Another Setback as Texas Execution Nears

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

voted today

against recommending a commutation or reprieve to Hank Skinner, who is scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. CST Wednesday. Skinner’s execution is scheduled to go forward despite the availability of untested DNA evidence in the case that could prove his innocence or guilt.

Today’s decision by the Board of Pardons and Paroles means Skinner’s final hopes for a stay lie with the U.S. Supreme Court and with Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Thousands of Innocence Project supporters have sent letters to Gov. Perry in recent days urging him to order a stay in the case so DNA testing can proceed.

Join the call for justice here

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Below is a statement on today’s decision from Skinner’s attorney Rob Owen:

“We are disheartened that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has turned a deaf ear to Mr. Skinner’s plea for a stay of execution to allow for DNA testing of key evidence that could prove his innocence,” Owen said. “It is now more urgent than ever that Governor Rick Perry not allow Wednesday’s execution to proceed until all of the facts are in. We urge the governor to take the reasonable and fair action of halting Mr. Skinner’s execution so that readily available scientific evidence can be tested before he is put to death on Wednesday. To do anything less means that the State of Texas is willing to risk the execution of an innocent man.”