On Thursday, January 9, 2025, ABC13 reported that tensions are escalating ahead of a hearing regarding the potential removal of Harris County District Court Judge Natalia Cornelio from a high-profile death penalty case. The case involves Ronald Haskell, who was sentenced to death in 2019 for the tragic shooting deaths of six family members in 2014, including four children aged four to 13.

The state has filed motions seeking Cornelio’s removal from presiding over Haskell’s appeal, alleging improper conduct on her part. The latest developments include a series of exchanged accusations between the attorneys involved, with the hearing set to take place on Thursday. State attorney Joshua Reiss from the Post-Conviction Writs Division expressed strong concerns in a motion dated December 20, 2024, stating, “Something is rotten in Denmark.” This statement was met with a response from defense attorney Christi Dean, who described the motion as exaggerated and indicative of ongoing hostility.

Haskell’s crime, described as a “massacre,” involved the shooting of his former in-laws and their children. The victims included four children and their parents, Katie and Stephen Stay. Katie was the sister of Haskell’s ex-wife, whom he had a history of stalking, according to authorities. The case has attracted significant media attention, particularly following an incident last October when Haskell was unexpectedly ordered back to Harris County by Judge Cornelio on a bench warrant for a hearing that ultimately did not occur. During his time in the Harris County Jail, Haskell was taken for an MRI at a private clinic, and photographs revealed that he was in close proximity to another patient without being handcuffed, raising further concerns about security protocols.

The state has accused Judge Cornelio of having inappropriate communications with defense counsel Dean regarding the bench warrant. In a notable action, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office issued a subpoena to Cornelio for all email correspondence with Dean from June to August concerning the bench warrant. The state’s December 20 motion underscored their position, stating, “False entries are not usually made in bench warrants.”

In response, Dean criticized the state for creating a “circus-like atmosphere” surrounding the litigation, alleging that they have persistently undermined Judge Cornelio’s reputation and intentions. Transcripts from previous hearings indicate a growing strain between the state and the judge, a situation highlighted by University of Houston law professor Sandra Guerra Thompson, who noted that it is unusual for the prosecution to challenge a judge’s impartiality.

The administrative judge overseeing the case, Judge Susan Brown, is anticipated to make rulings on several motions during Thursday’s hearing, including the request to access Cornelio’s emails.

 

 

Source: ABC13