NCADP - The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

Darrell Grayson, AL, July 26

Do Not Execute Darrell Grayson!

Darrell Grayson, AL

July 26, 2007

The state of Alabama is scheduled to execute Darrell Grayson on July 26, for the December 1980 murder of Annie Orr. This execution must be halted because substantial doubt exists as to whether Grayson committed the crime for which he was convicted and sentenced to death.According to two sworn affidavits, Grayson was not present when Orr was raped and killed because he was passed out from drugs and alcohol in a different location. Despite originally confessing, Grayson now says he has no knowledge of what took place due to his extremely inebriated state.DNA evidence – in the form of semen found on Orr’s body – could determine once and for all whether Grayson raped Orr. But courts have refused to order the testing and the Alabama Legislature, unlike other states, refused to pass legislation mandating that inmates have access to DNA tests.Grayson’s attorneys have submitted a sworn affidavit from one of the four men present that Grayson could not have murdered Orr because he was passed out. In addition, Grayson’s trial was fraught with problems – he appeared before an all-white jury and his attorney was a divorce lawyer with no capital experience who did not investigate the crime due to a lack of funds.

Finally, Alabama’s execution protocol – which has never been made public – is under legal challenge. At the very least, Grayson’s execution should be stayed until the legality of the protocol is determined.

Please write to Gov. Bob Riley on behalf of Darrell Grayson!

September 02, 2010

Subject:

I wish to appeal to you on behalf of DARRELL GRAYSON, who is due to be executed on July 26, 2007. My sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Annie Orr. However, profound doubts exist as to whether Grayson is even guilty of this crime – particularly in light of the state’s refusal to conduct DNA testing that could determine guilt or innocence once and for all. Grayson says he has no memory of the crime and was in fact passed out because of a combination of drug use and alcohol consumption. Two sworn affidavits support this. In addition, he was tried before an all-white jury and his trial attorney was a divorce lawyer with no capital experience who did not investigate the crime due to lack of funds. Alabama has no execution protocol that is available to the public. A hearing on the protocol was cancelled. However, Gov. Riley has the power to halt executions until the protocol is reexamined. Grayson must not be executed. Thank you for your time and consideration in this important and urgent matter.
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