HARRISBURG, PA — A federal appeals court has rejected an effort to reopen the case of Paul Gamboa-Taylor, who is serving multiple death sentences for the brutal 1991 murders of his wife, mother-in-law, and three young children.
The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a lower court’s ruling denying relief, siding with arguments from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General that Gamboa-Taylor was competent and fully aware of his actions when he committed the killings and later pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder.
Gamboa-Taylor, now 65, used a hammer and knife to carry out the murders nearly three decades ago. He was sentenced to four death penalties and one life term for the crimes.
“These were truly wicked acts committed by a defendant who continues to attempt to avoid responsibility for savagely murdering his family, including three defenseless young children,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said, adding that the appeals process has consistently affirmed the justice of the conviction.
In his most recent petition, Gamboa-Taylor’s defense team argued that newly discovered evidence raised questions about his mental health at the time of the killings. The Office of Attorney General countered that the motion violated federal procedural rules by introducing claims and evidence not previously raised in state courts.
The appellate panel agreed, deeming the defense’s motion meritless and leaving the original convictions and sentences intact.
Deputy Attorney General William Stoycos led the state’s successful defense in the latest round of appeals.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.