The State of Texas seeks to execute Robert Pruett on August 23rd despite significant doubts about the reliability of his conviction. Pruett has steadfastly maintained his innocence in the murder of Corrections Officer Daniel Nagle in the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas in 1999. No physical evidence connects him with the crime, and recent DNA analysis of the murder weapon revealed a DNA profile belonging neither to Pruett nor to Officer Nagle.
Pruett has received three previous stays of execution to allow time for DNA testing, but the State so far has not analyzed the profile found on the murder weapon, which could reveal the identity of the real killer. In addition, a 2015 order to analyze the clothing worn by Officer Nagle on the day of his death also has not been fulfilled.
Allowing Robert Pruett to be executed when analysis that can prove his innocence remains to be done would be unconscionable.
Read more about Pruett’s case in this 2015 article from The Guardian.
Take action today!
Call and/or write the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Texas Governor Greg Abbott to urge them to support clemency for Robert Pruett or, at the very least, grant a 120-day reprieve to allow the time needed for previously ordered DNA testing. Here’s the main message to leave with them: “The risk of a wrongful execution in this case is intolerably high.”
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Clemency Section
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
8610 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78758
Phone (512) 406-5852
Fax (512) 467-0945
Chairman: David Gutierrez
Online Contact: bpp_clemency@tdcj.texas.gov
Governor Greg Abbott
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
Information and Referral Hotline: (800) 843-5789 [for Texas callers]
Citizen’s Opinion Hotline: (800) 252-9600 [for Texas callers]
Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline: (512) 463-1782 [for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers]
Online Contact: https://gov.texas.gov/contact/