(Update)Juan Segundo (#999520) was set to be executed on Wednesday October 10th. His execution has been stayed due to issues of low IQ that the courts will decide on at a later time.

Kwame Rockwell, (#999570) who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia after his arrest, is set to be executed on October 24th, 2018. His lawyers are currently seeking a stay of execution due to his mental illness.

Take a stand against all state sponsored murders by using the contact info. below!

See a list of all upcoming Texas executions by clicking here. 

The Board of Pardons and Parole can recommend a stay of execution and a commutation(lessening) of the sentence. This happened recently in the case of Thomas Whitaker.

Contact the Board Members by email at:

bpp-pio@tdcj.state.tx.us

*One click editable letter:  https://catholicsmobilizing.org/event/kwame-rockwell

Notes:

–Emails should begin with “Dear Board Members”

–Make sure to include the full name and TDCJ # of the prisoner

–State first that you are a resident of xx place (and maybe your relation to the case, religious affiliation, or occupation) and that you “oppose the execution” and are asking for the board members to “Recommend a stay of execution to Governor Abbott” and/or a “commutation of the sentence to Life Without Parole or Life in Prison”. In cases of innocence or glaring legal issues “A stay of execution until the courts have time to consider the issues with this case so that we can ensure that this inmate can have a fair trial (or sentencing hearing)” or something to that effect.

–Secondly, state any issues with the case including: problems with unconsidered evidence, problems with lying witnesses, problems with racism or disabilities, problems with unfair sentencing, or issues such as victim’s family members opposition to the execution, and any evidence that the person has shown positive change, and acknowledge the suffering of the inmate’s family and their possibility to provide something positive to their family or others.

–Re-state your request and acknowledge your above arguments against the execution.

-Thank them for their time and attention to the matter and sign with name and any contact information you feel comfortable putting there.

World Day Against the Death Penalty–October 10th, 2018

See the official page and resources here: http://www.worldcoalition.org/worldday.html

Houston Event:

The theme for 2018 is conditions on Death Row. In Texas, conditions are abysmal for Death Row and many other Texas prisoners. Join us to discuss some of these issues and to plan the launch of a People’s Platform for Justice in TDCJ. We plan to meet at a local cafe in Houston from 7-9pm to discuss the issues below and sign cards to prisoners. Contact us for the exact location.

Some of the main concerns?

Solitary Confinement

Lack of rehabilitation

Discrimination

Use of Force

Environment: temperatures, toxic water, mold, inedible and unhealthy food

Lack of or severe limits on family contact

Collective Punishment

Censorship/Political repression

Denial of recreation/ group recreation

Violation of religious freedom

Horrific medical care

Punishment for normal social interactions such as sharing food, stamps, or books– called “trafficking” by TDCJ

Can’t make the event? You can still help educate yourself and others on these issues! You can also support a death row prisoner by sending a birthday card to one of the people listed on our pen pal page!

 

**Please note there is also a march against the death penalty(not organized with this group) in Austin on October 20th! More information available on the events page.