[2] On June 3, 1997, Beazley filed an application for writ of habeas corpus with the Texas state trial court.
On October 31, 1997, the trial court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law denying habeas corpus relief.
On March 30, 2001, Beazley's execution was set for August 15, 2001 by the District Court of Smith County, Texas.
On June 13, 2001, Beazley petitioned for certiorari review from the denial of federal habeas corpus relief.
The tie vote resulted in the Fifth Circuit's decision standing, effectively rejecting Beazley's request for a stay.
On May 21, 2002, the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion affirming the lower court's judgment, turning down injunctive relief.
"[6]Beazley's execution sparked a fierce debate between opponents and supporters of the death penalty, particularly with respect to juvenile offenders.
[7] Some organizations, such as Amnesty International, argued in favor of clemency due to his age (at the time of the offense Beazley was 3½ months from his 18th birthday) and their opposition to the death penalty in general.
In 2005, the Supreme Court (in Roper v. Simmons) banned the practice of executing offenders who were under the age of 18 when they committed their crimes.