Death row inmate Ralph Leroy Menzies will not be granted another competency hearing.

On Thursday, 3rd District Judge Matthew Bates denied the latest petition by Menzies’ attorneys to take another look at their client’s mental competency. While Bates agrees with “Menzies’ claim that his physical and mental difficulties have worsened over time … the court concludes Menzies has not shown a substantial change of circumstances to warrant a new hearing.”

With Bates denying the request, Menzies’ last chance to avoid execution may rest with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

On Friday, the board will resume a commutation hearing for Menzies who is seeking to have his sentence changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Many of the same arguments used by both sides in the pet

See Full Page