Ruben Gutierrez is scheduled for execution in Texas on July 16, 2024 for the 1999 beating and stabbing death of Escolastica Harrison.

Reasons we oppose his execution:

• Ruben Gutierrez has consistently maintained that he did not kill Ms. Harrison and has asked for DNA testing for years, which the state has opposed.
• It is unconscionable for the State of Texas to risk executing an innocent man, particularly in this day and age when so many convictions have been reversed because of DNA evidence and when the state has the means to ensure certainty by conducting testing.
• 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 2019, Texas accounted for 9 of the nation's 22 executions, and in 2020 is expected to account for half of all executions, if not more.

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_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.

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.