Constitution
Execution Will Put Idaho In National Spotlight
October 19, 2011 
It would appear convicted Idaho death row inmate Paul Ezra Rhoades won’t be having Thanksgiving Dinner behind bars or anywhere else. He is scheduled to be executed November 18 following the issuance of two death warrants Wednesday by Seventh District Judge Jon J. Shindurling.
Rhoades has exhausted all appeals and every court in the land has denied his appeals. A press release from the office of the Idaho Attorney General offers details of his crimes and the subsequent court decisions.
PRESS RELEASE–
Seventh District Judge Jon J. Shindurling issued death warrants today for Paul Ezra Rhoades for the 1987 murders of Susan Michelbacher and Stacy Baldwin. The execution date is set for November 18, 2011.
Susan Michelbacher Case:
A Bonneville County jury found Rhoades guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, robbery, rape, and the infamous crime against nature in 1988, in the death of Susan Michelbacher. Rhoades kidnapped Ms. Michelbacher from a supermarket parking lot in Idaho Falls. He took her to a remote location, raped and brutalized her, then killed her.
On March 24, 1988, Rhoades was sentenced to death by Seventh District Judge Larry M. Boyle.
The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed Rhoades’ conviction and sentence on November 14, 1991.
U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge denied Rhoades’ petition for a writ of habeas corpus on March 28, 2007, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Judge Lodge’s decision involving guilt-phase issues on March 8, 2010 and sentencing-phase issues on July 15, 2010. On February 10, 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied his petition for rehearing. The United States Supreme Court denied Rhoades’ petition for certiorari on October 11, 2011.
Stacy Baldwin Case:
A Bingham County jury found Rhoades guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and robbery in 1988, in the death of Stacy Baldwin. On February 28, 1987, Rhoades kidnapped Ms. Baldwin from a convenience store near Blackfoot. Ms. Baldwin was a clerk on duty in the store. Rhoades forced her into his pickup truck, drove to a secluded area and attempted to sexually attack her. Ms. Baldwin broke free and ran. Rhoades fatally shot her as she fled.
On May 13, 1988, Rhoades was sentenced to death by Seventh District Judge James C. Herndon.
The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed Rhoades’ conviction and sentence in the Baldwin murder on February 15, 1991.
U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge denied Rhoades’ petition for a writ of habeas corpus on May 24, 2007. On March 8, 2010, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion affirming Judge Lodge’s decision. On February 9, 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court denied Rhoades’ petition for rehearing in the Baldwin case. The United States Supreme Court denied Rhoades’ petition for certiorari on October 11, 2011.
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Comments & Discussion
Comments are closed for this post.
Oct 19, 2011, 12:38 pm
It’s about time. Should have put him down years ago.
Oct 19, 2011, 2:34 pm
Horrible that we are still murdering in the name of state sponsored revenge.
Oct 19, 2011, 6:16 pm
The muslims do this part way better, and much cheaper
Oct 19, 2011, 9:02 pm
Come on Ronnie, the guy took two lives for no reason other then to satisfy his own twisted needs. He has been a burden to us tax payers for over 20 years!!! We should have a trial, a sentencing, and go into a next room for an appeals hearing, then, complete the sentence if appeal is upheld. There are some out there that deserve the ultimate sentence, and do not deserve to live among us!!
Oct 19, 2011, 9:49 pm
This case has haunted many people. You can’t find one thing about Susan Michelbacher online except how she died. Sad. Think about the potential this woman had in her life that he took away. I don’t like the death penalty, but this guy is pure evil.
Oct 20, 2011, 7:22 am
He can take two peoples lives but it is such a contest to take his life? I just hope they actually go through with it and start to make a habit of it for all these people who are taking other peoples lives. Just think of how many people are sitting in the slammer sucking up our hard earned dollar just because a decision can’t be made on how to punish them.
Oct 20, 2011, 8:44 am
I have no problem with the death penalty, too bad they can’t execute Thomas Creech and Lacey Sivak at the same time.
Oct 20, 2011, 9:29 am
Can anyone estimate for us how much a death sentance is worth in profit to the legal profession?
Oct 20, 2011, 10:00 am
I share Pablo’s sentiments. Sivak has been up there forever. However, looking at the nation’s record as a whole, it’s disturbing. Either we figure out a way to get it right 100% of the time, or we do away with it. Also, think about the money being spent on these appeals. And the victim’s families are going through all this crap over and over again with each appeal process. I say do away with the death penalty, but put them on a death row situation for life. It’s not fun up there.
Oct 20, 2011, 10:10 am
I will never understand how people can be so passionate about giving our government the power to murder, while at the same time being so eager to take away its power to feed, clothe, and educate its citizens.
There’s a reason why the death sentence allows for such a lengthy appeals process. The easier it becomes for the government to execute people, the easier it is for the government to execute innocent people. Think about it.
Oct 20, 2011, 1:20 pm
I am not suggesting that this guy doesn’t deserve to die. But that it should not be at the hands of the state.
I have no problem with life in solitary. Hell give the man a rope in his cell.
How many people have been executed that did not do the crime? more than 0 in the last 100 years? As long as there is a chance that there is 1 person on death row that does not deserve his sentance. we should be fighting any and all executions.
Oct 20, 2011, 8:54 pm
I am not a supporter of the death penalty as it is not a penalty. This chap gets an early exit from the doldrums of incarceration in my opinion. He should have to sit and contemplate what he did for the rest of his natural life.
Most countries have done away with the death penalty. It costs the state millions to impose with all the appeals and legal costs on both sides. I like the idea of these cretins rotting away in a limited space with all the cable TV they can watch knowing what they are missing on the outside.
For the religious crew remember the commandment of “tho shalt not kill”. It is not something to ignore for revenge.
Oct 23, 2011, 12:17 am
Good point Zippo. I would guess it costs the taxpayers several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees for each appeal.
Its the method of execution I disapprove of. A lethal injection is too good for this scumbag. Personally I think a public hanging would send a very clear message to any potential violent criminals. Rhoades should swing for what he did and, while he is swinging at the business end of that rope, Daniel Ehrlick should be next in line!