SAVE Rodney Reed in Texas
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NEWS
October 2017
Rodney reed heads up to pivotal hearing
Reed’s defense team says it will show new evidence that points to Jimmy Fennell, 44, Stites’ fiancé at the time of her death, as the real killer.
Read more
"If the facts that are alleged are proven, and in this case it's essentially on video,
then Mr. Reed is entitled to a new trial,"
Bryce Benjet, attorney for the Innocence Project
SUPPORT FOR RODNEY REED IN TEXAS AND AROUND THE WORLD
A growing number of organisations and individuals support Rodney Reed, his family and friends.
This includes The Innocence Project, National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), Campaign to end the Death Penalty (CEDP), Texas Defender Service (TDS), The Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement, SAVE, Amnesty International, Collectif Mumia Abu Jamal, ECPM, Lutte Pour La Justice, Ligue des Droits de l'Homme (LDH), Communauté de Sant'Egidio. Mouvement contre le Racisme et pour l'Amitié entre les Peuples (MRAP), Black Lives Matter (Austin)
It also includes 11 members of the victim's family
(see statements from clemency letters further below)
Who is Rodney Reed?
Rodney is the father of three sons: Aaron, Anthony, and Chris; grandfather to Jaymeson, Marlei and Jeremiah, and Avery; brother to Rodrick, Ronald, Robert, Richard and Ryan. His entire family is completely convinced of his innocence (see video further below in the section: "What his family says"). He says:
My name is Rodney Reed. I’ve been on Death Row now for 17 years for a crime I didn’t commit. I’ve never hurt anyone in my life and soon I’ll be scheduled for execution. Texas is going to kill me and I’m innocent. (...) Stacey and I had sex 4 times in, or very close to my town, Bastrop. Stacey went out of her way to see me in the half-year or so that we knew each other. (...) At the very least, I will be executed by Texas, and I will be comfortable with myself and the Lord, and my family and friends, because I am innocent. Thank you for anything you can do for me, and God have mercy on the sinners who kill innocent people.
"Rodney was a fantastic boxer who was going places with his boxing. He has worked in nursing home, unfortunately, the injustice system intervened before a real profession could take root" a friend says.
Case summary
Rodney Reed was convicted by an all white jury for the rape and murder of Stacey Stites in 1996 in the small town of Bastrop - the very woman he says he had been having an affair with. However, Rodney’s court-appointed attorneys did not provide witnesses who would testify that Rodney and Stacey were engaged in a sexual relationship at the time of her tragic death, thus explaining the presence of his semen in her body. No other evidence in the case connected Rodney to Stacey or the crime scene.
Reed’s lawyers argue that he is innocent of the crime and that Stites was murdered by somebody else — most likely her fiance, who years later was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "kidnapping and sexual assault of a person in custody", as a Georgetown police officer (listen to his rape victim's statement further below).
Rodney's family, and his supporters, believe that evidence of a black man engaged in a sexual relationship with a white woman in a small Texas town would have been enough to frame him for murder and send him to death row. Unfortunately, all the courts so far have denied the appeals of Rodney Reed, despite of the fact members of the victim's family believe Rodney Reed may not be guilty.
Much evidence point to Stacey Stites' fiance Jimmy Fennell as the real culprit of her murder. Read more about the facts of the case here
Learn about the timeline here
Update April 2015
Reed’s most recent appeal also argues that videotape of the crime scene and written accounts from police investigators and forensic pathologists prove that Stites could not have been killed after 3 a.m. while on her way to her job at the Bastrop H-E-B. Instead, the appeal says, the new time of death leaves Fennell as the only suspect, based on his statements that he and Stites were alone prior to her leaving for work.
READ MORE IN THE STATESMAN
Much evidence point to Stacey Stites' fiance Jimmy Fennell as the real culprit of her murder. Read more about the facts of the case here
Learn about the timeline here
Update April 2015
Reed’s most recent appeal also argues that videotape of the crime scene and written accounts from police investigators and forensic pathologists prove that Stites could not have been killed after 3 a.m. while on her way to her job at the Bastrop H-E-B. Instead, the appeal says, the new time of death leaves Fennell as the only suspect, based on his statements that he and Stites were alone prior to her leaving for work.
READ MORE IN THE STATESMAN
What a former prosecutor says
WATCH Stephen Keng, attorney at law and former prosecutor give his personal opinion on the case.
(Credit: Reed vs State, documentary by Ryan Polomsky)
What a rape victim of Jimmy Fennell (fiance of Stacey Stites when Stacey was murdered), says
Listen below to a short 2 mns extract of a new interview (April 4th, 2014) of Jimmy Fennell's rape victim giving a testimony of her ordeal, how she believes that Jimmy Fennell could have murdered Stacey Stites and how terrified she is, that he might kill her when he gets out of prison [Full 22 mns interview here]
What members of the victim's family say
11 members of the family of the victim Stacey Stites support the plea for justice of Rodney Reed. Here is some of their views (from clemency letters they wrote to the Governor - Find out more)
11 members of the family of the victim Stacey Stites support the plea for justice of Rodney Reed. Here is some of their views (from clemency letters they wrote to the Governor - Find out more)
Sherry, cousin:
The loss of my cousin has been devastating and sad for our family. I and others feel we have been denied justice in her murder and I feel that Jimmy Fennel got away with murder.
Heather Stobbs, cousin:
My cousin, Stacey was murdered at the age of 19 in Bastrop County, Texas in late April 1996. She was engaged to be married, and the mother of a daughter she had given up for adoption a few years earlier. She was athletic, funny, sassy and full of life. She was also a risk-taker, who from the time she was a toddler was into everything. She possessed a strong and opinionated personality and did not like being told what to do. In fact, if you asked her not to do something, that was pretty much a guarantee that as soon as you were gone, she was doing it. She is missed.
Our system failed her. It has failed her family, her friends, her daughter. Please do not let the memory of her be filled with so much controversy. Please give Mr. Reed a new trial and a stay of execution before it is too late.
Judy Mitchell, cousin:
I'm am writing to you to PLEASE hear our pleas and intervene (...). Time is of the essence as Rodney Reed's execution draws near.
What independent witnesses say
An independent (anonymous) witness from the local Bastrop area, who was never presented at trial, has stated since the trial, that she knew about Rodney Reed and Stacey Stites consensual relationship. She says:
"I have seen them (Rodney and Stacey) about 4 or 5 times... She was nice, I liked Stacey, "
(see video above)
"I have seen them (Rodney and Stacey) about 4 or 5 times... She was nice, I liked Stacey, "
(see video above)
Trina Hola, from Bastrop, TX, gave this reason to sign the petition in support of Rodney Reed
Stacy Stites was a personal friend to my family. Knew Stacy for a long time. Went to the same church and were in the same youth group together. I DO NOT believe Mr. Reed did this! FREE RODNEY REED!!!
In an article from The Austin Chronicle, Jordan Smith writes:
(...) Significantly, potential witnesses included more than just friends and family of Reed. One was James Robertson, now in the navy and stationed overseas, who said he saw Reed in jail while Reed was awaiting trial. In an affidavit, he said he had known Reed and Stites were dating and had seen them together several times at parties.
In addition, at least one of Stites' own relatives remains unconvinced by the trial's outcome. That person, who asked to remain anonymous, said, "It needs to be investigated more than what was done. I don't think it was investigated the way it should've been. I don't feel that Rodney Reed killed her. He didn't have to rape her, let's put it that way." This same relative said there are other Stites family members who share the same opinion. Read more here
(...) Significantly, potential witnesses included more than just friends and family of Reed. One was James Robertson, now in the navy and stationed overseas, who said he saw Reed in jail while Reed was awaiting trial. In an affidavit, he said he had known Reed and Stites were dating and had seen them together several times at parties.
In addition, at least one of Stites' own relatives remains unconvinced by the trial's outcome. That person, who asked to remain anonymous, said, "It needs to be investigated more than what was done. I don't think it was investigated the way it should've been. I don't feel that Rodney Reed killed her. He didn't have to rape her, let's put it that way." This same relative said there are other Stites family members who share the same opinion. Read more here
What Rodney Reed's family says
Chris Aldridge (Rodney Reed's cousin) also provided an alibi for Reed on the night of April 23. "We was at the [Bastrop] community center [near Reed's family's house], because we had to go to work the next morning," he said, as part of a crew helping to remodel the local Super S store. "I was with him until about 3 or 4am, then I went home, took a shower, ate something, and walked to Rodney's house, and we walked to work." Read more
Rodrick Reed, 45, brother of Rodney Reed.
He says the conviction of his brother has affected his entire family.
"If my brother is on death row, I'm on death row," he said. "I know in my heart of hearts that he is innocent."
Read Houston Chronicle article
He says the conviction of his brother has affected his entire family.
"If my brother is on death row, I'm on death row," he said. "I know in my heart of hearts that he is innocent."
Read Houston Chronicle article
What his friends say
Julie Strickland, childhood friend
I have known Rodney for 25+ years; way before he fell into this trap. He is one of the kindest, most caring, genuine people I have ever met. Aside from the obvious facts, Brady violations, ineffective assistance of counsel and rubber stamped denials by higher courts; I know Rodney Reed is innocent. I know, because, well, I just know. For so many years, I have visited Rodney in prison. I never really took the time to research his case other than watching the documentary State vs Reed. I didn't have to do any research. If you know Rodney personally, you know he is innocent. Rodney grew up, one of six brothers. Now I am sure there were teenage quarrels between the brothers, but never in all the time I spent with Rodney and/or his family was there arguing or fighting. Compassion and love ran the house. Compassion and love, faith, hope and the truth have been what have kept Rodney standing strong for so many years. Rodney has been steadfast in his innocence, one that you, reader, will hopefully see for yourself.
I have known Rodney for 25+ years; way before he fell into this trap. He is one of the kindest, most caring, genuine people I have ever met. Aside from the obvious facts, Brady violations, ineffective assistance of counsel and rubber stamped denials by higher courts; I know Rodney Reed is innocent. I know, because, well, I just know. For so many years, I have visited Rodney in prison. I never really took the time to research his case other than watching the documentary State vs Reed. I didn't have to do any research. If you know Rodney personally, you know he is innocent. Rodney grew up, one of six brothers. Now I am sure there were teenage quarrels between the brothers, but never in all the time I spent with Rodney and/or his family was there arguing or fighting. Compassion and love ran the house. Compassion and love, faith, hope and the truth have been what have kept Rodney standing strong for so many years. Rodney has been steadfast in his innocence, one that you, reader, will hopefully see for yourself.
Caitlin Adams
Caitlin spent every ounce of energy fighting for Rodney's freedom during the last two years of her life, whilst fighting herself for her own life in the same time - Caitlin suffered from ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) and is now deceased. She wrote:
I understand that we have an adversarial criminal justice system. I understand that it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to be a prosecutor. I also understand that the ultimate goal of our criminal justice system is JUSTICE. Not winning a case at the cost of an innocent man's life. Not setting out to win a case with the goal of advancing your professional and political aspirations. Read more Caitlin's blogs @CEDP
Caitlin spent every ounce of energy fighting for Rodney's freedom during the last two years of her life, whilst fighting herself for her own life in the same time - Caitlin suffered from ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) and is now deceased. She wrote:
I understand that we have an adversarial criminal justice system. I understand that it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to be a prosecutor. I also understand that the ultimate goal of our criminal justice system is JUSTICE. Not winning a case at the cost of an innocent man's life. Not setting out to win a case with the goal of advancing your professional and political aspirations. Read more Caitlin's blogs @CEDP
Rodney Reed is part of the www.nothingbuttruth.org on line exhibition about the special friendship between prisoners on death row and their pen friends around the world.
What former US judges say
In a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014, eight retired judges recently asked the Court to review the case of Rodney Reed. The judges did not take a stance on Reed's innocence claims but urged the Court to hear his appeal so that new evidence in the case could be examined under the light of cross-examination in a full hearing, rather than just through the review of legal papers. "That is not how our system of justice is designed to operate," the judges said. "When courts have only affidavits without witness testimony, they lack the means of testing the accuracy, reliability, competence, scientific acumen, proper training and judgment of the [person testifying]." Reed is claiming that his trial lawyers did not adequately investigate forensic evidence that experts now say might be unreliable. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected Reed's appeal because they found the new testimony unpersuasive as presented in appellate briefs. The eight judges who petitioned the Supreme Court said the evidence should have been heard by a district judge in an hearing. The brief says: "The need for a hearing and live witness testimony is especially vital in evaluating ineffective assistance of counsel claims. As Petitioner's case demonstrates, ineffective assistance claims "often involve complex factual considerations" for which there is a great "benefit from an evidentiary hearing, in which the Court can access the credibility of witnesses during live testimony and cross-examination"
The judges on the amicus brief are:
. Charles F. Baird, Former Associate Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (1991-1999).
. U. W. Clemon, Former Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (1980-2006; Chief Judge 1999-2006).
. Oliver E. Diaz, Jr. Former Justice, Mississippi Supreme Court (2000-2008); Former Judge, Mississippi Court of Appeals (1994-2000).
. W. Thomas Dillard, Former United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee (1976-1978).
. W. Royal Furgeson, Former Judge, United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas (2008-2013); Former Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (1994-2008).
. Stephen M. Orlofsky, Former Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1996-2003); Former Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1976-1980).
. H. Lee Sarokin, Former Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (1994-1996); Former Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1979-1994).
. Sol Wachtler, Former Judge, New York Court of Appeals (1972- 1992; Chief Judge, 1985-1992); Former Judge, New York State Supreme Court (1968-1972).
Read amicus brief here
Read article from C. Lindell, "Eight ex-judges support appeal of death row inmate Rodney Reed," Austin American-Statesman, 22/07/2014
In a brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014, eight retired judges recently asked the Court to review the case of Rodney Reed. The judges did not take a stance on Reed's innocence claims but urged the Court to hear his appeal so that new evidence in the case could be examined under the light of cross-examination in a full hearing, rather than just through the review of legal papers. "That is not how our system of justice is designed to operate," the judges said. "When courts have only affidavits without witness testimony, they lack the means of testing the accuracy, reliability, competence, scientific acumen, proper training and judgment of the [person testifying]." Reed is claiming that his trial lawyers did not adequately investigate forensic evidence that experts now say might be unreliable. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected Reed's appeal because they found the new testimony unpersuasive as presented in appellate briefs. The eight judges who petitioned the Supreme Court said the evidence should have been heard by a district judge in an hearing. The brief says: "The need for a hearing and live witness testimony is especially vital in evaluating ineffective assistance of counsel claims. As Petitioner's case demonstrates, ineffective assistance claims "often involve complex factual considerations" for which there is a great "benefit from an evidentiary hearing, in which the Court can access the credibility of witnesses during live testimony and cross-examination"
The judges on the amicus brief are:
. Charles F. Baird, Former Associate Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (1991-1999).
. U. W. Clemon, Former Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (1980-2006; Chief Judge 1999-2006).
. Oliver E. Diaz, Jr. Former Justice, Mississippi Supreme Court (2000-2008); Former Judge, Mississippi Court of Appeals (1994-2000).
. W. Thomas Dillard, Former United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee (1976-1978).
. W. Royal Furgeson, Former Judge, United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas (2008-2013); Former Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (1994-2008).
. Stephen M. Orlofsky, Former Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1996-2003); Former Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1976-1980).
. H. Lee Sarokin, Former Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (1994-1996); Former Judge, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (1979-1994).
. Sol Wachtler, Former Judge, New York Court of Appeals (1972- 1992; Chief Judge, 1985-1992); Former Judge, New York State Supreme Court (1968-1972).
Read amicus brief here
Read article from C. Lindell, "Eight ex-judges support appeal of death row inmate Rodney Reed," Austin American-Statesman, 22/07/2014
What President Obama has recently said
President Obama recently declared in a press conference with Angela Merkel that he thought that "we do have to, as a society, ask ourselves some difficult and profound questions around these issues", while reaffirming his belief the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for certain crimes". He added:
"Racial bias. Uneven application of the death penalty. Situations in which there were individuals on death row who later on were discovered to have been innocent because of exculpatory evidence - all these I think do raise significant questions about how the death penalty is being applied."
President Obama recently declared in a press conference with Angela Merkel that he thought that "we do have to, as a society, ask ourselves some difficult and profound questions around these issues", while reaffirming his belief the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for certain crimes". He added:
"Racial bias. Uneven application of the death penalty. Situations in which there were individuals on death row who later on were discovered to have been innocent because of exculpatory evidence - all these I think do raise significant questions about how the death penalty is being applied."
What Governor Abbott says
First, it's important for us to have an effective death penalty in the state of Texas. We need to be certain that whenever it's applied, we know that the person did commit the crime. So, I think this is a healthy process that the court announced what it did so that we can put beyond a shadow of any doubt whatsoever, that he really is guilty of the crime for which he was convicted -- Read more
First, it's important for us to have an effective death penalty in the state of Texas. We need to be certain that whenever it's applied, we know that the person did commit the crime. So, I think this is a healthy process that the court announced what it did so that we can put beyond a shadow of any doubt whatsoever, that he really is guilty of the crime for which he was convicted -- Read more
How you can help Rodney Reed
Gov. Greg Abbott
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428
Contact form: https://gov.texas.gov/contact/assistance.aspx
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
P. O. Box 13401
Austin, Texas 78711-3401
Email: bpp-pio@tdcj.texas.gov
To the attention of Governor Abbott and Members of Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
I am writing this letter in support of letter of Rodney Reed, to ask that all the DNA be tested in his case. As a citizen concerned by fairness and justice, I am surprised that M. Reed could be executed despite the mounting evidence of his innocence in the murder of Stacey Stites.
I understand that the original medical examiner in Rodney's case has changed his opinion as to the time of death, and that three respected forensic pathologists who recently reviewed the evidence are now concluding that she was likely killed long before she was alleged to have been abducted and killed by Rodney on her way to work on April 23, 1996. I also understand that there is now extremely persuasive evidence that the crime was in fact committed by Stites' fiance, an early suspect and former police officer who is currently in prison for kidnapping and improper sexual contact with a person in custody.
Finally, I understand there are now two of the victim's former co-workers who corroborate Rodney's claims that he was having a clandestine romantic relationship with her and that the relationship may have been kept private because it was an interracial relationship in a small town and because the victim was engaged.
With so much doubt around who the true perpetrator of this crime is, it appears that there is a strong risk of executing a possibly innocent man. Please help enure that all DNA be tested in the case -- or else grant clemency.
Let me please stand firmly on the side of all the Texan citizens who think that no innocent person should be executed in the State of Texas. My thoughts go to the victim's family as well as to the family of M. Reed. No justice will be served by executing an innocent man.
Please do not rush to execute a man who could be innocent. An injustice to one would be an injustice to all.
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Find out more
2017
. Rodney Reed case sent back to Bastrop to weigh false testimony claim, The Austin American Statesman, May 17, 2017
. Court denies Rodney Reed request for DNA testing, The Austin American Statesman, April 12, 2017
. Rodney Reed case sent back to Bastrop to weigh false testimony claim, The Austin American Statesman, May 17, 2017
. Court denies Rodney Reed request for DNA testing, The Austin American Statesman, April 12, 2017
2015
. Brother of Rodney Reed speaks about Reed's case, The Daily Texan, April 2015.
. The Sword and the Scale (episode 42), April 2015
. Affidavits shed new light in Rodney Reed's appeal, Statesman, April 2015
. A death delayed: Rodney Reed now eyes exoneration, end to ‘racist’ justice. Al Jazeera, March 2015
. Governor Abbott weighs in on Rodney Reed stay of execution. Fox Austin News, February 25th, 2015
(with video)
. Rodney Reed's execution stayed by Court of Criminal Appeals (including video).
. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stays the execution of Rodney Reed: February 23rd, 2015 (incl. video)
. Protesters call for stay in Rodney Reed's execution, 21 February 2015, Kvue.com (including video)
. Rodney Reed's supporters turn up the heat, Socialist Worker, February 20th, 2015
. Rodney reed: I am not giving up" (including video), Keye TV, February 20th, 2015
. Affidavits filed for new evidence in Reed case, February 19th, 2015, Elgin Courrier
. "Oh My God, This is Way off": New Investigation Shows Texas is Likely to set to Kill an An Innocent Man,
The Intercept, February 2015
. Roman Catholic Nun Charges Texas With Incurable Racism, February 2015
. Rodney Reed's family continues to fight for a new trial, Kxan, February 17th, 2015
. Rodney Reed supporters deliver Valentine to Governor Abbott (article including video)
. Rodney Reed's attorneys seek retrial for Rodney Reed, Austin Chronicle, February 2015
. New affidavit could prove innocence, Keye TV, February 2015
. Texans March to Senate Chamber Demanding Racial Equality KEYE TV, January 19th, 2015 (incl. video)
. Rodney Reed seeking relief on death row, by Patty Finney, January 8th 2015
2014
. DNA Testing Could Save Texas Man’s Life CNN. November 25, 2014.
. DNA testing denied in Rodney reed's case, November 2014, The Intercept
. Stacey Stites’ Family Trying to Save Rodney Reed - Daily Mail. November 18, 2014
. Judge Denies Rodney Reed’s motion for more DNA testing Austin American Statesman, Nov 25, 2014
. Rodney Reed's appeal rejected by US Supreme Court. Statesman.com, November 2014
. Murder victim's family in last-ditch effort to save man convicted of killing her from execution...saying they
believe 19-year-old was strangled to death by her cop fiancé, Daily Mail, November 2014
. Is Texas getting ready to execute an innocent man, November 2014, The Intercept, Jordan Smith
. Worker's World: Stop execution of Rodney Reed, August 2014
. Rape Victim Believes Rodney Reed Is Innocent Austin Chronicle April 30, 2014
. WATCH Family and supporters stand behind Rodney Reed, Keye's program, 2014
. Rodney Reed: wird Texas einen Unschuldigen hinrichten? Verfasst von: Jordan Smith, dt. Übersetzung
Michael Schiffmann
2013
. Caitlin Adams blog posts.
. Fox News TV report (including a testimony from the victim sexually assaulted by Jimmy Fennel, Stacey
Stites' fiance) - December 2013
2012 (and before)
. Rodney Reed: Another Innocent Man on Texas' Death Row? by Jordan Smith, The Nation
. Medical Examiner: Testimony Misconstrued in R. Reed Case Explosive information filed in federal court
by J SMITH, Austin Chronicle14/08/2012
. After a Year of Screw Ups, Travis Co. Medical Examiner Retires Austin Chronicle, April 7, 2006
. Who Killed Stacey Stites? Austin Chronicle. May 24, 2002
. ‘Somebody’s Got to Pay': Revisiting the forensic evidence in the Stacey Stites murder trial Austin
Chronicle. May 24, 2002.
. Earlier coverage of Rodney Reed's case begins at the link.
. READ: The Austin Chronicle's archive of Rodney Reed articles
Facebook/websites
. Keep updated on his Facebook page and Twitter @FreeRodneyReed
. Facebook page Rodney Reed the Truth
. Facebook page Justice4Rodney
. Website justice4rodneyreed.org
