Death penalty opponents say system is broken, executions must end

As execution numbers rise in Texas, so does the determination to end all executions. Families of death row prisoners and community activists joined opponents of the death penalty on Oct. 25 for the 9th Annual March to End Executions in Houston.

WW photos: Gloria Rubac

The lively percussion of the Free Radicals Marching Band accompanied the spirited march. As they arrived at the SHAPE Community Center, there were chants of “Death penalty? Shut it down! Huntsville? Shut it down! Executions? Shut it down!”

Clarence Brandley, who was freed from Texas death row in 1990 after a 10-year struggle proved his innocence, was the featured speaker. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for people like you standing up and not giving up. I came within hours of execution two times, but today I am here with you. Never stop the fight! Never give up! We can win!” Brandley said to the cheering crowd.

Clarence Brandley

A revolutionary tone was set for the day by the words of solidarity sent by those locked in steel cages. Margaret with the Rice for Peace and Justice student group read a message from Bomani Shakur, who is on death row in Lucasville, Ohio. A statement from Panthers United for Revolutionary Education on Texas death row was also read. (See accompanying articles.)

Words written by Gabriel Gonzales with the DRIVE Movement on Texas death row were read: “Prison issues are class issues—the rich exploiting the poor for economical gain. The insidious crippling of our poor, our young people on death rows and prisons is expanding and none of this is about the rate of crime. It is about capitalism, it is about racism and classism.”

Abolitionist Ester King read a strong message to support Troy Davis in Georgia from Kenneth Foster, who won commutation of his death sentence hours before his Aug. 30, 2007, execution was to take place. A strong, popular movement forced this victory. March participants signed birthday cards for Foster.

Hearts and minds were filled with emotion as well as information when a dozen families of death row prisoners took the stage.

Regina Guidry, spouse of Howard Guidry. Standing next to her is Shelicia Cathey, sister of Eric Cathey, set for execution on Nov. 18.

Delia Perez Meyers said that her brother, Louis Castro Perez, was innocent, and even though he had just lost a round in court, his family continues to fight to win his freedom.

Sonya Chavez spoke for the large family of Melissa Lucio, who was sent to death row in August. Lucio is one of 10 women on death row in Texas. Her family, who drove from Harlingen, Texas, wore tee shirts with her photo.

Eric Cathey is scheduled for execution on Nov. 18, despite strong evidence of innocence. His sister, Shelicia Cathey, spoke about the injustice in his case.

Alisha Joshlin spoke fondly about her fiancée Willie Pondexter and the terror of waiting for his March 3, 2009, execution date. With tears streaming down her face, she asked for help and support.

Four families from the Rio Grande Valley rented a van and drove to Houston together. Their loved ones had all been sent to death row under the Texas Law of Parties, which allows a person who was not even at the scene of a crime to be put to death. After stopping the execution of Kenneth Foster in 2007 and winning a stay for Jeff Wood in August, activists plan to fight this law until it is taken off the books.

Marisol Ramirez spoke for her husband, Juan Raul Ramirez; and Sylvia Garza, with her daughter hugging her, spoke for her son, Robert Garza. With tears streaming, Janie Medrano said she can no longer tell her 7-year-old son that his daddy, Rudy, will be home soon. Lydia Garza spoke for her son, Humberto Garza. All four families had banners with their loved one’s photo on them and a demand for the end of the Law of Parties.

Howard Guidry’s appeal will be heard on Oct. 29. His spouse, Regina, urged people to be in Austin to support Guidry, an innocent man who was sent to death row after Harris County detectives coerced a false confession from him.

A highlight of the day was the participation of Kids Against the Death Penalty, formed by Jeff Wood’s daughter Paige and his nieces and nephews last spring. They participated in a highly public campaign for Wood, who won a stay of execution on Aug. 22. Gavin Been spoke for KADP. Speaking for Wood was Terry Been, his brother-in-law, friend and active supporter.

The last juvenile sent to death row in the U.S., before the Supreme Court outlawed the execution of those under 18, was Robert Acuña of Houston. His mother, Barbara, told of the relief of not waking up every day knowing that the state was going to murder her son.

Before Joseph Nichols was executed on March 7, 2007, he had his mother promise him that, through her, he would continue to be part of the fight against capital punishment. Lee Greenwood spoke at the rally about Joe being executed, even though he hadn’t killed anyone. She has always kept her promise to her son.