Texas Gives Execution Date to Man Who Never Pulled the Trigger

Jeff Woods and the Texas "Law of Parties"

Texas has issued a death warrent to a man who they know never killed anyone. Jeff Woods will be executed by the state of Texas on August 21, 2008. Another man, Wood's co-defendant Daniel Earl Reneau was executed in 2002 for the crime.

In an attempt to save her brothers life, Wood's sister Terri Bean has created a website including facts and information about the case. Other members of his family including his father, wife, sterpmother, daughter, brothers and nephews have have all spoken out about Wood's innocence. Friends of Jeff have written on his behalf also.

Wood's along with co-defendant Reneau were convicted for the robbery and murder of a gas station attendant, Kris Keeran in 1996. According to the website, Wood's was outside when the shooting took place, and never touched the gun. When he heard the shot, he then "looked in the window," "he ran inside, to where his codefendant was and was ordered to get the surveillance tape and drive the car."

The website explains about other outstanding facts in this case including his rights being infringed, and his mental capacities. More information can be read here. A petition is circulating the Internet to be presented to Texas officials on his behalf, and members of his family urge everyone to sign it. The petition can be found on the website also. It currently has over 500 signatures, but needs many more.

Although Texas knows that Woods did not pull the trigger, did not murder anyone, he was convicted under what they call "The law of parties." A law that states you can be convicted of a crime for just being present at the crime. A law of "association." Texas is the only state with this law, and currently on Texas death row over 80 men wait their turn to die by lethal injection. Over 80 men innocent of murder.