Texas is about to execute David Wood, despite DNA samples

On March 13, Texas is about to execute David Wood for a series of killings that took place in 1987. The case was full of tragedy, but devoid of medical -legal evidence. DNA evidence suggests wood It can actually be innocent. In 2010, a court ordered DNA testing on a blood pillar in the clothing worn by one of the women victims, who revealed the male DNA that was not Wood.

Despite this fact, the Attorney General Ken Paxton makes hard efforts for an execution and constantly opposed Wood’s request for further testing on additional evidence available. The Criminal Court of Appeal has so far refused to grant it. The clock ticks.

Even without DNA results, there are serious reasons to believe that wood is innocent. The case against him was supported almost entirely on the testimony of the informers in the prison who claimed that Wood had confessed to him. One of these informants received a dismissal of his accusation of capital murder in exchange for his testimony; Finally, the second received a reward of $ 13,000, according to the Marshall project. Incredibly, in order to help them prepare for the testimony of their great jury, the police detectives have literally taught their investigation files. The testimony of the informants cannot be considered reliable. Indeed, the informants stimulate-“snitches”-are a well-known taxpayer for wrong convictions, especially in capital cases.

At his process, the only medical -legal evidence offered against wood consisted of fibers found near one of the bodies. These fibers were supposed to “fit” fibers taken from a vacuum cleaner associated with Wood, but the National Academy of Science has questioned the reliability of this type of evidence, according to a 2009 report.

Given this weak case and the gravity and purpose of the punishment, it is amazing that the state does not want additional DNA tests to ensure that it has the right man.

In contrast, since he agreed with the initial test round that led to the result excluding the wood, the state opposed the new tests in each row.

His position is amazing. There was no more important discovery in the criminal justice system than the development of DNA testing. Since 1989, Over 375 people They were exempted by DNA testing, including in cases with evidence the more powerful defendants than this. When there is even a small question about the innocence of the defendant and there is biological evidence tested, it should be a brainless for the government to agree to test.

Unfortunately, some prosecutors from Texas and the Texas Criminal Court of Criminal The Texas are dedicated to the use of bad science and are allergic to DNA testing. In recent decades, we have seen countless examples of courts that allow the cases to take place when the convictions are based on “trash” science, while the simultaneous refusal to order DNA testing when a conviction could decrease.

Robert Roberson III barely avoided the date of execution, even though his conviction had completely rested on “shaken” discredited evidence (The state is still trying to execute it). The state executed Cameron Todd Willingham, even though his belief it was based on evidence of totally insecure fire. In 2022, over the victim’s family’s objections, the state executed the chanthakoumane koso, Even though his conviction was partially based on Discredited testimony of the bite and hypnosis of witnesses.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court of Appeal has refused the requests for DNA testing and other DNA testing applications that came before.

Both the message of the state and the court is clear: it is employed with the executions at any cost and do not care to understand it correctly.

The opposition of the state to the DNA testing and the failure of the Criminal Court of Appeal when granting it has extraordinary implications beyond the life involved in each case. Both send a clear message that they are not serious about preventing the execution of the innocent. This message dismantles confidence in the legal system. People do not agree with the death penalty, but we should all agree that we have to test evidence that could prove innocence. There is no moral argument, on the contrary.

Texas has already executed alleged innocent men. Should not add Wood’s name to that list.

There is time for the state to change the course and the court intervenes. Failure to comply with this will leave an indenting stain on the justice system and all those who enter its vision.

Kate Judson is the executive director of the Center for Integrity in Criminal Sciences.

We meet your thoughts in a letter to the publisher. See the guidelines and Send the letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can send by E -mail to [email protected]