‘Desert Killer’ Execution Hearing May Move Out Of El Paso

The hearing to decide whether El Paso serial killer David Leonard Wood lives or dies may be changing locations.

On Friday, visiting judge Bert Richardson said that after a week in the Sun City, the proceeding has run out of time at the El Paso County Courthouse.

Richardson said because he and nearly everyone in courtroom were brought in from out of town for the hearing, it would be easier to reconvene in either San Antonio or Austin.

The judge said he would need to check on the legality of the move as well as travel and housing arrangements for Wood.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Richardson said early December would be the soonest the hearing may resume.

Wood was convicted of killing six young El Paso women in 1987 and burying their bodies in the desert. He was sentenced to death in 1992.

Wood’s defense team spent the week trying to convince the judge that their client is mentally retarded and therefore ineligible for execution.