Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

New death sentences decline nearly 80% since 1999, remain geographically isolated

(Austin, Texas) — The State of Texas put 10 people to death in 2014, the fewest executions in the state since 1996, according to the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty’s (TCADP) new report, Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2014: The Year in Review.

“Over the last 15 years, we have witnessed significant change when it comes to use of the death penalty in Texas, mirroring national trends. Texas has gone from a peak of 40 executions in 2000 to the fewest executions in nearly two decades,” said Kristin Houlé, Executive Director of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

Texas Death Penalty Developments in 2014: The Year in Review is available online.  Contact report author Kristin Houlé at khoule@tcadp.org to receive a copy directly via email.  See the report for additional charts illustrating trends related to executions and death sentences in Texas.

How you can get involved:

• Share the report with your State Senator and State Representative and with faith and civic leaders – forward the press release and report to them.
• Join TCADP at the State Capitol on January 22, 2015 to hand deliver copies of the report to every member of the Texas legislature. Contact Kristin at khoule@tcadp.org to volunteer!
• Join the TCADP Lobby Corps. TCADP is recruiting its third class of Lobby Corps members! This dedicated group of people works with our staff and board members to advance our legislative agenda at the State Capitol.  They have continued to build relationships with legislators and share information about important death penalty developments during this interim period.  Apply now to join the TCADP Lobby Corps!
• Donate – https://secure.qgiv.com/for/?key=tcadp
• Attend TCADP 2015 Annual Conference – Death Penalty Fault Lines: A Seismic Shift in Ground – Now in its 16th consecutive year, TCADP’s Annual Conference is a must-attend event for everyone involved in the abolition movement in Texas.  It features inspiring speakers, informative workshops, and great networking opportunities! Online registration

Saturday, February 21, 2015
8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
St. David’s Episcopal Church
301 E. 8th St.
Austin, Texas 78701