Photos: Innocence Project
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals just stayed the execution of Melissa Lucio — this means Melissa will no longer face execution on April 27.
Melissa, who has spent the last 14 years on death row for a crime that never occurred, will now have a chance at proving her innocence in court.
“It would have shocked the public’s conscience for Melissa to be put to death based on false and incomplete medical evidence for a crime that never even happened,” said Vanessa Potkin, one of Melissa’s attorneys. “The new evidence of her innocence has never before been considered by any court. The court’s stay allows us to continue fighting alongside Melissa to overturn her wrongful conviction.”
This is huge news, but the fight for justice isn’t over, and there’s still more work to be done. Will you send Melissa a message to let her know that you’ll continue to fight for her until she’s free?
We’re so grateful for the time and relentless fire this community has put into this case — from Melissa’s Innocence Project legal team, Vanessa Potkin, Jane Pucher, and Lauren Gottesman, to people like you who shared Melissa’s story on social media, contacted Gov. Abbott, and signed the petition. This was a real team effort.
“I am grateful the court has given me the chance to live and prove my innocence. Mariah is in my heart today and always. I am grateful to have more days to be a mother to my children and a grandmother to my grandchildren,” said Melissa Lucio.
While we’re glad the Court of Criminal Appeals stayed the execution, we can’t let up until Melissa gets the justice she deserves.
Leave a message for Melissa here, and let her know that you’re still in this fight with her.
