The Houston Chronicle is calling on Texas Governor Rick Perry to delay the execution of Larry Swearingen, which is scheduled for January 27. The Chronicle notes that the forensic scientist who testified about the time of death of the victim at Swearingen’s trial now believes the death occurred later, a time at which Swearingen was in police custody on another matter. Five other physicians and forensic experts concurred that the murder occurred after the time that Swearingen was arrested on a traffic matter. Blood and hair samples from the victim also indicated the presence of another assailant. Dr. Glenn Larkin, a retired forensic pathologist who reviewed the case, told the Texas Monthly that “no rational and intellectually honest person can look at the evidence and conclude Larry Swearingen is guilty of this horrible crime.”

There have been 5 executions so far in 2009—100% have occurred in the south, and 60% in Texas. Three more executions are scheduled in January, all in Texas.

(Editorial, “Room for Doubt,” Houston Chronicle, Jan. 22, 2009). See Innocence and Editorials.

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