Rosendo Rodriguez was condemned for the death of 29-year-old Summer Baldwin. She's identified in court documents as a drug-addicted prostitute 10 weeks pregnant.
The 31-year-old Rodriguez was a Marine reservist training in Lubbock. He contended the slaying was in self-defense, that he choked her when she came at him with a knife. He said he went to a Walmart, purchased the suitcase, put her body in it and tossed it in a trash bin.
The high court decision Monday is on Rodriguez's direct appeal following his conviction. Other appeals are likely.
