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A closer look at an upcoming execution date: Hank Skinner

By Karl R. Keys, Esq.

Where DNA evidence exists in a capital case common sense suggests it should be tested.  Texas, in Hank Skinner’s case, says no. In a little over two weeks Texas is scheduled to kill Hank Skinner despite large quantities of potentially exculpatory DNA evidence readily available for testing. The State at trial had a heavily circumstantial case against Mr. Skinner. Adding to an otherwise mediocre case was the allegation by ex-girlfriend, Andrea Joyce Reed, that Mr. Skinner confessed to her the murder of his then current girlfriend, Twila Busby,  and her children.  The State and the Defense chose not to test certain key physical evidence for the presence of DNA. At trial, and since, Mr. Skinner asserted his factual innocence.  Specifically, the Defense posited at trial, and on appeal, that Ms...continue to full post

Full post as published by Capital Defense Weekly on February 07, 2010 (boomark / email).