Texas’s highest criminal court has granted a controversial reprieve to death row inmate David Leonard Wood, whose claims of innocence and requests for additional evidence testing have reignited debates over the justice system’s handling of his case.
Top Takeaways
- The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals halted David Leonard Wood’s execution.
- Wood, dubbed the “Desert Killer,” was scheduled for execution on March 13, 2025.
- Wood’s appeal cites unexamined DNA evidence and questions over trial testimony.
- Wood has been on death row for over 32 years, convicted of multiple murders.
- Wood maintains his innocence, pushing for DNA testing and citing procedural errors.
Court Blocks Execution
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals temporarily halted the execution of David Leonard Wood, known as the “Desert Killer,” who was scheduled to die by lethal injection at Huntsville Unit prison in Livingston on March 13, 2025. Wood, on death row since 1992 for murdering six women and girls near El Paso, consistently declares his innocence. His legal team urges the need for comprehensive DNA testing on crime scene evidence, which Wood’s attorneys believe may exonerate him.
The court’s decision stemmed from Wood’s numerous appeals highlighting several former procedural errors—from questionable witness testimonies to the destruction and suppression of crucial evidence. Despite the judges’ ruling, the court did not elaborate on why it granted this stay, referencing Wood’s claims and his legal representatives’ insistence on fairness and thorough DNA analysis.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued the stay for David Wood, convicted of six 1987 murders. His defense argues weak evidence and lack of DNA testing in the case. https://t.co/1astII4Z3C
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 12, 2025
Families Seek Justice
Victims’ relatives, including Marcia Fulton, mother to one of the young women slain, express disappointment in the justice system, arguing the families’ anguish has been prolonged by such delays. “They think they’re going to outlive me?” Fulton remarked, expressing her frustration and urging the community to remain vigilant in seeking justice for the victims. The emotional effect of these legal pauses has prompted questions about the balance between seeking justice for murder victims and ensuring due process for the accused.
The state has not yet detailed future legal steps against Wood, whose prior execution was paused in 2009 over claims of intellectual disability and procedural flaws. Wood’s continuous assertions of innocence and allegations of unfair trial procedures add layers to his case, causing frustration among the victims’ families yearning for closure.
Debates Over Innocence and DNA
Wood, a repeat sex offender, vehemently maintains his innocence. His defense argues that authorities unfairly focused on him rather than corroborating evidence. They petition for comprehensive DNA testing, as previous evaluations identified a male DNA profile that did not match Wood. The Texas Attorney General’s Office opposes additional tests, contesting Wood’s prolonged appeals. This controversy over unexamined evidence and claims of innocence continues to affect public and legal discussions on the morality and application of death row sentences.
Texas, long at the forefront of capital punishment, faces ethical scrutiny over its handling of death row inmates. Wood’s case exemplifies the complexity surrounding issues of evidence integrity, the potential for wrongful execution, and the prolonged period inmates endure on death row, awaiting justice or execution.
Sources:
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals halts execution of death row inmate David Leonard Wood
- Texas court delays execution of man on death row for 32 years, days before he was set to die
- Court Stays Execution of Texas Man Days Before He Was Set to Die by Lethal Injection
