We are writing to ask that you to stop the upcoming execution of Keith Gavin​ on July 18, 2024 for the 1998 murder of William Clinton Clayton, Jr​.

In 2020, a federal judge ruled that Gavin’s legal representation during sentencing was constitutionally inadequate. However, the Court of Appeals reversed this decision in 2022. International legal standards require effective legal assistance at all stages for those facing the death penalty. This standard was not met in Gavin’s case.

Additional Issues of concern include:

1. Mr. Gavin was given a date ahead of other inmates who had exhausted their appeals.

2. Mr. Gavin had ineffective assistance of counsel at the trial.

3. Mr. Gavin’s rights to equal protection under the law were violated.

4. Lawyers failed to pursue available mitigating evidence.

5. Mr. Gavin was denied a fair and impartial trial due to pretrial publicity.

6. Alabama ought to delay all executions to allow for a thorough study of its capital punishment process and consider the serious objections raised as to how it administers the death penalty.

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

Additionally, Alabama has repeatedly shown that it is not capable of carrying out executions, as it is botching its lethal injection process - amounting to cruel punishment and the torture of prisoners.

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 serious matter.