Stop the Execution of Kosoul Chanthakoummane in Texas
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott
Kosoul Chanthakoummane has asserted that he is actually innocent since he was arrested for the murder of Sarah Walker in 2006.
First, know that Joseph Walker, the father of Sarah Walker, opposed the death penalty in this case and had reason to question whether prosecutors and police had the right suspect. Mr. Walker was not permitted to testify in the victim impact portion of the sentencing phase of Mr. Chanthakoummane’s trial. As such, we are requesting that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles give deserved weight to Mr. Walker’s position. Mr. Walker has since died.
There are a number of reasons Texans and everyone else should be concerned about this case. The bottom line: There is too much doubt about the veracity of evidence in this case. Each of the following points are elaborated upon, with documentation, here.
The Accused Has Always Maintained His Innocence
Eye Witnesses Could Only Testify Following Hypnosis
Bite Mark Evidence is Junk Science
DNA Evidence: Where Did It Come From?
There is Another Viable Suspect In This Case
Does Racial Discrimination Play A Role In This Case?
Read about this case in the Texas Observer, the Austin Chronicle, and this article distributed by CNHIto multiple smaller Texas newspapers.
There simply is too much doubt in this case to allow this execution to proceed. One need not be a lawyer, academic, or forensic scientist to see that there are real questions that demand answers if the conviction of Kosoul Chanthakoummane is to stand.
Texas, like much of our nation, has a history of wrongful convictions. With a punishment so severe as the death penalty, there can be no room for error. We are not convinced that the state of Texas got it right in this case. We urge the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency or a reprieve in order to allow a more thorough review of the evidence in this case.
Regarding the image above: Kosoul Chanthakoummane has spent his last 15 years on Texas’ death row channeling his energy into his original artwork. He finds much of his inspiration in his family’s own story of coming to the United States as Laotian refugees escaping the Vietnam war and current social and political events that are happening around us. See more here.
In addition to signing this petition, please contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles 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.
Sponsored by
To:
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott
From:
Michael Koch
We are writing to ask that you to stop the August 17, 2022 execution of Kosoul Chanthakoummane for the 2006 murder of Sarah Walker.
Kosoul Chanthakoummane has asserted actual innocence since his conviction in 2007.
First, please know that Joseph Walker, the father of Sarah Walker, opposed the death penalty in this case and had reason to question whether prosecutors and police had the right suspect. Mr. Walker was not permitted to testify in the victim impact portion of the sentencing phase of Mr. Chanthakoummane’s trial. As such, we are requesting that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Abbott give deserved weight to Mr. Walker’s position. Mr. Walker has since died.
There are a number of reasons Texans and everyone else should be concerned about this case. The bottom line: There is too much doubt about the veracity of evidence in this case.
* The Accused Has Always Maintained His Innocence
* Eye Witnesses Could Only Testify Following Hipnosis
* Bite Mark Evidence is Junk Science
* DNA Evidence: Where Did It Come From?
* There is Another Viable Suspect In This Case
* Does Racial Discrimination Play A Role In This Case?
There simply is too much doubt in this case to allow this execution to proceed. One need not be a lawyer, academic, or forensic scientist to see that there are real questions that demand answers if the conviction of Kosoul Chanthakoummane is to stand.
Texas, like much of our nation, has a history of wrongful convictions. With a punishment so severe as the death penalty, there can be no room for error. We are not convinced that the state of Texas got it right in this case. We urge the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency or a reprieve in order to allow a more thorough review of the evidence in this case.
We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay or reprieve, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.
Thank you for time and attention to this urgent and serious matter.