David L. Wood Receives an Execution Date of August 20, 2009, by the State of Texas

David L. Wood sits in a cell on Texas death row counting the days until his scheduled execution. He claims he is innocent and that by executing him, will bring no justice. His execution is scheduled for August 20, 2009, in Texas a state who has executed more death row inmates than any other state in the nation.

Wood was convicted of the rape of one women, and indicted for the murder of several young women in El Paso back in 1987. He was called a serial killer and the crime was called "The Northeast Desert Murders."

His trial bring many questions to my mind. I did an interview with David, and have paper work to back up his allegations. There were no positive match from his DNA, and there were no eye witness's to the crimes he was convicted of. He completely cooperated with police and officials handling this case.

Although Wood admits he had prior convictions for rape, he maintains his innocence in this case. I imagine when a sexual crime is committed, the state runs a check for any registered sex offenders in the area, but it doesn't necessary mean that one of those sex offenders are responsible for the crime.

What troubles me the most about this case is the use of "jailhouse snitch testimony." Jailhouse snitch testimony is when the DA or other official pays another inmate or promises a reduction in sentence, or even freedom to testify against a defendant. The use of this kind of testimony is unethical, unbelievable, and a corruption and mockery of our justice system. Some of the jailhouse snitches used are "career snitches." Their testimony can't seriously be taken serious, nor is it credible.

Jailhouse snitch testimony had a huge part in the conviction of Wood. Wood describes in his interview how the DA used a career jailhouse snitch to help get him convicted. You can read about it here.

While Wood has been incarcerated all these years, similar crimes like the one he has been convicted of have occurred. Approximately 150 miles or so from El Paso, in Albuquerque New Mexico, the remains of 12 bodies have been discovered, buried in a remote area, in a similar fashion as the victims in Wood's case. According to elpasotimes.com "detectives are also reviewing cases involving dozens of women who vanished from the city in the past two decades." This makes one wonder if they had a reason to go back 20 years. Wood stated that detectives from Albuquerque had tried to talk to him when he was in jail in 1987, but the El Paso detectives told them there was no need, that he wasn't involved. He states he wasn't involved but wonders why they wouldn't let anyone talk to him.

Until Texas can say that they are 100% sure David L. Wood committed the crimes he is scheduled to die for, a review of his case should be taken. Some people believe that Wood is innocent and a petition asking Governor Rick Perry for a stay of execution or clemency be granted can be read and signed here.

Sources:
Associated Content
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/568683/interview_convicted_serial_killer_david.html?cat=17

Elpasotimes.com
http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_12068200?source=most_viewed

Care2 Petition site

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/stop-the-texas-execution-of-texas-david-l-wood