Thursday, March 18, 2010

Call on Gov. Perry to Stay Texas Execution so DNA Testing Can Be Done

Hank Skinner is set to be executed one week from today in Texas despite untested DNA evidence that could prove his innocence or guilt. Can you spend 30 seconds right now to call on Gov. Rick Perry to stay the execution so DNA testing can be conducted?

The calls for a stay gained urgency today as Texas’ highest criminal court refused to intervene in the case, meaning Perry is among Skinner’s final hopes. Skinner’s attorney Rob Owen issued the following statement today:

"We remain hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court, which has often found it necessary to correct egregious injustices in Texas capital cases, will intervene to protect Mr. Skinner’s right to pursue that DNA testing in federal court. We also trust that Governor Perry, having heard the voices of Texans insisting that the death penalty not be carried out while there are unresolved doubts about a defendant’s guilt, will do the right thing and postpone Mr. Skinner's execution until all the facts are in.

"Time is growing short, and ultimately someone must have the courage and the common sense to step forward and ensure the reliability of this verdict through the best available scientific technology."

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