In 2000 Claude Jones was executed down here one of the world’s top execution chambers in Huntsville, Texas. He was a bad man convicted primarily on microscopic evidence of a hair found at the scene. To add to Texas legal problems, the accomplice whose gun was used in the murder later recanted his trial testimony against Jones. The then Dumbass Governor George Bush denied a stay of execution which requested DNA tests on that hair. The Texas Observer and the Innocence Project have recently filed suit for mitochondrial DNA testing. The case will go to court on October 3rd.
Though a toss up as to what the DNA test will produce, this case could be the long awaited showdown for many groups who lobby against executions in America. Has Texas executed an innocent man? Sadly this case is being brought down here in Dumbass where prosecutors and judges are elected primarily on their political ads screeching about which one will execute more people for less reason most often. And where – other than shooting – executions are one of the favorite pastime of Texans. Do not forget, this is a big state where most voters still believe that George Bush is a lot smarter than they are. One of the few things Texans get right. Full Story At Houston Chronnicle