Exonerated Death Row Survivors, Family Members, and Supporters Gather in Austin, TX

Twenty exonerated death row survivors came from cities, towns, and farms across the United States and assembled in Austin, Texas from October 19th -23rd for the Witness to Innocence (WTI) 2011 Fall Gathering of members. The 20 exonerated death row survivors were joined by 14 family members/loved ones and 11 allies.

The WTI Gathering was made up of many interesting and inspiring components, including artistic expression, educational workshops, fellowship, peer support, personal sharing, organizational development, skills building, and political action. WTI selected Austin - the Capitol of Capital Punishment – to challenge the death penalty because Texas has earned an international reputation as a human rights based on its fervor for law-sanctioned killing.

WTI members led several hundred people in the 12th Annual March to Abolish the Death Penalty on Saturday, October 22nd. WTI also introduced Mr. David Love, WTI’s new Executive Director, to the members at the Gathering. David brings more than fifteen years of experience as a community organizer, editor, human rights activist, journalist, legal advocate, legislative staff person, and executive director to his leadership position with WTI. He was warmly welcomed by all the WTI members in Austin.



KXAN coverage of our gathering: