United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia found dead at Luxury Texas Ranch Resort

By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016

United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, age 79, was found dead at a luxurious West Texas ranch resort on Saturday, February 13, 2016.  Scalia is believed to have died in his sleep as he was found dead in the morning.

Justice Scalia arrived on Friday, February 12, 2016, at the five-star ranch resort Cibolo Creek Ranch near Shafter, Texas in the Texas Big Bend National Park area and U.S.-Mexico border.  Marfa, Texas is also nearby Cibolol Creek Ranch. A hearse from the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home picked up the Justice’s body from Cibolo Creek Ranch.

An ultra-conservative in the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Scalia often voted with the previous conservative majority of five justices in many 5-4 decisions. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on 98-0 vote that same year.  He was the longest sitting Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Justice Scalia’s death opens a vacancy in the U.S. Supreme Court for President Barack Obama to nominate his replacement, which will more than likey be stalled after the current Presidential election by the U.S. Senate led by a majority of Republicans.  

Justice Scalia’s sudden death heightens the stakes in the 2016 Presidential election as the winner may have the opportunity to appoint Scalia’s successor and determine the future of the legal direction of the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. Marshal’s Service confirmed the death of Justice Scalia on Saturday, February 13, 2016. 

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Presidio County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of Justice Scalia.

Justice Scalia attended a dinner with approximately 40 guests on Friday, February 12, 2016, and when he did not show up for breakfast, a Cibolo Creek Ranch employee went to check on him and discovered his deceased body.