Texas Executes James Lee Clark
Clark was the 12th Executed Inmate This Year, All but One by Texas
Anti death penalty groups tried to halt this execution claiming Clark, with an IQ below 70, fit the definition of mental retardation. In June of 2002 the Supreme Court ruled in Atkins V. Virginia that the state cannot execute an inmate who is mentally retarded.
Clark replied "I don't know what to say" when asked if he had any final words. But when he noticed there were witnesses watching him through the glass, he said "I didn't know anybody was there, Howdy," according to Graczyk, and Associated Press.
Clark was executed for the murder and rape of a 17 year old girl and her 16 year old girlfriend. His accomplice James Brown received a 20 year sentence. Both had blamed the other for the crimes, The body of the girls were found in a nearby creek after they had been reported missing by their families. The 17 year old girl had been bound, blindfolded, and gagged, and shot in the back of the head with a shot gun. The shotgun was later found in Clark's trailer home.Clark was charged but never went to trial for the murder of the 16 year old girl.
According to Associated Press, lawyers for Clark tried to stop the execution because "the jury had the option of finding him guilty of capital murder on facts that were not capital murder, and then also his lawyers at the trial never presented any evidence at the punishment stage" said James Rasmussen, his appeals lawyer. Mr. Rasmussen's appeal was denied and he went to Federal court, which also denied his appeal. In 2004 Clark got a stay of execution because of claims of mentally retardation, just four days before the execution was to take place.
Clark did have a prior criminal record and was out on parole when the murders took place.
Sources: The Associated Press, Michael Graczyk, NCADP
Published by Dee
I am a prison activist/advocate writing about prison issues, hoping to make awareness, and bring reform. One out of every thirty-two people in the USA are currently on parole, probation or in prison. I am ow... View profile
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- Clark was granted a stay of execution 4 years ago
- Clark had an IQ below 70
- The girls were raped and murdered
10 Comments
Post a CommentRick Perry want to be on Guinness book? Disgusting!!! Thank you Dee for all the great work!!
He deserved it. He was out on parole when it happened, he did it for pure enjoyment, and he raped the girl several times before he shot and killed her. He had a kid to be worrying about. This is completely just.
Correction:It has been reported to me that the companion, the 16 year old was a male. I am sorry for the mistake, in gender.
Ironic isn't it?
In other news, an advocate argued against abortion on the grounds that all life is precious. The same advocate praised this execution because "justice was served".
Texas just makes me sick.. I do not see how they can live with themselves. Whether or not he is guilty or not, killing him does NOTHING for anyone... Great article Doreen as always!
How you described him, bald and looking up, is how he looks in the photo.
This guy was out on parole when this happened. Strange, because some inmates in Texas are doing 60 years for non violent drug charges. My condolences to the victim's family and friends.
I have conflicting thoughts on this. In one way the IQ is an issue, but the other is he knew enough to do the things he did to those poor girls. Great Article!
They do love to kill minorities and poor folks down in Texas, don't they.