TEXAS — Reality star Kim Kardashian West is taking to Twitter to advocate for Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed.
- Reed’s execution is set for Nov. 20
- His attorneys say new evidence supports innocence
- West asked Gov. Abbott to “do the right thing”
Reed is scheduled to be executed on November 20. For the past 21 years Reed has been on death row for the murder of Stacey Stites, a crime he claims he didn’t commit.
On Friday, West tweeted that she had just watched the movie Just Mercy starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan. The movie is about Walter McMillian, a black Alabama pulpwood worker who spent six years on death row for murder. A court eventually ruled he was wrongfully convicted and released him. The movie based on Bryan Stevenson’s book comes out in January.
West said the film made her cry.
“After watching the movie I opened up my computer & opened up my email about a case I had recently been investigating, @FreeRodneyReed. I have been hearing about him and his story for the last week,” West said on Twitter.
West followed up by tweeting at Governor Greg Abbott, urging him to “do the right thing.”
Attorneys for Reed are asking that his upcoming execution date be canceled based on new evidence. Two witnesses, who knew Stite’s fiancé, reportedly have information that supports Reed's innocence.
West, who hopes to become an attorney, has drawn attention in the past year for helping free several inmates including Alice Marie Johnson. Johnson had served more than 20 years in prison for a nonviolent drug-related conviction.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- Witnesses Come Forward, Claim Rodney Reed is Innocent
- Death row inmate Rodney Reed files new appeal after latest denial
- Judge: Rodney Reed should not get new trial, despite new evidence
- Supporters calling for release of death row inmate Rodney Reed
- Testimony from 1998 trial resurfaces on day three of Rodney Reed hearing
- Death Row Inmate Rodney Reed Loses DNA Appeal
- After 18 Years on Death Row, Reed Still En