Stop the Execution of Ruben Gutierrez in Texas

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott

Ruben Gutierrez was scheduled for execution in Texas on July 16, 2024 for the 1999 beating and stabbing death of Escolastica Harrison. For the second time, the execution was stayed by the courts at the very last minute.  This is another reason how the death penalty is torture.

This execution is on hold until further notice.

Clemency has been denied.

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. Gutierrez hopes to demonstrate that he was not at the murder scene at the time of the crime. He had a friendly relationship with the victim and had been present at her home. He also admits to being aware of the plan to rob her, however he maintains that he was not present at the time she was killed.
  • It is unconscionable for the State of Texas to risk execute a person who did not himself commit murder. The so-called "law of parties" and use of the felony murder rule to execute persons who were not the actual killer must be stopped.
  • 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.  


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.

Sponsored by

To: Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott
From: [Your Name]

We are writing to ask that you to stop the July 16, 2024 execution of Ruben Gutierrez for the alleged 1999 beating and stabbing death of Escolastica Harrison.

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.

Gutierrez hopes to demonstrate that he was not at the murder scene at the time of the crime. He had a friendly relationship with the victim and had been present at her home. He also admits to being aware of the plan to rob her, however he maintains that he was not present at the time she was killed.

It is unconscionable for the State of Texas to risk execute a person who did not himself commit murder. The so-called "law of parties" and use of the felony murder rule​ to execute persons who were not the actual killer must be stopped.

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.

We are deeply troubled that his execution is still scheduled to proceed despite the ongoing public health crisis, which continues to wreak havoc on Texas prisons. Even more troubling is the fact that DNA evidence from the crime scene has not been tested. It is unconscionable for the State of Texas to risk executing an innocent man, particularly when the state has the means to ensure certainty.

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.