Ten years ago today – February 17, 2004 – Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by the State of Texas despite compelling evidence of his innocence. Willingham was put to death for the 1991 arson murder of his three young daughters in Corsicana. His case continues to be shrouded in doubt and controversy, as every fire expert who has examined the case since the time of his conviction has concluded that the evidence does not support the finding of arson. The tragic deaths of Willingham’s children were likely the result of a terrible accident, not a crime.
Last fall, relatives for Cameron Todd Willingham, working with the Innocence Project, filed an amended petition with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles asking the state to posthumously pardon him. Family members urged the state to conduct an investigation into Willingham’s wrongful execution based on newly discovered evidence that points to possible false testimony at his trial and possible prosecutorial misconduct.
Take action today! Through the Innocence Project, you can write to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Rick Perry and ask them to conduct an investigation into Cameron Todd Willingham’s execution. The Willingham family should not have to wait another 10 years for answers.
If you have not watched “Incendiary,” a compelling documentary about the Willingham case and its treatment by the Texas Forensic Science Commission, you can download it from iTunes or request a copy on loan from TCADP.
Read more about Cameron Todd Willingham here.