Together with local, state, and national partners, TCADP works to reduce use of the death penalty in Texas. Here’s a snapshot of our recent impact:
The TCADP Annual Conference is the cornerstone of our statewide engagement efforts. Attendees, who hail from all corners of Texas, hear from capital defense attorneys, innocence experts, journalists, advocates, faith leaders, and individuals who have been directly impacted by the death penalty, including victim survivors, family and friends of individuals on death row, and jurors. We honor individuals and organizations who raise awareness of death penalty issues in meaningful ways and further the cause of abolition. And we hear from incredible keynote speakers, including civil rights icon, Ms. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” (2024), and State Representative John Bucy (2025).
TCADP works to stop executions and shed light on the humanity of those condemned to death. With Texas Defender Service, we co-sponsored a petition to save Ramiro Gonzales (pictured here, courtesy of Elisabetta Diorio), who was executed on June 26, 2024, despite evidence of his rehabilitation. We also are deeply engaged in the campaign to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, which was scheduled for October 17, 2024, but halted at the last minute by the Supreme Court of Texas.
We publish a report on Texas death penalty developments, which receives widespread media coverage and is hand delivered to every legislative office at the State Capitol. Throughout the year, TCADP provides commentary and analysis on the death penalty to journalists who cover this issue. We also recruit and train members of our volunteer Lobby Corps on how to communicate with state lawmakers about the death penalty.
We participate in community events throughout the state, including Martin Luther King Day, Jr. activities, political conventions, and Juneteenth. TCADP staff and board members deliver presentations to community colleges and churches, host membership gatherings, including World Day Against the Death Penalty events, and organize webinars on a variety of topics. TCADP also continues to host a virtual book group and support events sponsored by our Organizational Affiliates.
