SCOTUStoday for Thursday, March 26
Featured Content: Wells v. Guerrero
In July 2013, Amos Wells killed his pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child, as well as her mother and younger brother. In November 2016, he was convicted of capital murder in Texas, where the sentencing phase began.
During the sentencing phase, Wells' legal team called a genetic expert to discuss his Monoamine Oxidase A gene mutation, which leads to reduced serotonin metabolism. The testimony suggested that this genetic factor combined with a traumatic upbringing could lead to "explosive and violent outbursts." Despite acknowledging potential risks, the defense aimed to diminish his perceived culpability.
On November 18, 2016, the jury sentenced Wells to death. He has spent years challenging both his conviction and sentence. In July 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit denied his request for a certificate of appealability based on his legal team's decision to have the genetic expert testify. Wells contends that this decision violated the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of effective assistance of counsel.
In his petition for review, Wells' current legal team argues
Read the full article at SCOTUSblog
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