Tomorrow, October 27, 2009, Reginald
Blanton is scheduled to be executed. He was convicted based upon coerced statements subsequently recanted at trial, a trial where the prosecution struck all African-Americans from the jury. No physical evidence connected
Blanton to the crime. In fact, a footprint thought to be that of the perpetrator didn't match
Blanton's.
A full account of the case can be read
here.
In Texas, and around the nation, people have rallied urging
Governor Rick Perry to delay the execution, to fully consider the shortcomings of the investigation and trial that led to
Blanton's conviction, to avoid the possibility--even the likelihood--of a rerun of the
Willingham case, where evidence that Texas executed an innocent man is overwhelming.
His mother Anna
Blanton gave an impassioned plea to a large crowd at the 10
th annual Abolish the Death Penalty March in Austin, Texas, where she pleaded that Governor Rick Perry be held accountable. Here's a video of her address:
Rick Perry's phone number is 512-463-2000. Call him up and urge him to save Reggie
Blanton.