Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement

WE WIN ONE!


Napoleon Beazley's parents were preparing to make the trip to Huntsville, where they would take part in a prayer vigil outside of The Walls while the state went about the business of killing their son. The parents would take the body home to Grapeland for burial.

The telephone rang. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, had granted an indefinite stay of execution. In tears, Mr. Beasley said, "All we know is that we don't have to go down there this evening. We don't have to pick up a body. The war, we understand, is not over. But we have won one battle."

The court did not explain the reasons for the stay, but it is believed that the issue was incompetence on the part of state-appointed appellate lawyer. Robert Norris, who no longer represents Napoleon, has admitted that he did an inadequate job of investigating and presenting the case. The Appeals Court recently granted two other stays of execution for the same reason.

Nor are judges are immune to public opinion. International outrage over a death sentence for a crime committed when the defendant was a child of 17, an avalanche of bad publicity for the Texas (so-called) justice system, and the work of countless activists made it easier for the court to intervene. But as Ireland Beazley said, winning the stay was just one battle in the war. We have to keep fighting.

Napoleon Beasley Ireland and Rena Beasley

"IF I CAN FORGIVE THE MAN YOU KILLED MY SON, YOU CAN FORGIVE A GUY WHO BUMPED INTO YOU."

Sometimes it seems like we're fighting ghosts – shadowly things called "the system" or "public opinion" or "the thirst for vengeance." Yet the struggle always comes down to what one human being finds in his heart to do for another. This article, written by William Raspberry and first published in the Washington Post, is homage to a remarkable man who lost an adopted son and opened his home and life to the young man's killer. Continued.



"TEXAS AT THE HEART OF THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS SCANDAL" -- AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL


The most world's most respected human rights organization has come down hard on Texas, detailing how we execute the innocent, the children, the mentally retarded. AI concludes their report will a plea for action. Click here for the report and what you can do to help.

Terrell Death Row Inmate John Alba's website

Legislative Update
Letter from Gary Hawkins

Contact Information for Houston Area State Senators
Representatives
TDJC Officials
and 50-State Prison Address and Inmate Lookup

ANOTHER INNOCENT ON DEATH ROW


Anthony Graves, a 36-year-old father of three, sits on death row in the Terrell Unit. His trial was a sham: no physical evidence linked him with the crime, no plausible motive was presented. Anthony's girl friend, with whom he had been with during the time of the murders, was warned by the prosecution that she would face capital charges if she testified in Anthony's behalf. She fled without making a statement. The case against him was based upon the testimony of Robert Carter, the real murderer. Carter, since executed for the crime, admitted that he had lied. Carter said the police had threatened to indite his wife unless he named someone, anyone, as an accomplice. But Anthony's attorney was too incompetent to call Carter as a defense witness.

Anthony sums up his situation in these words, "I am an innocent man. I was offered a life sentence if I would confess to the crimes, but that would be a second lie being told in this situation. The first was theirs and I have no control over what they do, but I know I am honest."

To find out more and how you can help, visit Anthony's website and Bonnie Caraway's beautiful and moving site.

Anthony Graves and his son

NJERI TO SPEAK ABOUT DEATH PENALTY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Njeri Shakur, a long-time TDPAM activist, has been invited to address the UN Conference on Racism, which will be held in late August, early September in Durham, South Africa. Njeri will speak to the Assembly on Non-Governmental Organizations on Texas prison abuse and the death penalty. Congratulations, Njeri!

The problem is to raise money for air fare. Njeri can get to Europe on her own, but she needs help for the rest of the trip. Please contribute whatever you can to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity real for our colleague and friend. Make checks payable to "Abolition Movement" and mail c/o SHAPE Center, 3903 Almeda, Houston 77004.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

Max Soffar's story demonstrates what's wrong with the death penalty.  Except that Max happens to be Jewish, his story touches all the bases we have come to know so well: a high-profile crime, a throwaway suspect, without money or friends, a coerced confession, a criminally inept defense attorney, and a Harris County prosecutor. 

Max Soffar on death row 20 years.


"THE TIES THAT BIND US"

Nanon Williams, sentenced to death at the age of 17, transfigured his experience into poetry and art. Nanon transcends the despair, the horror of death row, to give us his love and much more. "The Ties that Bind Us" costs only $15.50, plus $2 shipping & handling.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 29: Surround the White House to protest Bush policies on a wide range of issues. Oct. 15: 2nd Annual March on the Mansion in Austin to demand a Moratorium on the death penalty. Execution nights: carpool to Huntsville to protest at deathhouse

We meet at 7:00 pm on the first Tuesday of the month at the SHAPE center 3903 Almeda, Houston, TX. For information about the group contact Gloria

Last modified Sept. 14, 2001

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