'Texas Seven' ringleader denied appeal11:58 AM CDT on Wednesday, June 23, 2004Associated Press AUSTIN – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday denied an appeal from the ringleader of the seven inmates who broke out of a South Texas prison, killed a police officer then avoided authorities during a monthlong nationwide manhunt. The appeal from George Rivas, who orchestrated the biggest prison break in state history in 2000, was automatic under state law. In 2001, he was convicted and sentenced to die for the slaying of Irving police Officer Aubrey Hawkins, a father of one. DMN file George Rivas...