incapable of committing the murders, having fainted after drinking a large quantity of vodka.

Sandrine Ageorges, 49, the French wife of Skinner who he married in 2008 while on death row was allowed to visit him on Tuesday for a few hours.

Advocates of Hank Skinner also argue that the real killer could be the uncle of Twila Jean Busby, Robert Donnell, a former inmate who became violent under the influence of alcohol and died in 1997.