http://kxan.com/...
According to the court order postponing Reed’s execution for the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites, Reed’s new defense team has newly discovered evidence that supports his claims of innocence and there is new “scientific evidence” that establishes his “probable innocence.”
Reed, who was scheduled to be put to death March 5, has always maintained his innocence. Reed’s family, including his brother Roderick, has campaigned for the stay of execution, the inclusion of more DNA evidence and for Reed’s exoneration. Roderick said this ruling is a major turning point in the case.
“We’re happy about the stay, but we’re still fighting to free Rodney Reed,” he said. “The fight goes on, but the stay is wonderful, great news and is a step in the direction we’re trying to get.”
Rodney Reed, who has been sitting on Death Row awaiting a March 5 execution has maintained his innocence in regards to his conviction for some time. The attorneys in his case have argued for some time that the scientific evidence in this case may prove actual innocence - which unfortunately is not grounds to stop the execution path in Texas, but apparently the spectre of it is enough to get Governor Abbot to reconsider.
Protestors had marched on the capital in Texas to garner attention for their efforts.
http://www.kvue.com/...
AUSTIN -- With only 12 days left until Rodney Reed's scheduled execution, protesters marched in Austin on Saturday to call on lawmakers to stop the execution, pushing for evidence review.
Reed is set to be executed March 5, 2015 for the killing of Stacey Stites in 1996.
More than 100 protesters rallied at the State Capitol, asking for DNA testing of a piece of evidence before his execution.
Family members and supporters maintain Reed's innocence.
The weekend following the protest, Abbot has apparently agreed to provide time - crucial time that could at least verify the guilt or innocence of a man who was sat hours ago on the edge of death.