Stop the Execution of Tony Carruthers in Tennessee
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
Tennessee has scheduled Tony Carruthers for execution on May 21, 2026 for the 1994 murders of Marcellos Anderson, Delois Anderson, and Frederick Tucker.
The following has been shared by the US Campaign to End the Death Penalty and Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty:
Tennessee intends to move forward with Tony's execution despite the fast that the State refuses to cary out basic forensic testing(fingerprint and DNA) that could exculpate him.
- No physical evidence linking Tony to the crime
- Convictions rest on testimony of paid jailhouse informants
- Fingerprints and DNA from crime scene don't match Tony
- One of the individuals who participated in the murder said that Tony wasn't involved, and instead directed law enforcement to Ronnie Irving — State refuses to test DNA and fingerprints against Ronnie.
- Tony lives with severe mental illness and was forced to represent himself at trial
It is unconscionable that the State would force Tony to represent himself at trial and allow this execution to proceed given all that is known about the case.
Join the Virtual Sit In
Call Gov. Lee at 615-741-2001 with the following message:
"Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. Lee to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Tony Carruthers on May 21, 2026. There are several deeply concerning elements to this case, including the fact that an individual who participated in the murders said Tony was not involved . This individual pointed investigators to Ronnie Irving -- yet they refuse to test the DNA and fingerprints against Ronnie Irving. As one who purports to follow Christian teachings, it is deeply disappointing that he does not extend these teachings to the individuals condemned to death in the state of Tennessee."
REGISTER FOR THE 5/21 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 9AM CT.
We are concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Tennessee continues to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule.
Sponsored by
To:
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
From:
[Your Name]
We are writing to ask that you stop the May 21, 2026 execution of Tony Carruthers, sentenced to death for the 1994 murders of Marcellos Anderson, Delois Anderson, and Frederick Tucker.
While we have the greatest sympathy for the victims and their surviving families, we are concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Tennessee continues to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule.
We believe in accountability, but true accountability does not require execution. A sentence of life without the possibility of parole protects society while also recognizing the human capacity for redemption and the role of childhood trauma in shaping adult behavior.
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.
We also add our voices to those of the prisoners on death row and urge you to respond to their request that you visit and pray with them.
Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.