Perry's execution record includes deaths of juveniles, mentally disabled

Think Progress - But even as the Willingham case receives the most notice, many of Perry's decisions regarding execution have begun to garner attention...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

From Think Progress

The amount of executions held in Texas during Gov. Rick Perry’s® 11 years in office has come under scrutiny in the early stages of his presidential campaign, most notably for the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was convicted of murdering his three daughters and put to death despite evidence showing that he was likely innocent of the crimes.

But even as the Willingham case receives the most notice, many of Perry’s decisions regarding execution have begun to garner attention.

Texas has held 234 executions on Perry’s watch, more than the next two states combined have executed since the death penalty was restored 35 years ago. While Perry can only grant clemency from death sentences if it is recommended by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, he has rarely used that power.

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