Stop the Execution of Charles Thompson in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott & Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Charles Thompson was convicted in Texas for the 1998 murders of Dennise Hayslip and Darren Cain. He has been given an execution date for January 28, 2026.

A very thorough and current article about this case was publishes in the Houston Pree in October. Read that here.

From the article:

“It’s tragic what happened. I regret it. I have remorse. I want people to be able to heal and move past it. I pray for them and I’ve asked them to forgive me.”

Join the Virtual Sit In

Call Gov. Abbott at 512-463-2000 with the following message:

"Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. Abbott to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Charles Thompson on January 28, 2025. As a man of faith, it is deeply deeply troubling that he does not extend these teachings to the individuals condemned to death in the State of Texas. Thank you."

Register for the 1/28 virtual vigil beginning at 5pm CT.

Texas' aggressive execution schedule marks it as an outlier in its use of the death penalty while the majority of other states are on a downward trend of executions. In the last few years, Texas has been one of only a handful of states that have carried out death sentences - and it continues to do so targeting the poor, the mentally ill and people of color.

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-pio@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

Sponsored by

Death Penalty Action

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

We are writing to ask that you to stop the January 28, 2026 execution of Charles Thompson, who was convicted in Texas for the 1998 murders of Dennise Hayslip and Darren Cain.

Mr. Thompson has expressed deep remorse for this crime: “It’s tragic what happened. I regret it. I have remorse. I want people to be able to heal and move past it. I pray for them and I’ve asked them to forgive me.”

We are concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule.

We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

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