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Death Penalty

‘You Don’t Have to Kill Us. You Don’t Have to Throw Us Away.’

Clinton Young spent nearly two decades condemned to die. His peaceful, productive time out on bond poses questions about how Texas decides who lives long enough to get another chance.

by Michelle Pitcher

Keep Reading

Texas Set to Execute Fourth Person of the Year on Tuesday

by Michelle Pitcher

Moises Mendoza to Be Third Person Killed by State of Texas This Year

by Michelle Pitcher

The Sordid, Unscientific Story Behind Lethal Injection

by Michelle Pitcher

Areli Escobar, a Latinx man, poses with a baby while wearing a black tuxedo and bow-tie. Jan 10, 2023

Supreme Court Sides with Defense on Death Row Case

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will now reconsider Areli Escobar’s case which prosecutors and defense attorneys agree relied on flawed forensics.

by Michelle Pitcher

Oct 12, 2022

Despite Racist Jurors, Andre Thomas Remains on Texas’ Death Row

The convicted man’s lawyer called the prospect of his execution “an ugly spectacle.”

by Michelle Pitcher

The custom "gurney" where prisoners are strapped down, arms spread out to either side, to prepare them for lethal injection. Oct 03, 2022

Texas Bloodlust Usurps Prosecutorial Discretion

John Ramirez will be executed October 5 over the objections of the Nueces county district attorney.

by Stephen Cooper

Kosoul Chanthakoummane, a bald Laotian man, sits inside a viewing window in a prison, wearing a sleeveless white top and white pants. Behind his photo, is an illustration of DNA molecules in their customary double-helix shape. Aug 17, 2022

Juror Speaks Out Hours Before Execution in Death Penalty Case

One of the people who voted to convict Kosoul Chanthakoummane said the condemned man’s appeal deserved to be heard.

by Michelle Pitcher

Kosoul Chanthakoummane, a bald Laotian man, sits inside a viewing window in a prison, wearing a sleeveless white top and white pants. Aug 10, 2022

Recent Execution Based on Discredited Forensic Science

Kosoul Chanthakoummane is set to be executed August 17 for the murder of a Dallas realtor in a case built on hypnosis and faulty evidence.

by Michelle Pitcher

Feb 16, 2022

Stereotypes Could Send An Innocent Texas Woman to the Execution Chamber

A psychologist explains how myths and biases can prompt false allegations—and irreversible mistakes, especially in cases involving trauma victims like Melissa Lucio.

by Jeff Kukucka

Jan 25, 2022

A Texas Mother Could Be Executed in April. Was Her Child’s Death Really a Murder?

Melissa Lucio, whose execution could take place this year, claims her innocence.

by Lise Olsen

Nov 03, 2021

Rodney Reed and Texas’ Troubling Reliance on the Death Penalty

A court ruling this week sets up yet another high profile showdown over Texas’ use of the ultimate punishment.

by Michael Barajas

Jun 29, 2021

A Wrongful Execution in Texas Points to the Fallibility of the Death Penalty

A new documentary, The Phantom, explores the case of Carlos DeLuna and bolsters the disturbingly convincing case that Texas executed the wrong man.

by Michael Barajas

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