A Fredericksburg man waits to hear whether he'll be executed for a double murder in 1992. The U.S. Supreme Court is looking at the case of Scott Panetti, who was sentenced to death for killing his wife's parents.
Panetti's lawyer is challenging whether it's unconstitutional to execute someone who is mentally ill. Panetti was diagnosed with schizophrenia after the murders.
The September 1992 murders of Amanda and Joe Alvarado rocked the Gillespie County town of 8,900 people. Sheriff Milton Jung says he gets asked daily about Panetti.
"It's probably the most violent and gruesome one that I can remember," Jung said.
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Panetti hearing
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the death row appeal of Scott Panetti.
 
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Panetti has a long history of treatment for mental illness. He initially blamed the shootings on "Sarge,'' one of his multiple personalities. During his trial in 1994, Panetti fired his defense attorney and insisted on defending himself, throughout which he wore a purple cowboy costume.
"He had done some erratic things prior to this. I think he has mental problems. And I certainly do not think he should be put to death," Fredericksburg resident Judith Jenkins said.
Others, however, want to see Panetti pay for his crimes.
"I don't think his illness is legitimate. I think he's the world's greatest actor," Jung said.
It could take several months before the Supreme Court makes a ruling. The high court is reviewing four death penalty cases from Texas.
