Lucio was convicted of his daughter’s death 15 years ago in Harlingen, Texas. He is to be hanged on April 27.
DALLAS – A group gathered outside Dallas City Hall on Thursday, calling on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to free Texas death row inmate Melissa Lucio. On Friday, they again gathered for a press conference on the same subject.
Lucio is to be hanged on April 27, 2022. According to lawmakers, she may be the first Latina to be executed in the state of Texas.
As time comes to an end, protests and calls for clemency continue to grow louder across the state.
“Melissa Lucio’s story really highlights the injustice in our criminal justice system,” said Dallas State Rep. Victoria Neve Criado on Thursday.
On Wednesday, seven representatives from the Texas House, including Nev Criado, met with Lucio in a correctional facility in Gatesville. He has serious doubts about the evidence and Lucio’s conviction.
“She has survived domestic violence for the rest of her life. A lifetime survivor of sexual abuse. The state of the case and the facts pointing to his innocence are so overwhelming,” said Neve Criado.
Lucio was convicted 15 years ago of her daughter’s death in Harlingen, South Texas’s Rio Grande Valley.
According to prosecutors, the 2-year-old girl had marks of abuse on her body. But family members claim that her daughter’s death was an accident, adding that she had fallen from the stairs.
Lucio’s lawyers said his witnesses were not allowed to testify during the trial, including an eyewitness who witnessed the fall.
Representative Neve Criado issued the following statement after the meeting with Lucio:
“Against the cold front of Texas Death Row, Melissa Lucio sat with us, glowing and full of hope, love for her family, and a deep belief that she would one day walk free. She said that every day is a struggle, but It’s by the grace of God that she’s here, and she won’t stop fighting for justice. In that room, with Melissa Lucio, we weren’t Republicans or Democrats, we took immediate action to help stop an irreparable injustice Citizens of Humanity. I am grateful today for the opportunity to meet Melissa Lucio along with my colleagues from the Texas House of Representatives: Rep. Jeff Leach, Rep. Joe Moody, Rep. Rafael Anchia, Rep. Tony Rose, Rep. James White, and Rep. Lacey Hull.”
Other Texas lawmakers have also called for a moratorium on the executions.
State Rep. James White said, “We’re not saying Miss Lucio is innocent. We’re not saying she’s guilty. We’re asking the board to grant her some clemency so that we can prosecute her.” can.”
Lucio’s family members said they remained optimistic as the April 27 execution date approached.
“It’s less than a month. It’s less than a month. It’s scary,” said John Lucio, as he reflected on his mother’s pending execution.
He and his family are hoping that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles will grant a respite or clemency.
“Knowing that we have supporters who support the death penalty for my mother is strong,” said John Lucio.
Another rally was held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Dallas City Hall, with Neve Criado and John Lucio in attendance.
Watch Friday’s rally on the WFAA’s YouTube channel here,
Tears welled up from his eyes even before John Lucio spoke on Friday. He thanked those who supported Niev Criado and his mother.
“I don’t want my mother to be killed,” said John Lucio with tears in his eyes. “I don’t want to lose him.”
Lucio’s case has attracted national attention in recent years.
Last year, Hulu “released”State of Texas vs. Melissa”, which told how she could be innocent. Last month, HBO’s “last week tonightdiscussed his case in case on misconceptions.
While critics point to evidence of abuse uncovered during the initial trial, supporters, including celebrities, are taking an interest in Lucio’s case and calling for clemency.
by kim kardashian expressed his support For Lucio and a petition is signed urging Abbott to stop Lucio’s execution.
“The real potential injustice here is that if we get to April 27, if he is not given that opportunity, it will be too late,” said Nieve Criado.
Some state lawmakers and supporters are urging residents to write to Government Abbott and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, urging them to delay or cancel Lucio’s execution as new evidence in the case surface .
WFAA Sister Station, KVUE contributed to this report.