Norfolk, Nebraska – Death-row inmate Jorge Galindo has filed a petition with the federal court to overturn his convictions and sentence for his role in the U.S. Bank killings in Norfolk in 2002. This follows an unsuccessful attempt by Galindo to have the Nebraska Supreme Court rehear his case after a split decision in September upheld a District Court judge’s ruling denying Galindo postconviction relief without a hearing.
Galindo, along with Jose Sandoval and Erick Vela, was convicted of entering a U.S. Bank branch on September 26, 2002, and fatally shooting five people – Lola Elwood, Lisa Bryant, Jo Mausbach, Samuel Sun, and Evonne Tuttle. Despite the deadly attack, the three men left the bank without any money. They were apprehended shortly after and were subsequently sentenced to death, with Sandoval and Galindo found guilty at trial, and Vela pleading guilty.
In 2019, Galindo filed for postconviction relief, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel. His appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court included claims that the county attorney had been involved in criminal activity and had coerced testimony against him. While the majority of the court dismissed these claims, Justice Jonathan Papik dissented, arguing that Galindo should be granted an evidentiary hearing.
Following the Nebraska Supreme Court’s decision, Galindo’s attorney filed a motion to stay the mandate while seeking federal review. Two days later, a 375-page petition for a writ of habeas corpus was filed on Galindo’s behalf, raising 37 claims.
As Jorge Galindo continues to challenge his convictions and death sentence, the case remains complex and contentious. The legal battles and questions surrounding the conduct of the county attorney have raised significant concerns about the fairness of Galindo’s trial and sentencing. These ongoing developments reflect the complexities and challenges within the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving the death penalty.
In summary, Jorge Galindo’s petition to vacate his convictions for the U.S. Bank killings in Norfolk, Nebraska, highlights the ongoing legal battles and complex issues surrounding his case. The allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and the quest for an evidentiary hearing add layers of complexity to a case that has spanned nearly two decades. As the legal proceedings continue, the case raises important questions about the fairness of the criminal justice system and the application of the death penalty.