This case is an appeal from the judgment of the district court that denied relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 to the petitioner. The case is currently under advisement after briefing and oral argument.

By letter to the Clerk, dated January 3, 1994, counsel for the petitioner has advised this court that the petitioner died on December 21, 1993. This case is therefore moot. Accordingly, we vacate the judgment and remand the case to the district court with directions to dismiss the case as moot. See Knapp v. Baker, 509 F.2d 922, 922 (5th Cir. 1975); Gor nto v. MacDougall, 482 F.2d 361, 361 (5th Cir. 1973). See also United States v. Munsingwear, 340 U.S. 36, 39, 71 S.Ct. 104, 106, 95 L.Ed. 36 (1950).

*351 No costs are to be assessed in this court,

VACATED AND Remanded with Instruc-0Ng