A Texas death row inmate, convicted of murdering two individuals, is appealing for a stay on his scheduled execution on April 13. The appeal follows claims from his cousin, who allegedly admitted to the crime.
Attorneys for James Broadnax have filed an appeal to postpone his execution, asserting that his codefendant and cousin, Demarius Cummings, was the actual shooter in the 2008 murders of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler.
The incident occurred outside a Christian music recording studio in Garland, as stated by police reports.
Broadnax’s legal team contends that Cummings’ recent confession is a vital piece of evidence that challenges the foundation of Broadnax’s conviction and death sentence.
Cummings now allegedly admits to being the shooter in the fatal robbery, which took place when both he and Broadnax were 19 years old. The robbery resulted in the theft of $2, according to police.
Cummings, 37, has reportedly retracted previous statements made to police. He claims that both he and Broadnax were under the influence of PCP and marijuana at the time, leading him to persuade Broadnax to take the blame since Broadnax had no criminal history.
The belief was that Broadnax, as a first-time offender, might receive a lighter sentence.
“I was the one who shot the two victims, not James,” Cummings allegedly confessed in the recent court documents. “This is confirmed by the fact that my DNA and not James’ DNA was found on the pistol. The fact that James received the death sentence for these crimes while I was the one who shot the victims has been weighing on my conscience, particularly as I have become more spiritual during my years in prison.”
Broadnax was convicted and sentenced to death, while Cummings received a life sentence without parole.
A Texas man was sentenced to life in prison after authorities said he continued to sexually abuse a child — who he is alleged to have abused previously — while he was in jail awaiting a murder trial. Anthony Dewayne Taylor, 46, of Frisco, was sentenced on a charge of sexual performance of a child, […]
Further claims from Broadnax’s attorneys include alleged racial bias during jury selection. According to the filings, seven Black potential jurors were dismissed by the trial judge, resulting in a jury of 11 white members and one Black member.
The case will be reviewed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, consisting of nine judges, who will determine the validity of these new claims. A decision is anticipated before Broadnax’s scheduled execution date of April 13.
In 2008, Broadnax was an emerging rapper. Recently, artists such as Fat Joe, Killer Mike, Travis Scott, T.I., N.O.R.E., and Young Thug have expressed support for a petition challenging the legal basis of his conviction, advocating for a halt to his execution.
