Stop the execution of Peter Cantu in Texas!
Save Peter Cantu Petition!
Peter Anthony Cantu is a 35 year old Hispanic male, scheduled to be executed on August 17th in Texas. A clemency must be granted to Peter Cantu. The death penalty in general is immoral, uncivilized, cruel, inhumane, barbaric, unjust and vengeful. No crime warrants a sentence of death. Research has proven that the death penalty (fighting violence with violence) fails to prevent, deter or reduce violent crimes. The death penalty is a form of state sanctioned, pre-meditated and cold blooded murder, which is unacceptable. Killing is wrong, whether it is performed by an individual or by the government in the form of a state-sanctioned execution.
In 1993, Peter was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Pena, 16, and Jennifer Ertman, 14, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death along with four alleged companions. They were convicted of taking part in the rape and murder of two young teens. The girls were abducted by Cantu and members of a street gang which he led, as they walked along railroad tracks, which was a short cut home for them. Both were sexually assaulted by the gang members, beaten and strangled. Evidence showed that Cantu kicked Pena in the face with a steel-toed boot and that he and the other gang members stood on the girls' necks to be certain they were dead. I do not believe this killing was planned or intentional. These girls happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and stumbled upon a gang initiation. I do not believe that taking this man's life will ease the victims' families pain and suffering and will not restore peace or healing to them.
I empathize with Peter, as he has been on death row for 16 years. That in itself (waiting to be killed), is barbaric and inhumane and cruel. This man was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. I believe that a person can change after having spent such a long time in prison. His brain was still young and has likely matured. I believe that people can be rehabilitated. The death penalty completely denies the possibility and opportunity for rehabilitation and self-improvement. Therefore, I do not believe in executing a man who has spent 16 years in prison and who may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
The death penalty only perpetuates violence and creates new victims- the family members and friends of the executed. Fighting death with death has proven to be ineffective. Cantu and his family are victims of a racially biased, unjust, inhumane and vengeful justice system.
The death penalty is also a blatant violation of the most basic universal human rights- the right to life/liberty and the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading punishment/treatment. All human beings are entitled to their rights, no matter what they have done in their past. Human rights do not discriminate.
Justice is not advanced in the taking of a human life. The death penalty is revenge. Public safety can effectively be accompishd through a less violent, inhumane, cruel and less restrictive sentence, such as prison. The death penalty does not demonstrate respect for justice or for the human life.
We must help save Peter Cantu's life and commute his death sentence to imprisonment.
Please also sign this additional petition: Save Peter A. Cantu
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/petercantu/
I also urge you to contact the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry and urge him to commute this death sentence and express your concerns about the death penalty:
http://www2.governor.state.tx.us/contact/
In 1993 Mr. Peter Cantu was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death. We firmly condemn this act and express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman. We do not deny the serious nature of the offence for which Mr. Cantu was convicted, and we are in no way trying to downplay the sufferings and pain caused to their families and loved ones.
However, we are particularly concerned because we do not believe that taking Peter Cantu’s life will ease their pain and suffering. We are ethically against Mr. Cantu’s execution for the following reasons:
We would like to emphasize that Peter Cantu, who has been on death row for over 16 years, was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. We believe that a person can change and become much different after having spent such a long time in prison. In our view it is not true that all people on death row like Peter Cantu are so beyond rehabilitation, so evil and inhuman, that they must die. Exceptions are always possible. The death penalty completely denies the possibility and opportunity for rehabilitation and self-improvement. That is inhumane, immoral and unjust. Therefore, we do not believe in executing a person who has spent 16 years in prison and may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
Moreover, we believe that the death penalty only perpetrates violence and creates new victims. Although he has been involved in a horrible crime, Mr. Cantu as well has parents, brothers and friends who love him and who would be devastated if his sentence is carried out. These people would as well be innocent victims because of Mr. Cantu’s faults, as Elizabeth Peña’s and Jennifer Ertman’s family and loved ones have been. Cantu and his family are victims of a racially biased, uncivilized, inhumane and vengeful justice system. Shouldn’t the State protect all its citizens?
Last but not least, we do not believe in the death penalty, as it is a violation of the right to life, the most basic human right. Human rights and dignity are inherent to all human beings, no matter what a person did. The State should not be the executioner of its citizens. Heinous crimes such as the rape and murder of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman should be punished and the State should exercise all its powers to protect other innocent citizens, but this can as well be achieved through a sentence of imprisonment. It accomplishes the same thing (public safety) as the death penalty, in a non-violent manner.
For all these reasons we strongly urge you the Governor, to demonstrate its respect for justice and human life. We urge you to take this important matter into consideration, to spare Peter Cantu’s life and to commute his death sentence into life without parole.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this serious matter.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
In 1993, Peter was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Pena, 16, and Jennifer Ertman, 14, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death along with four alleged companions. They were convicted of taking part in the rape and murder of two young teens. The girls were abducted by Cantu and members of a street gang which he led, as they walked along railroad tracks, which was a short cut home for them. Both were sexually assaulted by the gang members, beaten and strangled. Evidence showed that Cantu kicked Pena in the face with a steel-toed boot and that he and the other gang members stood on the girls' necks to be certain they were dead. I do not believe this killing was planned or intentional. These girls happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and stumbled upon a gang initiation. I do not believe that taking this man's life will ease the victims' families pain and suffering and will not restore peace or healing to them.
I empathize with Peter, as he has been on death row for 16 years. That in itself (waiting to be killed), is barbaric and inhumane and cruel. This man was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. I believe that a person can change after having spent such a long time in prison. His brain was still young and has likely matured. I believe that people can be rehabilitated. The death penalty completely denies the possibility and opportunity for rehabilitation and self-improvement. Therefore, I do not believe in executing a man who has spent 16 years in prison and who may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
The death penalty only perpetuates violence and creates new victims- the family members and friends of the executed. Fighting death with death has proven to be ineffective. Cantu and his family are victims of a racially biased, unjust, inhumane and vengeful justice system.
The death penalty is also a blatant violation of the most basic universal human rights- the right to life/liberty and the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading punishment/treatment. All human beings are entitled to their rights, no matter what they have done in their past. Human rights do not discriminate.
Justice is not advanced in the taking of a human life. The death penalty is revenge. Public safety can effectively be accompishd through a less violent, inhumane, cruel and less restrictive sentence, such as prison. The death penalty does not demonstrate respect for justice or for the human life.
We must help save Peter Cantu's life and commute his death sentence to imprisonment.
Please also sign this additional petition: Save Peter A. Cantu
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/petercantu/
I also urge you to contact the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry and urge him to commute this death sentence and express your concerns about the death penalty:
http://www2.governor.state.tx.us/contact/
Greetings, Governor Rick Perry
We the undersigned are deeply concerned about the execution date set for Mr. Peter Anthony Cantu on August 17th 2010 and are appealing to you to do everything in your power to ensure that clemency is granted to Mr. Cantu. In 1993 Mr. Peter Cantu was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death. We firmly condemn this act and express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman. We do not deny the serious nature of the offence for which Mr. Cantu was convicted, and we are in no way trying to downplay the sufferings and pain caused to their families and loved ones.
However, we are particularly concerned because we do not believe that taking Peter Cantu’s life will ease their pain and suffering. We are ethically against Mr. Cantu’s execution for the following reasons:
We would like to emphasize that Peter Cantu, who has been on death row for over 16 years, was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. We believe that a person can change and become much different after having spent such a long time in prison. In our view it is not true that all people on death row like Peter Cantu are so beyond rehabilitation, so evil and inhuman, that they must die. Exceptions are always possible. The death penalty completely denies the possibility and opportunity for rehabilitation and self-improvement. That is inhumane, immoral and unjust. Therefore, we do not believe in executing a person who has spent 16 years in prison and may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
Moreover, we believe that the death penalty only perpetrates violence and creates new victims. Although he has been involved in a horrible crime, Mr. Cantu as well has parents, brothers and friends who love him and who would be devastated if his sentence is carried out. These people would as well be innocent victims because of Mr. Cantu’s faults, as Elizabeth Peña’s and Jennifer Ertman’s family and loved ones have been. Cantu and his family are victims of a racially biased, uncivilized, inhumane and vengeful justice system. Shouldn’t the State protect all its citizens?
Last but not least, we do not believe in the death penalty, as it is a violation of the right to life, the most basic human right. Human rights and dignity are inherent to all human beings, no matter what a person did. The State should not be the executioner of its citizens. Heinous crimes such as the rape and murder of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman should be punished and the State should exercise all its powers to protect other innocent citizens, but this can as well be achieved through a sentence of imprisonment. It accomplishes the same thing (public safety) as the death penalty, in a non-violent manner.
For all these reasons we strongly urge you the Governor, to demonstrate its respect for justice and human life. We urge you to take this important matter into consideration, to spare Peter Cantu’s life and to commute his death sentence into life without parole.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this serious matter.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Save Peter Cantu Petition!
To the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Executive Clemency Section
8610 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757
Dear Members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles,
We the undersigned are deeply concerned about the execution date set for Mr. Peter Anthony Cantu on August 17th 2010 and are appealing to you to do everything in your power to ensure that clemency is granted to Mr. Cantu.
In 1993 Mr. Peter Cantu was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death. We firmly condemn this act and express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman. We do not deny the serious nature of the offence for which Mr. Cantu was convicted, and we are in no way trying to downplay the sufferings and pain caused to their families and loved ones.
However, we are particularly concerned because we do not believe that taking Peter Cantu’s life will ease their pain and suffering. We are ethically against Mr. Cantu’s execution for the following reasons:
We would like to emphasize that Peter Cantu, who has been on death row for over 16 years, was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. We believe that a person can change and become much different after having spent such a long time in prison. In our view it is not true that all people on death row like Peter Cantu are so beyond rehabilitation, so evil and inhuman, that they must die. Exceptions are always possible. Therefore, we do not believe in executing a person who has spent 16 years in prison and may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
Moreover, we believe that the death penalty only perpetrates violence and creates new victims. Although he has been involved in a horrible crime, Mr. Cantu as well has parents, brothers and friends who love him and who would be devastated if his sentence is carried out. These people would as well be innocent victims because of Mr. Cantu’s faults, as Elizabeth Peña’s and Jennifer Ertman’s family and loved ones have been. Shouldn’t the State protect all its citizens?
Last but not least, we do not believe in the death penalty, as it is a violation of the right to life, the most basic human right. Human rights and dignity are inherent to all human beings, no matter what a person did. The State should not be the executioner of its citizens. Heinous crimes such as the rape and murder of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman should be punished and the State should exercise all its powers to protect other innocent citizens, but this can as well be achieved through a sentence to life without parole.
For all these reasons we strongly urge the Clemency Section of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to demonstrate its respect for justice and human life. We urge you to take this important matter into consideration, to spare Peter Cantu’s life and to commute his death sentence into life without parole.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this serious matter.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Executive Clemency Section
8610 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757
Dear Members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles,
We the undersigned are deeply concerned about the execution date set for Mr. Peter Anthony Cantu on August 17th 2010 and are appealing to you to do everything in your power to ensure that clemency is granted to Mr. Cantu.
In 1993 Mr. Peter Cantu was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death. We firmly condemn this act and express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman. We do not deny the serious nature of the offence for which Mr. Cantu was convicted, and we are in no way trying to downplay the sufferings and pain caused to their families and loved ones.
However, we are particularly concerned because we do not believe that taking Peter Cantu’s life will ease their pain and suffering. We are ethically against Mr. Cantu’s execution for the following reasons:
We would like to emphasize that Peter Cantu, who has been on death row for over 16 years, was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. We believe that a person can change and become much different after having spent such a long time in prison. In our view it is not true that all people on death row like Peter Cantu are so beyond rehabilitation, so evil and inhuman, that they must die. Exceptions are always possible. Therefore, we do not believe in executing a person who has spent 16 years in prison and may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
Moreover, we believe that the death penalty only perpetrates violence and creates new victims. Although he has been involved in a horrible crime, Mr. Cantu as well has parents, brothers and friends who love him and who would be devastated if his sentence is carried out. These people would as well be innocent victims because of Mr. Cantu’s faults, as Elizabeth Peña’s and Jennifer Ertman’s family and loved ones have been. Shouldn’t the State protect all its citizens?
Last but not least, we do not believe in the death penalty, as it is a violation of the right to life, the most basic human right. Human rights and dignity are inherent to all human beings, no matter what a person did. The State should not be the executioner of its citizens. Heinous crimes such as the rape and murder of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman should be punished and the State should exercise all its powers to protect other innocent citizens, but this can as well be achieved through a sentence to life without parole.
For all these reasons we strongly urge the Clemency Section of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to demonstrate its respect for justice and human life. We urge you to take this important matter into consideration, to spare Peter Cantu’s life and to commute his death sentence into life without parole.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this serious matter.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Peter Cantu was sentenced to death in 1994, along with four alleged companions. They were convicted of taking part in the rape and murder of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena. Two of the five have already been executed, whilst the two others had their sentences commuted to life after the US Supreme Court barred the death penalty for those who were under 18 at the time of their crimes. When Peter was sentenced to death, he was just 18 years old.
Peter has been on death row for sixteen years. A federal court refused to hear his appeal, despite the serious issues raised regarding the conduct of his trial. Peter is now facing execution by lethal injection on 17th August.
Like Linda Carty, Peter is now hoping for a grant of clemency from Governor Rick Perry. Peter’s friends and supporters have written an online petition on his behalf asking for clemency. The petition will be sent to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Perry three weeks before Peter’s execution date, so please sign it as soon as you can.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/petercantu/
Peter has been on death row for sixteen years. A federal court refused to hear his appeal, despite the serious issues raised regarding the conduct of his trial. Peter is now facing execution by lethal injection on 17th August.
Like Linda Carty, Peter is now hoping for a grant of clemency from Governor Rick Perry. Peter’s friends and supporters have written an online petition on his behalf asking for clemency. The petition will be sent to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Perry three weeks before Peter’s execution date, so please sign it as soon as you can.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/petercantu/
Peter A. Cantu #999093
Polunsky Unit D.R.
3872 FM 350 South
Livingston - Texas 77351
U.S.A.
3872 FM 350 South
Livingston - Texas 77351
U.S.A.
Give him a first note via e-mail if you like: PeterCantu@deathrow-usa.com , please leave a postal address for resonse. Thank you.
My name is Peter Cantu and I'm a death row prisoner writing this letter in order to reach out to the world for a hand in friendship, with the tremendous hopes that some out there will accept my friendship during these times of tribulation.
I'm a 30 year old Hispanic and I like reading fictional novels, newspapers, magazines and listening to any good music. I also enjoy sports and I exercise everyday. I'm normally a quiet person but I do like to engage in intelectual conversation.
I seek anyone who is non-judmental, open-minded, and honest which are mutual traits that I reciprocate willingly because honesty is the foundation to lasting friendships. I live in a world of darkness and desolation but refuse to allow the negative to swallow me up. This is a world of confinement for 23 hours a day but it's your letter that humanize, where the Texas officials have sought to dehumanize me. It's your letters that light this world of darkness and brings forth smiles in a place where smiles shouldn't exist. When you reach forth across a vast ocean thousands of miles away, in an effort to bring friendship, you in essense actually pull a man out of the abyss.
I'm not sure what tomorrow may bring but today is well within my grasp. In the midst of life's most chaotic storm, it's your friendship that makes me even stronger as I stand in the storm. So I ask you, with an open heart to please take a moment of your precious time and send me your line of friendship which will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in reading this letter and I truly hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely
Peter
We are deeply concerned about the execution date set for Mr. Peter Anthony Cantu on August 17th 2010.
In 1993 Mr. Peter Cantu was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death. We firmly condemn this act and express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman. We do not deny the serious nature of the offence for which Mr. Cantu was convicted, and we are in no way trying to downplay the sufferings and pain caused to their families and loved ones.
However, we are particularly concerned because we do not believe that taking Peter Cantu’s life will ease their pain and suffering. We are ethically against Mr. Cantu’s execution for the following reasons:
We would like to emphasize that Peter Cantu, who has been on death row for over 16 years, was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. We believe that a person can change and become much different after having spent such a long time in prison. In our view it is not true that all people on death row like Peter Cantu are so beyond rehabilitation, so evil and inhuman, that they must die. Exceptions are always possible. Therefore, we do not believe in executing a person who has spent 16 years in prison and may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
Moreover, we believe that the death penalty only perpetrates violence and creates new victims. Although he has been involved in a horrible crime, Mr. Cantu as well has parents, brothers and friends who love him and who would be devastated if his sentence is carried out. These people would as well be innocent victims because of Mr. Cantu’s faults, as Elizabeth Peña’s and Jennifer Ertman’s family and loved ones have been. Shouldn’t the State protect all its citizens?
Last but not least, we do not believe in the death penalty, as it is a violation of the right to life, the most basic human right. Human rights and dignity are inherent to all human beings, no matter what a person did. The State should not be the executioner of its citizens. Heinous crimes such as the rape and murder of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman should be punished and the State should exercise all its powers to protect other innocent citizens, but this can as well be achieved through a sentence to life without parole.
For all these reasons we strongly urge the Clemency Section of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to demonstrate its respect for justice and human life. We urge you to take this important matter into consideration, to spare Peter Cantu’s life and to commute his death sentence into life without parole.
Sing the appeal here
In 1993 Mr. Peter Cantu was arrested in Houston, Texas for his part in the murders of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman, and in 1994 he was sentenced to death. We firmly condemn this act and express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman. We do not deny the serious nature of the offence for which Mr. Cantu was convicted, and we are in no way trying to downplay the sufferings and pain caused to their families and loved ones.
However, we are particularly concerned because we do not believe that taking Peter Cantu’s life will ease their pain and suffering. We are ethically against Mr. Cantu’s execution for the following reasons:
We would like to emphasize that Peter Cantu, who has been on death row for over 16 years, was barely 18 years old at the time of the crime. We believe that a person can change and become much different after having spent such a long time in prison. In our view it is not true that all people on death row like Peter Cantu are so beyond rehabilitation, so evil and inhuman, that they must die. Exceptions are always possible. Therefore, we do not believe in executing a person who has spent 16 years in prison and may now regret his previous actions as a more mature person.
Moreover, we believe that the death penalty only perpetrates violence and creates new victims. Although he has been involved in a horrible crime, Mr. Cantu as well has parents, brothers and friends who love him and who would be devastated if his sentence is carried out. These people would as well be innocent victims because of Mr. Cantu’s faults, as Elizabeth Peña’s and Jennifer Ertman’s family and loved ones have been. Shouldn’t the State protect all its citizens?
Last but not least, we do not believe in the death penalty, as it is a violation of the right to life, the most basic human right. Human rights and dignity are inherent to all human beings, no matter what a person did. The State should not be the executioner of its citizens. Heinous crimes such as the rape and murder of Elizabeth Peña and Jennifer Ertman should be punished and the State should exercise all its powers to protect other innocent citizens, but this can as well be achieved through a sentence to life without parole.
For all these reasons we strongly urge the Clemency Section of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to demonstrate its respect for justice and human life. We urge you to take this important matter into consideration, to spare Peter Cantu’s life and to commute his death sentence into life without parole.
Sing the appeal here
Cantu was convicted in the abduction and murders of Jennifer Ertman, 14, and Elizabeth Pena, 16, in Houston. The girls were abducted by Cantu and four members of a street gang he led as they walked along railroad tracks, a short-cut home for them. Both were sexually assaulted by the gang members, beaten and strangled. Ertman was robbed of her rings, necklaces and cash. Later, Cantu and his accomplices were said to have joked about the brutal killings.
He was condemned for the murders of Elizabeth Pena, 16, and Jennifer Ertman, 14. The girls were gang raped, beaten and strangled after they stumbled upon a gang initiation.
Cantu was 18 at the time of the slayings. 2 of his companions already have been executed. Two others had their sentences commuted to life after the Supreme Court barred the execution of those under 18 at the time of their crimes. He is now 34 years old.
Cantu was 18 at the time of the slayings. 2 of his companions already have been executed. Two others had their sentences commuted to life after the Supreme Court barred the execution of those under 18 at the time of their crimes. He is now 34 years old.
I live in a world of darkness and desolation but I refuse to allow the negative to swallow me up. This is a world of confinement for 22 hours a day, but it's your letters that humanize, where the Texas officials have sought to de-humanize me.
It's your letters that light this world of darkness and bring forth smiles in a place where smiles shouldn't exist. When you reach forth across a vast ocean thousands of miles away, in effort to bring friendship, you in essence actually pull a man out of the abyss.
It's your letters that light this world of darkness and bring forth smiles in a place where smiles shouldn't exist. When you reach forth across a vast ocean thousands of miles away, in effort to bring friendship, you in essence actually pull a man out of the abyss.
M.Peter Cantu
# 999093
Polunsky Unit
3872 FM - 350 S
Livingston - Texas
77351 USA
# 999093
Polunsky Unit
3872 FM - 350 S
Livingston - Texas
77351 USA
HOUSTON -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday refused to hear from a death row inmate accused of being the ringleader of a gang of teenagers convicted of raping and killing two teenage Houston girls 16 years ago.
The denial from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals moves Peter Anthony Cantu, 34, closer to execution for the murders of Elizabeth Pena, 16, and her 14-year-old friend, Jennifer Ertman. The girls were gang raped, beaten and strangled in an attack that shocked crime-hardened Houston and attracted national attention for its brutality.
The girls' bodies, decomposing in the blazing Houston heat, were found four days after the pair failed to return home.
Cantu, who was 18 at the time of the slayings, and four companions -- all 17 or 18 -- received death sentences. Two already have been executed. Two others had their sentences commuted to life after the U.S. Supreme Court barred the death penalty for those who were under 18 at the time of their crimes.
A sixth suspect was sentenced to 40 years. In the appeal, Cantu's lawyers argued that his due process rights were violated because trial jurors should have been told that he would have had to serve 35 years of a life sentence before he became eligible for parole. They questioned the trial judge's jury instructions and whether mitigating evidence like character issues and criminal background presented to jurors at his 1994 trial was proper.
They also contended Cantu's trial lawyers were deficient for not objecting to admission of crime scene photos into evidence and for failing to object when prosecutors urged jurors to consider those photos when they were deciding Cantu's punishment.
In its ruling, a three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit unanimously refused to allow Cantu to move forward on any of the issues. The court let stand his conviction and death sentence for the slayings that even the court described as "grisly."
Jennifer Ertman's father, Randy Ertman, declined to comment about the ruling Tuesday. Andy Kahan, a crime victims advocate for the city of Houston, said Ertman told him his daughter's birthday would have been in four days.
Evidence showed the girls were trying to return home the night of June 24, 1993, and took a short cut over a railroad trestle when they stumbled into an initiation being held by a gang that called itself the "Black and Whites."
In a savage ordeal, the two were raped and forced to perform sex acts, then were beaten and strangled with a belt and shoelaces.
Evidence showed Cantu kicked Pena in the face with his steel-toed boot and that he and other gang members stood on the girls' necks to be certain they were dead. Court documents show the gang then went to Cantu's home where they bragged about the crime to his brother and sister-in-law, who later reported to police what they had heard. That led to the discovery of the bodies in a nearby wooded area and the arrests.
In 2006, Derrick O'Brien became the first of the gang members executed. Jose Medellin was put to death last year.
Two others, Efrain Perez and Raul Villarreal, both 17 at the time of the killings, had their death sentences commuted to life in prison in 2005.
Medellin's brother, Vernancio, who was 14 at the time, is serving a 40-year prison term, the maximum for a juvenile.
Cantu does not yet have an execution date.
Peter Cantu Information Page
Name: Peter Anthony Cantu
DOB: May 27, 1975
Date of Offense: June 24, 1993
Age at time of offense: 18
Race: Hispanic
Prior Occupation: Laborer
Education level: GED
Convicted in the abduction and murders of Jennifer Ertman, 14 and Elizabeth Pena, 16 in Houston. The girls were abducted by Cantu and four members of a street gang he led as they walked along a set of railroad tracks, a short cut home for them. Both were sexually assaulted by the gang members, beaten and strangled. Ertman was robbed of her rings, necklaces and cash. Later, Cantu and his accomplices were said to have joked about the brutal killings.
Race of victims: Two white females
Peter Cantu Information Page
Name: Peter Anthony Cantu
DOB: May 27, 1975
Date of Offense: June 24, 1993
Age at time of offense: 18
Race: Hispanic
Prior Occupation: Laborer
Education level: GED
Convicted in the abduction and murders of Jennifer Ertman, 14 and Elizabeth Pena, 16 in Houston. The girls were abducted by Cantu and four members of a street gang he led as they walked along a set of railroad tracks, a short cut home for them. Both were sexually assaulted by the gang members, beaten and strangled. Ertman was robbed of her rings, necklaces and cash. Later, Cantu and his accomplices were said to have joked about the brutal killings.
Race of victims: Two white females
Save Peter Cantu from execution and sign the petition!! Justice is not advanced by the taking of a human life. That is revenge. Killing this man will not restore peace to the victims. He was barely 18 at the time of the crime. People can and do change and the death penalty denies the possibility and opportunity for rehabilitation and self-improvement. Cantu and his family are victims of a racially biased, unjust, vengeful and inhumane justice system. The death penalty would violate this man's basic human rights, including the right to life and liberty. This man was discriminated against by the justice system, as he is Hispanic and his two victims were white.
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