Archive | Houston

16 May 2013 ~ Comments Off

State of Texas Executes Jeffrey Williams

death penalty execution Harris County Houston Texas

On May 15, 2015, the State of Texas put Jeffrey Williams to death for the murder of plainclothes Houston police officer Troy Blando in 1999 while being arrested for stealing a car.  The U.S. Supreme Court denied his last appeal regarding a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.  Read more from the Associated Press, via the Austin American-Statesman.

It was the sixth execution to take place in Texas this year, out of twelve nationwide, and the first involving a case from Harris County since District Attorney Mike Anderson was sworn into office in January.    Texas has executed 498 people since 1982.

With the May 21 scheduled execution of Robert Pruett stayed for DNA testing, the next execution is scheduled to take place on June 12.

 

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16 November 2012 ~ Comments Off

State of Texas Executes Preston Hughes III

death penalty execution Houston Texas

On November 15, 2012, the State of Texas executed Preston Hughes III for  the 1988 murders of Shandra Charles, age 15, and Marcell Taylor, age 3, in Houston.  It was the 2nd execution carried out by the state this week and the 15th this year.  No further executions are scheduled to take place in Texas in 2012; the state already has scheduled five executions into July of next year.

Hughes proclaimed his innocence and asked his supporters to continue to fight to clear his name. Read more from the Texas Tribune and ABC News/Associated Press.

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31 October 2012 ~ 2 Comments

Three Texas Executions Scheduled for November

death penalty executions Houston San Antonio Texas Uncategorized

The State of Texas is scheduled to carry out these executions in November:

On November 8, 2012, Mario Swain, is scheduled to be executed for the December 2002 slaying of Lola Nixon in Longview.  The murder occurred during a break-in of her home. According to KWTX.com, “Swain’s lawyers contended the inmate’s confessions … improperly were admitted at his capital murder trial and also argued his trial lawyers were deficient and jury selection was improper.”

Ramon Hernandez is scheduled to be put to death on November 14, 2012 for the 2001 rape and murder of Rosa Rosado in San Antonio.

On November 15, 2012, Preston Hughes III is scheduled to be put to death for the 1988 murders of Shandra Charles, age 15, and Marcell Taylor, age 3, in Houston.  Read more about the case in the Houston Chronicle and Austin Chronicle.

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19 October 2012 ~ Comments Off

U.S. Supreme Court Grants Stay of Execution to Anthony Haynes

death penalty Houston Stay of execution Texas U.S. Supreme Court

This afternoon, October 18, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider a review of the case of Anthony Haynes, who was scheduled to be put to death today for the 1998 murder of off-duty police officer Sgt. Kent Kincaid in Houston.  According to the Houston Chronicle, (“Houston cop killer Anthony Haynes granted stay of execution,” October 18, 2012), “Earlier, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and a federal court had rejected the killer’s appeals, which essentially said Haynes’ previous lawyers had provided inadequate representation.”  Here’s an excerpt from the Chronicle:

In his petitions, Haynes’ current lawyer Richard Ellis said the earlier attorneys failed to thoroughly research the case, and had handled the punishment phase of the trial as an “afterthought.” Friends and relatives who would have testified to Haynes’ good character were not allowed to tell their stories to jurors, Ellis said.

Should the high court review Haynes’ case, it will also consider whether claims such as his can be considered in federal courts when they have not been heard in state courts. Haynes’ claims of insufficient counsel were not heard in state courts because they were not presented in a timely manner mandated by Texas law.

High court justices later this month will consider reviewing a case where the arguments mirror Haynes’. The court in August stayed the execution of Amarillo triple-killer John Balentine.

In petitions on Haynes’ behalf, Ellis has argued that his client was a stellar student of good character, an ambitious youth destined for a military career, before he fell victim to drug abuse.

This was the sixth stay of execution granted to a Texas death row inmate this year.

Read more in the Houston Chronicle.

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25 September 2012 ~ Comments Off

Today is National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

Houston San Antonio victims
I have been told that the violent death of a loved one is one of the most difficult situations for individuals and family members to recover from, if they ever do.  Many do not.  Many are plagued with catastrophic diseases and die prematurely due to their inability to overcome their deep grief. Others spend the rest of their lives attempting to medicate their grief with prescription drugs, illegal drugs or alcohol.  Even if they are able to eventually get some relief, they still have anniversaries and birthdays that cause them to re-live their original pain. The first few years are the worst, they tell me.
So, imagine with me the most dreadful devastating event in your life, and multiply it several times, to come even near the pain of the families of murder victims. That is what they are feeling most of the time. Our hearts go out to them.  Join me today in honoring these people.
Today, September 25th, marks the  annual observance of National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.  This day honors the memory of homicide victims and acknowledges the resulting long-term trauma for their families, communities, and the nation.  You can read more about it on the website of Parents of Murdered Children, which initiated today’s observance, and download a resource kit.
An observance will take place today in Houston at 6:30 PM at Hermann Square Reflection Pond 901 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002-2526.  Contact  713-308-9063 for more information.In San Antonio, an observance will take place today at 7:00 PM at First Church of the Nazarene, 10715 West Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78213.  Contact  210-621-2478 for more information.
We ask that you keep all murder victims and their families and friends in your thoughts and hearts today, and always.

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23 January 2012 ~ Comments Off

Upcoming Events in Houston: Speaker on Criminal Justice Reform and Film Screening

Houston Incendiary TCADP Annual Conference

The Houston Chapter of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty invites you to attend:

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE? WHAT IS NEEDED?

featuring

Brandon Dudley, Chief of Staff for Senator Rodney Ellis

Thursday, January 26,  2012, 7:00pm

Dominican Sisters Meeting Room
6501 Almeda Rd., Houston, Texas
Pizza will be served for hungry attendees!

Rodrigo Hernandez is scheduled for execution on January 26.  The Houston Vigil will be held that day at the corner of Westheimer and Shepherd at 5:30 pm.   Following this vigil, please join TCADP’s Houston Chapter for a special presentation by Brandon Dudley, Chief of Staff for Senator Rodney Ellis, who will speak on improvements to the Texas Criminal Justice System.

“Incendiary” Film Showing, Wednesday, February 1, 8:00pm

Please join the Houston Peace & Justice Center (HPJC) for a special screening of this film at the Regal Greenway Grand Palace Stadium on Wednesday, February 1st at 8 PM. Stick around afterwards for a discussion about the most recent developments in the Willingham case.

Tickets must be purchased in advance (by January 30, 2:00am). Purchase Tickets Today.

Incendiary

Equal parts murder mystery, forensic investigation and political drama, INCENDIARY: The Willingham Case has captivated theatrical audiences this fall. Winner of the 2011 Louis Black Award at SXSW Film, and selected to play as a 2011 Sterling US Feature at the American Film Institute/Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS Festival 2011, INCENDIARY has been called “one of the most timely movies of the year…nonfiction filmmaking at its most classic. Crime, punishment, morality and hardball politics make for an explosive narrative mix all their own.” (Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post)

TCADP 2012 Annual Conference: Seizing the Momentum… Creating the Climate for Change
Saturday, February 18, 2012, University of the Incarnate Word Sky Room, San Antonio
Please make plans to join us on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in San Antonio for the 2012 TCADP Annual Conference. The conference features two workshop sessions, a panel discussion on how the changing demographics in Texas will impact our efforts to abolish the death penalty, and networking opportunities with new and old friends. The annual awards ceremony will take place during the luncheon to celebrate those individuals who inspired us in 2011.

Registration for the 2012 TCADP Annual Conference is open.  TCADP member, non-member, student, and early-bird rates are available.  Prices go up after February 1, 2012.

Register online today! or  Download the registration form and mail it in.

Download and share the conference flier.

Advertise in the program to promote your work, congratulate the award winners, and sponsor this annual event.  Exhibitor tables are also available. Learn more.

All of the conference information, including award winners, hotel information, etc.  is available online at http://tcadp.org/what-we-do/annual-conference/.

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15 December 2011 ~ 1 Comment

TCADP 2011 Annual Report: Texas Carries Out Fewest Executions Since 1996

Bexar County Cameron Todd Willingham capital punishment Dallas death penalty death sentences DNA testing Duane Buck executions Governor Rick Perry Hank Skinner Harris County Houston Humberto Leal jury rejection Larry Swearingen lethal injection Mexican National Stay of execution TCADP Annual Report Texas Department of Criminal Justice Texas. Court of Criminal Appeals Travis County U.S. Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 15, 2011

CONTACT: Kristin Houlé, Executive Director
512-441-1808 (office); 512-552-5948 (cell)
khoule@tcadp.org

Spanish Translation

State of Texas Carries Out Fewest Executions Since 1996,
According to New Report from TCADP
New Death Sentences Remain at Record-Low Level, Imposed by Just Six Counties in the State

(Austin, Texas) — Executions dropped to the lowest number since 1996 and death sentences in Texas remained at a historic low level in 2011, according to the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty’s (TCADP) new report, Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2011: The Year in Review. TCADP is an Austin-based statewide, grassroots advocacy organization.

In 2011, the State of Texas carried out 13 executions, which is 50% less than in 2007.  It accounted for 30% of the national total, once again a smaller percentage than years past but still twice as many as any other state.  Texas has executed a total of 477 people since 1982; 238 executions have occurred during the administration of Texas Governor Rick Perry, more than any other governor in U.S. history.

For the second year in a row, juries condemned eight new individuals to death in Texas. This remains the lowest number of new death sentences since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Texas’ revised death penalty statute in 1976.  Once again, just six counties in the state of Texas accounted for the new death row inmates: Fort Bend (1); Galveston (1); Harris (3); Harrison (1); Tarrant (1); and Travis (1).  This represents 2% of all Texas counties.

“Texas – along with the rest of the nation – is steadily moving away from the death penalty,” said Kristin Houlé, Executive Director of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.  “Use of the death penalty has been relegated to just a few jurisdictions in the state as prosecutors and jurors accept alternatives that protect society and punish those who are truly guilty.  Still, longstanding concerns about the arbitrary and biased administration of the death penalty remain.”

An analysis of data from 2007 to 2011 reveals that only 23 Texas counties have imposed death sentences over the last 5 years; of these, only 10 counties have done so in the last 2 years.  Out of a total 51 death sentences imposed in this time period, Harris County leads with 9; it is followed by Dallas County, with 7 new sentences since 2007, and Tarrant and Travis Counties, with 4 new sentences each.  The other 19 counties imposed 1-3 sentences each.  Together, these 23 counties represent just 9% of the 254 counties in Texas.

Significantly, no new death sentences were imposed in Dallas County for the first time in five years.  Prosecutors sought the death penalty for Charles Payne, but the jury rejected the charge of capital murder and instead found him guilty of murder in the shooting of police officer Senior Cpl. Norm Smith.  This represented the first time since 1996 that prosecutors in Dallas County did not secure a capital murder conviction in a case in which they sought the death penalty. In another Dallas case, prosecutors dropped their pursuit of the death penalty and agreed to a life sentence for Johnathan Bruce Reed after he was found guilty for a third time in the 1978 murder of Wanda Jean Wadle. Overall, Dallas County accounts for 102 death sentences since 1976.

Bexar County, which has sentenced the third highest number of people to death in Texas, has not imposed any new death sentences since 2009.

Notably, six out of the eight new death sentences were imposed on people of color, including four African Americans and two Hispanics/Latinos.  Over the last five years, nearly three-fourths of all death sentences in Texas have been imposed on people of color – 41% African American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, and 2% other.  In Harris County, where these patterns are even more pronounced, 12 of the last 13 defendants sentenced to death are African American and the 13th is Hispanic/Latino.

Five inmates scheduled for execution in 2011 received stays, while the execution date for another inmate was withdrawn.

  • On September 15, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily stayed the execution of Duane Buck, pending a conference on his cert petition. During his trial, psychologist Walter Quijano, a witness for the defense, testified on cross-examination that the fact that Buck is African American increased the likelihood of his being dangerous in the future.  Such improperly elicited, racially-based testimony by Dr. Quijano led to new sentencing hearings in six other cases where the State of Texas conceded error – but not for Duane Buck.  On November 7, 2011, the Court declined to review Buck’s case.
  • On November 7, 2011, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a stay to Henry “Hank” Skinner, who was scheduled for execution on November 9.  Key pieces of evidence collected at the crime scene have never been subjected to DNA testing, and for the last 10 years officials have refused to release it for analysis.  The court stayed the execution to consider Skinner’s case in light of recent legislative changes to the statute related to post-conviction DNA testing. This was the second stay of execution for Skinner in two years.

Other highlights of Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2011: The Year in Review include the following:

  • In one capital murder trial, the jury rejected the death penalty and opted for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.  In two other cases, death-qualified jurors convicted the defendant on a charge less than capital murder, which took the death penalty off the table.  In the last four years, death-qualified juries have rejected the death penalty in at least 14 cases.
  • Six inmates received reduced sentences in 2011 and were removed from the death row population, including Chelsea Richardson, one of ten women on death row.
  • The State of Texas executed Humberto Leal on July 7, 2011 for the 1994 rape and murder of Adria Sauceda in San Antonio.  As a Mexican national, Leal was legally entitled to seek assistance from the Mexican consulate, which could have provided him with competent legal counsel.  Texas authorities failed to inform him of this right, which is afforded to Americans and foreigners who travel abroad by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
  • In July, the capital murder trial of John Edward Green, which was in its sixth week of jury selection, ended abruptly when Harris County prosecutors accepted an offer from the defense.  In the deal, Green pled guilty to a lesser murder charge in exchange for a 40-year prison term; he had faced a possible death sentence if convicted.  A pre-trial motion in his case prompted two days of unprecedented testimony on the risk of wrongful conviction last December.

“Recent developments have infused the public conversation about the death penalty with new energy and new urgency,” said Houlé.  “Now, more than ever, we urge concerned citizens and elected officials to engage in dialogue about the realities of the death penalty system and reconsider this irreversible punishment by focusing on its local impact as an expensive, arbitrary, and error-prone public policy.”

Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2011: The Year in Review is available online at www.tcadp.org/TexasDeathPenaltyDevelopments2011.pdf.  Contact Kristin Houlé at khoule@tcadp.org to receive a copy directly via email.

See http://tcadp.org/2007-2011-new-death-sentences/ for a map of new death sentences by county from 2007 to 2011.

See http://tcadp.org/1976-2011-county-map/ for a map of death sentences by county from 1976 to 2011.

Download this press release:  www.tcadp.org/2011TCADPannualreportpressrelease.pdf.

In Spanish.

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