James Broadnax has been given an execution date in Texas for April 30, 2026. He was convicted for the 2009 murders of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler. Significant questions persist about the fairness of his trial and conviction, as well as his involvement in the crime.

Here is a recent news item from the Texas Tribune with details in the case as of March 23, 2026.

Some of the following information comes from the campaign being run on behalf of Mr. Broadnax.

James Broadnax is facing execution April 30th 2026 based on a case that is deeply flawed, scientifically unsupported, and fundamentally unjust. This petition calls for an immediate halt to his execution and a full review of his case, because the evidence used to condemn him does not meet the standard required when a human life is at stake.

• A Conviction Built on a Confession — Not Science: James Broadnax’s conviction relied heavily on a confession made while he was under the influence of PCP, a powerful drug known to severely impair judgment, memory, perception, and suggestibility. Medical and psychological science is clear that statements made under the influence of PCP are unreliable. False confessions are one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions, especially when individuals are intoxicated, vulnerable, and subjected to intense interrogation. A confession obtained under these conditions is not proof of guilt — it is evidence of impairment.
• The DNA Evidence Tells a Different Story: Forensic DNA testing was conducted on the firearm, the victim’s clothing, and other critical items. The results are deeply troubling for the prosecution’s theory of the case. James Broadnax’s DNA was NOT found on the trigger or grip of the gun, nor on the victim’s pockets. However, DNA on the gun and victim’s clothing points to other individuals, including the victim himself. If James Broadnax had been the shooter, his DNA would reasonably be expected on the parts of the weapon that were fired. He is excluded from those critical areas. The only place where James “cannot be excluded” is a low-level, mixed DNA sample on a shoe, which does not prove when or how the DNA was transferred and does not establish participation in a violent crime. This type of weak, mixed DNA evidence is not proof of guilt, especially in a capital case.
• A Question of Fairness and Bias: Serious concerns also exist about jury discrimination and whether James received a truly fair trial by a jury representative of the community. Black candidates to serve on the jury were excluded. Fair justice requires fair juries — anything less undermines confidence in the verdict.
• Is James Broadnax a Danger to Society?  The death penalty is often justified on the basis of future dangerousness. There is no credible evidence that James Broadnax poses an ongoing threat to society. Prosecutors used song lyrics written by Mr. Broadnax to suggest that he is a future danger to society, which is one reason that musical artists are getting involved in efforts to halt this execution. See news items here and here.

Why This Case Matters
This is not just about James Broadnax. It is about whether science matters more than coerced or impaired confessions; DNA evidence can be ignored when it contradicts a conviction; The state can take a life despite significant reasonable doubt and unfairness in the prosecution.  Once an execution is carried out, there is no appeal, no correction, and no justice left to give.

Our Call to Action
We urgently call on the appropriate authorities to:

• Stop the execution of James Broadnax
• Grant clemency or a stay of execution
• Conduct a full, independent review of the forensic and procedural failures in this case

Please sign and share this petition. James Broadnax’s life — and the integrity of our justice system — depend on it.

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 intervene to stop the execution of James Broadnax on April 30, 2026. James' case illuminates one of the most concerning aspects of the death penalty - the arbitrary application of the death penalty. James' co-defendant is serving a lesser sentence despite his involvement in the crime. Please stop the execution.

Should the execution not be halted, we will protest on the ground and on-line! REGISTER FOR THE 4/30 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM CT.

Communities of Faith - Toll Your Bells (or put up a sign & pray in the weeks prior) at the time of an execution. Learn more and register here.

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