Death Sentence Vacated in Mississippi Following Batson Challenge

GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – A significant legal decision was made on December 12, 2023, as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi granted habeas corpus relief to Terry Pitchford, a death row inmate. The court’s decision to vacate Pitchford’s capital murder conviction and death sentence centered around a Batson claim, addressing concerns of racial discrimination in jury selection. The case, initially involving a robbery that led to murder, saw Pitchford’s conviction challenged due to alleged discriminatory practices during juror selection. The court ordered a new trial for Pitchford within 180 days or his release from custody.