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. We are deeply engaged in the campaign to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, which was scheduled for October 16, 2025, even though the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) is currently considering new evidence further proving his innocence. Roberson is an innocent father with Autism who has spent over 20 years on death row in Texas for a crime that never occurred. His conviction is based on the outdated and now debunked Shaken Baby Syndrome hypothesis. No court has considered overwhelming new medical and scientific evidence that Robert’s chronically-ill daughter, Nikki, died because of serious health issues, including undiagnosed pneumonia.
TCADP publishes 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 train members of our volunteer Lobby Corps on how to communicate with state lawmakers about the death penalty and testify on death penalty-related bills during the legislative session.
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 students, civic groups, and faith communities, host membership gatherings and World Day Against the Death Penalty events, and organize webinars on a variety of topics. TCADP also hosts a virtual book group and support events sponsored by our Organizational Affiliates.
