“I am troubled with the Governor’s decision not to heed the advice of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles in this case.   In Governor Perry’s ten year tenure, the Board has only recommended commuting a death sentence to life three times.   Just two years ago in a very similar situation, Governor Perry accepted the recommendation and commuted a sentence.  These recommendations are rare and should be extremely influential on the Governor’s decision.   What troubles me the most is the appearance of inconsistency in the Governor’s decision to commute or not.  Furthermore, we are left to wonder what is the role of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole. It is incumbent on the Legislature to review the facts and circumstances of executions in this State.”
State Rep. Sylvester Turner
Houston, TX