Stop the Execution of Carl Buntion in Texas

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Stop the Execution of Carl Buntion in Texas

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott

Carl Buntion was convicted and sentenced to death in Texas for the 1990 murder of Houston officer James Irby. He is scheduled to be executed in Texas on April 21, 2022.

Carl Buntion has served 30 years in the harsh conditions of Texas' death row. At age 78 he is too old and sick to pose any future danger: Buntion has hepatitis, arthritis, can barely walk and uses a wheelchair to get around. Read his clemency petition here.

Carl Buntion was sentenced to death in 1991 for killing Houston Police officer, James Irby. 18 years after that, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ordered a new punishment trial for Carl after determining that the jury was unable to fully consider mitigating evidence at his original trial, but in 2012 a different Harris County jury sentenced him to death again.

There is no question about Carl’s guilt, but “there should be significant apprehension about the spectacle of executing a frail, elderly man, who requires specialized care” to perform basic functions(embodies the 8th amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment). He requested a spiritual advisor in the chamber with him, but TDCJ denied that request and has not yet determined how they will accommodate Carl’s request since the Ramirez ruling.

In his clemency petition, he asks the Gov. for a commutation to a lesser penalty or a 90-day reprieve so that his attys can pursue further litigation about his religious freedom request.

Contrary to jurors’ finding of “future dangerousness,” Buntion has never been dangerous in prison and is now physically incapable of being dangerous. It would be a miscarriage of justice for him to be executed. He should be allowed to live the rest of his days in prison.

Please sign the petition asking Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

Additionally, you may reach out now to the Board at bpp_clemency@tdcj.texas.gov and the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/contact/ and (512) 463-1782. You can simply leave a voice message, or choose to speak to a representative if you prefer.

Please note: In Texas, the Governor does have limited power when it comes to the death penalty. But the story we are told that "it's out of the governor's hands," is only true if we allow it to be. Yes, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles must recommend clemency in that state in order for the Governor to grant clemency (mercy) by commuting a death sentence. But the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He can choose to appoint members who will take valid claims and concerns more seriously, instead of acting like rubber-stamping gate-keepers. He can still use his position of power and influence to enact justice in the State of Texas.

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Death Penalty Action

To: Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott
From: [Your Name]

We are writing in regards to Carl Buntion, who was convicted and sentenced to death in Texas for the 1990 murder of Houston officer James Irby.

No one denies that killing a police officer is a crime that must be punished, however, Carl Buntion has served 30 years in the harsh conditions of Texas' death row. At age 78, he is too old and sick to pose any future danger: Buntion has hepatitis, arthritis, can barely walk and uses a wheelchair to get around.

We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to make sure Mr. Buntion does not face execution, and that either he shown mercy by changing his sentence to a term of imprisonment.

Thank you for time and attention to this urgent and serious matter.