Reinaldo Dennes, 70 years old, has been given an execution date in Texas for November 19, 2026. He was convicted for the 1996 murder of Janos Szucs.

Over the course of his appeals, Dennes has challenged how the prosecution handled evidence, namely eyewitnesses. In exchange for dismissing two criminal charges against him, the state had another individual testify against Dennes – allegedly falsely.

Dennes, an immigrant from Cuba, was married with three children and was a Tae-Kwon-do enthusiast. Dennes fell into a cycle of substance abuse that, in part, contributed to his offenses.

It has been several decades since Dennes was sentenced. His execution cannot reverse the harm he caused nearly thirty years earlier, nor will it be inflicted on the person he was when this crime took place. 30 years changes a person. He's spent this time reflecting on his choices and rehabilitating himself.

It has been several decades since Dennes was sentenced, his execution would not reverse harm that the victims have suffered through an irreversible action. Texas has not properly considered the implications and mental suffering of sitting on death row for over thirty years. In that time Dennes has had an opportunity to reflect on his choices and learn from them and will be ultimately punished for a decision he made many years ago.

Join the Virtual Vigil

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 stop the execution of Reinaldo Dennes in November. Of greatest concern in this case is the fact that prosecutors enlisted the help of someone else facing criminal charges to pin the blame on Dennes. To testify against Dennes, prosecutors dismissed two criminal charges against this other individual. We acknowledge how devastating his crimes were, but executing Reinaldo will not bring his victim back. Please stop the execution. Thank you for your consideration."

REGISTER FOR THE 11/19 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM CT.

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.