HARLINGEN, Texas — Yvonne Rosales arrived early in the day to her mother Elizabeth's home in Harlingen, Texas. She had to get everything ready to for the prayer vigil in support of Melissa Lucio, the Harlingen woman facing execution for the death of her 2-year-old daughter Maria in 2008. Elizabeth Rosales' home is very close to Lucio’s heart — Elizabeth is her best friend.
“This prayer is gonna be different only because her presence was here,” Yvonne Rosales said.
The house is located in what was Lucio’s neighborhood. What is also special are the religious statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph placed at the front in a decorated table. The statues were featured in the 2020 documentary “The State of Texas vs. Melissa,” which tells the story of Lucio’s case and the several inconsistencies in the original trial, which family and the legal defense argue were the reason why Lucio was wrongly convicted and sentenced.
Despite of the continuing support of friends and family, the last 14 years have been very difficult for Elizabeth Rosales.
Lucio's life was spared — for the time being, anyway. She had been scheduled to die by lethal injection on Wednesday. However, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals intervened, on Monday granting a stay of execution. Lucio's attorneys will attempt to get her a new trial, but it will be a challenge.
“It’s been so hard for her children and for me” Elizabeth Rosales said, crying.
And then she sent a message directly to Lucio
“Mellisa, whatever they say about you, it’s not true, sister. I know it. I hope they free you. I have a barbecue waiting for you here," she said.
Yvonne Rosales, who conducted the prayer vigil, reiterated her call on Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz.
“We’re not giving it up. We’re not clinging to May 27th. She is gonna come home on Monday. Mr. Saenz, listen to our prayer, listen to our cries, and we want her back!" she said.
Yvonne Rosales, along with John Lucio, Melissa’s Lucio's son, are the organizers of the “Free Melissa Lucio” campaign, which has been traveling throughout the state and staged protests to gather public support.
And now, after the execution stay, they say they will double their efforts but aim them directly at Saenz. Their demand is for the DA to withdraw the death penalty request.