Miss. Death Row Inmate Challenges Rape Conviction

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A condemned Mississippi inmate is challenging a rape conviction in a legal move that, if successful, could get him off death row.

Charles Ray Crawford was arrested in 1992 for rape and aggravated assault. While free on bond, he was arrested for murder in the death of a young woman. He was convicted of rape in 1993 and then was found guilty of murder in 1994 and sentenced to death.

Crawford is appealing the rape conviction. His lawyers say he received inadequate counsel during the trial.

The state Supreme Court says it will not set an execution date for the murder until the rape appeal is resolved. Crawford’s lawyers filed a brief in the appeal July 25. Attorney General Jim Hood has 30 days from that date to respond.