Witness to Innocence in Texas

The 24 men are members of Witness to Innocence, a national organization composed of exonerated former death row prisoners and their loved ones. They spent a combined total of nearly 200 years on death row for crimes they did not commit. They will be joined by State Rep. Elliott Naishtat and former Bexar County District Attorney Sam Millsap. Naishtat (D-Austin) is a longtime supporter of a moratorium on executions, while Millsap has become an outspoken critic of the death penalty since the 1993 execution of Ruben Cantu, who many believe was innocent.


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9th Annual March to End Executions in Houston

As execution numbers rise in Texas, so does the determination to end all executions. Families of death row prisoners and community activists joined opponents of the death penalty on Oct. 25 for the 9th Annual March to End Executions in Houston.[...]

Clarence Brandley, who was freed from Texas death row in 1990 after a 10-year struggle proved his innocence, was the featured speaker. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for people like you standing up and not giving up. I came within hours of execution two times, but today I am here with you. Never stop the fight! Never give up! We can win!” Brandley said to the cheering crowd.[...]

Hearts and minds were filled with emotion as well as information when a dozen families of death row prisoners took the stage.

Delia Perez Meyers said that her brother, Louis Castro Perez, was innocent, and even though he had just lost a round in court, his family continues to fight to win his freedom.

Sonya Chavez spoke for the large family of Melissa Lucio, who was sent to death row in August. Lucio is one of 10 women on death row in Texas. Her family, who drove from Harlingen, Texas, wore tee shirts with her photo.

Eric Cathey is scheduled for execution on Nov. 18, despite strong evidence of innocence. His sister, Shelicia Cathey, spoke about the injustice in his case.

Alisha Joshlin spoke fondly about her fiancée Willie Pondexter and the terror of waiting for his March 3, 2009, execution date. With tears streaming down her face, she asked for help and support.[...]

Marisol Ramirez spoke for her husband, Juan Raul Ramirez; and Sylvia Garza, with her daughter hugging her, spoke for her son, Robert Garza. With tears streaming, Janie Medrano said she can no longer tell her 7-year-old son that his daddy, Rudy, will be home soon. Lydia Garza spoke for her son, Humberto Garza. All four families had banners with their loved one’s photo on them and a demand for the end of the Law of Parties.[...]

A highlight of the day was the participation of Kids Against the Death Penalty, formed by Jeff Wood’s daughter Paige and his nieces and nephews last spring. They participated in a highly public campaign for Wood, who won a stay of execution on Aug. 22. Gavin Been spoke for KADP. Speaking for Wood was Terry Been, his brother-in-law, friend and active supporter.[...]

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