Rodney Reed: Judge recommends no new trial for the Texas death row inmate
“The Court docket has extensively thought of the whole report of this case from its trial by the ten day evidentiary listening to, at which the courtroom was capable of observe witnesses and assess their credibility regarding Applicant’s claims. This courtroom recommends that reduction sought by the Applicant be denied,” the advice signed by Decide J.D. Langley on Sunday stated.
“Applicant has not confirmed by clear and convincing proof that no cheap juror would have convicted him of capital homicide,” Langley wrote. “Applicant has not confirmed by clear and convincing proof that he’s really harmless.”
Reed, who was sentenced to demise greater than 20 years in the past for the assault, rape, and strangling of 19-year-old Stacey Stites, has maintained his innocence.
Since Reed’s 1998 trial, “substantial proof exonerates Rodney,” the Innocence Mission stated, in July.
“Rodney Reed’s authorized staff introduced its case that Mr. Reed deserves a brand new trial in gentle of newly found proof that helps his innocence declare. On the listening to earlier than District Decide J.D. Langley, his authorized staff additionally introduced proof that prosecutors had withheld proof and specialists had given deceptive testimony at Mr. Reed’s authentic trial in 1998,” the Innocence Mission stated.
Langley’s suggestion now goes again to the Texas Court docket of Felony Appeals, which can resolve whether or not Reed ought to be granted a brand new trial.
CNN has reached out to the Innocence Mission for touch upon Langley’s suggestion.