TX Still Plans to Execute Hank Skinner, Despite Untested DNA Evidence

After spending 15 years on death row, Hank Skinner is scheduled to be executed in less than a week, despite the existence of untested DNA evidence that could prove his guilt or innocence. Though Skinner maintains he's not guilty and has sought DNA tests for a full decade, Texas officials continue to refuse him access to justice. Instead, they've chosen to single-mindedly pursue his execution -- even while doubts over Skinner's case linger.

Over the last few weeks, nearly 7,000 Change.org members have taken action on Skinner’s behalf, calling on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to grant his clemency in order for DNA testing to proceed. We need to keep the pressure on Texas officials to ensure justice is done, and that DNA testing is conducted in Skinner’s case.

A new petition posted today by the Innocence Project calls on Texas Gov. Rick Perry to grant Skinner an immediate stay of execution so DNA testing can proceed. Please take 30 seconds to urge Perry to do the right thing –- your voice could save Skinner’s life and help him prove his innocence.

In 1995, Skinner was convicted of killing his live-in girlfriend and her two adult sons -- charges that Skinner has continued to deny over the years. Since his trial, Skinner’s attorneys say they've developed evidence calling his conviction into doubt and suggesting the possible involvement of an alternate suspect. Some of the evidence includes knives from the crime scene, hairs from the victim’s hand and a windbreaker possibly worn by the perpetrator. Still, though, attempts to secure DNA testing through various courts have failed.

Meanwhile yesterday morning, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals refused to act on Skinner’s appeals –- meaning that Gov. Perry and the U.S. Supreme Court are Skinner’s last hopes.

To ensure that Texas officials are fully aware of the groundswell of support for DNA testing in Skinner's case (which includes an Arizona lab offering to do the DNA test pro bono), we’re resending every signature from our previous petition to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, which has the power to recommend clemency to Perry.

To learn more about the facts of the case, take a look at the great reporting from Brandi Grissom at the Texas Tribune and visit Skinner’s own page here. Don't let the state of Texas execute yet another potentially innocent man -- please take a moment to sign the petition above.

(Full disclosure: I work at the Innocence Project when I’m not blogging at Change.org. Opinions expressed here are my own and don’t represent any organization.)

Photo Credit: Texas Tribune