Success: Execution of Innocent Man Halted

Target: Clemency Section for the Board of Pardons and Paroles

Goal: Applaud decision to halt execution of Jeffery Wood, who was sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit.

A Texas Appeals court has halted the execution of Jeffery Wood, a man who was sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit. The execution was scheduled for Wednesday, August 24. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International claim that Mr. Wood’s conviction was based upon both false testimony and false evidence provided by a since-discredited psychiatrist. Furthermore, Mr. Wood, who has a well-documented history of emotional and intellectual impairments, allegedly directed his legal representation to neither call any witnesses, nor cross examine the state’s witnesses or present closing arguments.   

The move to halt his execution comes after a campaign to commute his sentence that included international and domestic human rights organizations, everyday citizens, and a ForceChange petition. It represents an important step forward for human rights in Texas. Sign our petition and applaud the halting of this execution, and call for Mr. Wood’s sentence to be commuted.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Board Members,

I was delighted to hear that the scheduled execution of inmate #999256 has been halted. I believe this will give the board the opportunity to fully consider his case. Mr. Wood did not kill anyone, a fact that no one disputes. Furthermore, the board must examine claims that his sentence is a result of both false evidence, false testimony and a lack of adequate representation.  

Mr. Wood has a documented IQ of 80, and a history of emotional and intellectual impairment. Initially, he was ruled unfit to stand trial, and his original legal team notes that he directed them to sabotage his defense. I urge you to commute his sentence.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Tommy Woodard