Rodney Reed Facing Execution in Texas Despite Uncertainty

Rodney Reed, 51 is set to be executed on November 20 despite petitions from over 2 million people.

Reports from the NY Times state that Reed is scheduled for execution for the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites in Bastrop, Texas. Stites was only 19 at the time of her death and was found strangled on the side of the road.

Rodney Reed was charged with the murder of Stacey Stites because of DNA that was recovered from her body. Mr. Reed has stated that Stacey and his self were involved in a consensual affair, and others have confirmed the relationship as well.

Lawyers working for the Innocence project have been working to collect new evidence and testimony that would exonerate Rodney Reed.

Jimmy Fennell, who was Stacey's fiance at the time, is believed by many to be the true killer. Mr. Fennell is a former police officer who served time for a 2008 assault in which he kidnapped and raped a woman while he was on duty. Mr. Fennell is alleged to have bragged about killing his fiance while he was serving time in prison.

Governor Greg Abott has the means to pardon Mr. Reed from execution, but his office has made no comments on the matter. According to the Star Telegram, hundreds of people rallied around the Governor's mansion calling for a call to action. So far, the execution is set to move forward.