Fallout from the high-profile Michael Morton exoneration along with more prison closures and growing concerns about the mentally ill in Texas prisons dominated criminal justice headlines in 2013.
Brandi Grissom
Brandi Grissom worked at the Tribune from its launch in 2009 until 2014, rising to the rank of managing editor. In addition to editing duties, Grissom led the Tribune's coverage of criminal justice issues. During her tenure at the Tribune, she was chosen as a 2012 City University of New York Center on Media, Crime and Justice/H.F. Guggenheim Journalism Fellow and was a fellow at the 2012 Journalist Law School at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. Grissom, along with Tribune multimedia producer Justin Dehn, received a 2012 regional Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting for work on the case of Megan Winfrey, who was acquitted of murder in February 2013 after the Trib’s coverage brought statewide attention the case. Grissom joined the Tribune after four years at the El Paso Times, where she acted as a one-woman Capitol bureau. Grissom won the Associated Press Managing Editors First-Place Award in 2007 for using the Freedom of Information Act to report stories on a variety of government programs and entities, and the ACLU of Texas named her legislative reporter of the year in 2007 for her immigration reporting. She previously served as managing editor at The Daily Texan and has worked for the Alliance Times-Herald, the Taylor Daily Press, the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung and The Associated Press. A native of Alliance, Neb., she has a degree in history from the University of Texas.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: Search Gov. Perry’s Pardons
Gov. Rick Perry has issued at least 221 pardon proclamations since taking office in December 2000. Use this database to search those declarations.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
If the Sun Salutation Has to Fit Into a Prison Cell
An Austin lawyer turned yogi hopes to make yoga commonplace behind bars in Texas. But financial and administrative challenges lie ahead.
Posted inState Government
Prosecutors Prepare to Open Their Files
As 2014 approaches, Texas district and county attorneys are preparing to implement a new law that aims to prevent wrongful convictions by requiring prosecutors to open their files to defense lawyers.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
High Court May Answer Question on Impairment and Death Penalty
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of a Florida death row inmate — who claims he does not have the mental capacity to face execution — could provide more guidance to states like Texas.
Posted in
Politics
Van de Putte Will Announce Future Plans on Nov. 23
As promised, state Sen. Leticia Van De Putte, D-San Antonio, said she would make a formal annoncement about her future plans on Nov. 23 in an email sent to supporters Friday. She is expected to run for lieutenant governor.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Proposed Rules Could Increase Use of Pepper Spray on Youths
County probation chiefs want new authority to use pepper spray, saying proposed rules would provide more local control over how their facilities are operated.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Court Orders New Mental Competency Hearing in Death Penalty Case
UPDATED: The Court of Criminal Appeals has ordered a new hearing in the case of Marcus Druery to determine whether he is mentally competent to be executed.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Facility for Mentally Ill Youths in Limbo Amid Legislative Delays
Months after lawmakers cut millions of dollars in funding for the state juvenile justice department and ordered the closure of a detention facility, movement to shutter a Corsicana facility for mentally ill youths remains stalled as state leaders reconsider its demise.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Case Shows How Time Affects Pursuit of Justice
A family is fighting to keep jailed the man suspected in their relatives’ deaths, while he pursues a chance to become eligible for parole.