Did Texas Execute an Innocent Man?
Texas may well be the buckle of the execution belt in the United States, and its fair to say if you commit a capital crime you best not do it in the Lone Star State. One of the many problems with the death penalty however, beyond the cost, which is more than imprisoning one for life, is the fact that there are no “do overs.” Once you pull that switch and the condemned sucks in his last breath it’s done. So what if you make a mistake?
Cameron Todd Willingham, for example, was executed in Texas in 2004 after being convicted of an especially heinous crime: murdering his three young daughters in a fire. But a decade later, the Innocence Project says newly discovered documents suggest something else heinous: The state killed an innocent man.
As the New York Times explains, the prosecution’s case relied on the testimony of jailhouse informant Johnny Webb, who claimed that Willingham had confessed to him. The Innocence Project says Webb lied to strike a deal for a lighter sentence on his own robbery charges, and it uncovered a note in Webb’s file dictating that his charges were to be reduced “based on coop in Willingham,” reports the Guardian. During Webb’s testimony, he and the prosecution denied any such deal was in place.
The AP tracks down the lead prosecutor in the case, who still denies it. “The file may certainly reflect that we tried to get sentencing shortened, but it had nothing to do with any agreement relative to the Willingham trial,” says John Jackson, who went on to become a judge and is now retired.
The Innocence Project has filed an appeal with the state pardon board to have Willingham exonerated, but the ultimate decision will be made by Gov. Rick Perry or his successor. Perry called Willingham a “monster” 10 years ago in allowing his execution to take place, and a spokesperson says his position hasn’t changed. Still, “we’ll see what happens,” says Willingham’s stepmother. “I can’t help but be hopeful.”
About Post Author
Professor Mike
More Stories
What in the World Happened to the Ginger Kitten?
The abrupt sound of multiple barks pierced the stillness of the night. It was an unsettling deviation from their customary...
Warning: Be Careful When Walking Your Dog In Alligator Country
Mike McCoy has read up a bit on alligator attacks and he knew what to do if you find yourself in one—and good thing too.
MadMikesAmerica To Remain Open For Business
We are staying open. MMA may not be as active as it once was, but why close this one, with all those articles still available to read, and maybe more to come?
Fox News Guest: Ghoulish Trump Has Blood On His Hands
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) told Fox News on Sunday that former President Donald Trump is guilty of a “ghoulish” attempt to undermine the economy by downplaying the need for Covid-19 vaccinations.
Disgusting Ted Cruz Forgets History of Conservatives Like Elvis Promoting Vaccines
Recently, the beloved Sesame Street character Big Bird went on television and social media to promote COVID-19 vaccines. For anyone who has been conscious for at least a few years, celebrities—especially ones with larger fanbases amongst the youth of the country—promoting public health initiatives is not surprising. It has been going on forever and ever.
Crazy Louie Gohmert: Climate Action Would Force Us To Brush Our Teeth With Bark
[caption id="attachment_187456" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Getty images[/caption] by Aldous J. Pennyfarthing How the hell did Republican Louie Gohmert of Texas ever become...
There are times when the word “oops” isn’t one you want to hear. Over the p.a. while in flight, on the operating table – and most certainly in death penalty cases.
Texas executed an innocent man” Only one? Does anyone think Texas cares?
Nope. Texas doesn’t care but some of the people just might 🙂