SALEM, Ore. — Oregon death row inmate Gary Haugen appeared in court Tuesday in Salem for a hearing on his request to invalidate a reprieve that has spared his life.
The civil lawsuit in Marion County Circuit Court challenges the reprieve granted in November by Gov. John Kitzhaber.
Haugen wants to proceed to the death sentence he was given five years ago after he was convicted of the 2003 killing of a fellow inmate. Haugen was serving a life sentence at the time for a 1981 murder.
Oregon has executed two people since voters reinstated the death penalty in 1984. Kitzhaber has said there would be no executions as long as he is governor.
Haugen appeared in court but was not allowed to speak. The judge heard arguments from attorneys but did not indicate when he would rule on the request.
