State Delays Execution Of Jason Reeves In Rape And Death Of 4-Year-Old Girl

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A new execution date has yet to be set for a former Ragley man convicted of raping and killing a 4-year-old girl in 2001.

Convicted in 2004 of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Mary Jean Thigpen, Jason Reeves was scheduled to be put to death on Wednesday.

Reeves' death warrant was signed on May 31 and any post-conviction relief was to be filed within 30 days. Judge Mike Canaday said there was a change in Reeves' counsel, and the state received a call in June from his attorneys requesting more time to file.

The American Press reports the stay of execution was signed on June 18.

Reeves now has until Sept. 11 to file for post-conviction relief.