To Execute or Not - The case of Hank Skinner

Hank Skinner is set to be executed on Nov. 9. Whether  you support the death penalty or not, I imagine that most people at least want to be assured that the person executed is guilty. At least I hope so. There are many arguments for or against the death penalty, but those are for another post. Currently, the case of Hank Skinner can't wait.

Hank Skinner was convicted for the deaths of Twila Busby and her two adult sons. DNA testing was done on blood smears found on Skinner's clothes, but he admits being at the scene and trying to revive the victims. More importantly, is the DNA that was not tested. This includes a rape kit from Busby, hair samples found in her hand, evidence on the murder weapon and a jacket found at the scene. This evidence might not exonerate Skinner, but it could, and the DA has consistently rejected requests to test this DNA.

There are other reasons to grant Skinner's request to test this DNA. He has consistently stated that he was innocent. Drug tests show that he was intoxicated with alcohol and codeine, and that it is unlikely he would have been coherent enough to kill three adults. He did request that the other DNA tests be run at his trial, but his attorney didn't make the request. Since the trial, one of the witnesses has recanted her testimony, and friends and aquaintances of Busby say that she was being stalked by another man.

As I said, the additional evidence may not exonerate Skinner, but it certainly seems that there is reason to be sure that he is guilty, and evidence that he may not be guilty. The testing would only take a few months and should determine beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty or not. Isn't that what it's about, "reasonable doubt."  More details about the case can be found in the articles below.  And if you would like to sign a petition to urge a stay on the execution to allow time for DNA testing, that link can be found at the bottom of the article.

The Guardian article on Hank Skinner

Huffington Post article on Hank Skinner

To sign a petition, click here.