Is Gov. Rick Perry Suppressing an Investigation Into a Possible Wrongful Execution?
Is Texas Governor Rick Perry trying to quash an investigation into whether an innocent man was executed? The evidence is mounting.
(CNN) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry has removed a fourth member of a state commission charged with investigating claims that an innocent man may have been executed, his office said.
The Texas governor has now replaced all of the four members that, under law, he is allowed to appoint to the commission. The remaining five members are appointed by the state’s lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Perry’s critics say his actions are politically motivated, a charge he denies.
The investigation into claims that faulty evidence led Texas to execute an innocent man in 2004 was at a “crucial point” when the shakeup occurred, one of the replaced members said.
The commission was to hear from the author of a scathing report in the case of the executed man, Cameron Todd Willingham, when Perry announced on September 30 that he would replace three members.
The session was postponed indefinitely because of the new appointments, and Perry’s critics accused him of trying to quash the Willingham probe.
“I think people are making a lot of this issue,” Perry said earlier.
Frank says: