Texas plans to execute Rodney Reed on November 20, despite a comprehensive showing that he is actually innocent. Powerful evidence implicates Jimmy Fennell, a former cop convicted of sex-related kidnapping charges, as the real killer. theappeal.org/dna-testing-co…
This is Jimmy Fennell, who was a police officer until he was sentenced to prison for kidnapping and "improper sexual activity with a person in custody." 
The victim in this case, Stacey Stites was 21-years-old. She was found dead on the side of a dirt road near Bastrop, Texas, on April 23, 1996.
Jimmy Fennel was Stacey Stites' boyfriend.
She was also having a clandestine relationship with Rodney Reed. Stacey was White. Rodney Reed is Black.
Jimmy Fennell made numerous threats that he would kill Stacey if she cheated on him.
She was also having a clandestine relationship with Rodney Reed. Stacey was White. Rodney Reed is Black.
Jimmy Fennell made numerous threats that he would kill Stacey if she cheated on him.
Rodney Reed was convicted by an all-White jury.
The critical issue here, however, is DNA. The prosecutor has refused to allow DNA testing of items found near Stacey's body including a belt, name tag, shirt, and two beer cans.
The belt was used to strangle Ms. Stites. Fennell had threatened to kill Stacey with a belt.
The belt was used to strangle Ms. Stites. Fennell had threatened to kill Stacey with a belt.
These items would exonerate Mr. Reed.
If the case were brought today, these items would be tested for DNA as a matter of course.
It's an extraordinary position to refuse to test them when Mr. Reed's life is at stake. But that is literally what Texas prosecutors are doing.
If the case were brought today, these items would be tested for DNA as a matter of course.
It's an extraordinary position to refuse to test them when Mr. Reed's life is at stake. But that is literally what Texas prosecutors are doing.
There is hope tho. Please visit FreeRodneyReed.com and sign the petition urging Texas governor Greg Abbott to stop the execution.
You can also write Bastrop DA Bryan Goertz demanding they re-test the DNA.
You can also write Bastrop DA Bryan Goertz demanding they re-test the DNA.
Correction: I said re-test the DNA. I should have said TEST the evidence for DNA. The critical evidence has never even been been tested.
