Death Row Inmate Larry Swearingen's Execution Stayed
Update, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 5 p.m.: Montgomery County state district court Judge Kelly Case on Wednesday withdrew an order that had set the execution of condemned murderer Larry Swearingen for Feb. 27. The judge's decision came after a hearing in which Swearingen's lawyers argued that more time was required to accomplish DNA testing they believe will prove his innocence in the 1998 murder of Melissa Trotter.
Montgomery County assistant district attorney Bill Delmore said he was disappointed with the decision, the first ruling in the case from the newly elected judge. Delmore said that prosecutors had offered ...
Comments (9)
Rob Turk via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The State owes it to itself and to all that is just and righteous to be sure that a man is guilty before executing him. I believe in capital punishment but only if the person is actually guilty. We should have no problem ensuring a man is guilty in this circumstance.
Renee E. Babcock via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If there's one thing Texas hates to do, is admit when they have wrongfully convicted someone. And good luck getting a new DNA test. Too often they fight that tooth and nail. (I do hope the new test is allowed, because we should be certain. But I'm so sick of this state refusing to accept there are wrongfully convicted people in jail. And God forbid they ever admit any prosecutorial wrongdoing. I guess it's a good thing Michael Morton wasn't given the death penalty when he was convicted.)
RhondaandBrian Davis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Larry is innocent and his lawyers should be given the chance to prove Larry's innocence! The state of Texas should not be allowed to kill another innocent person!
David O
It appears that the Montgomery County DA did not learn anything Williamson County DA's fiasco in opposing Michael Morton's request for DNA testing.
Annette Bryant
Maybe our Un-Justice system would not be so bent on killing the innocent if they were punished when they lie, hide evidence, and statements for the purpose of winning a case! The system needs a complete overhaul starting with the judges, prosecuting attorneys, Rissie Owens, on Perry.
Christine Lund
Wouldn't it be murder if he were found to be innocent by DNA after he is executed? Who would object to waiting for evidence that could free an innocent man? What? Are we on a schedule? We haven't killed someone lately and it's just time?
Andrew Goldberg via Texas Tribune on Facebook
boy they sure can stop'em when perry's job is NOT THREATENED by the state's handling of the case
Bill Eaves via Texas Tribune on Facebook
WTH move forward
Samdavis
Sure, since when does innocence have anything to do with cretins wanting their execution fix?