SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is granting a commutation hearing to convicted murderer Ralph Menzies, who is scheduled to be executed on Sept. 5.
Menzies is facing a firing squad execution on Sept. 5 for the 1988 kidnapping and killing of Maurine Hunsaker. She was taken from her job at a convenience store and tied to a tree in Big Cottonwood Canyon, where her throat was slit.
His lawyers have been petitioning for the execution to not be carried out because he has severe dementia. They requested clemency through the Board, which responded Tuesday with its decision. The Board will hold a public hearing, in which they will consider commuting his sentence from a death sentence to life in prison without parole.
Judge signs death warrant for condemned killer Ralph Menzies:
The Board says both the State and Menzies' defense attorneys can call witnesses at the hearing, but neither can cross-examine. A representative of the victim's family can also give testimony.
A date for the hearing is not yet set.
The Utah Supreme Court is also planning to hold arguments over whether to halt the execution.
