October 6, 2005
Ronald Ray Howard - TEXAS
Ronald Ray Howard, a black man, faces execution on Oct. 6, 2005 for the murder of Department of Public Safety Trooper Bill Davidson, a 43-year-old white man, during a traffic stop on April 11, 1992. Ronald Howard was 18 years old at the time of the crime and driving a stolen car when Davidson stopped him. In an unpremeditated panic Howard shot Davidson. Ronald Ray Howard has continual expressed his deep regret.
On appeal, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied Howard’s rehearing request. In a dissenting opinion Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Justice Overstreet held that two of the state-stricken jurors were not challengeable for cause. Perhaps if these two legitimate jurors had been allowed to remain on the jury Howard’s trial would have ended differently.
Thirteen years on death row has changed Ronald Howard. He not only has continued to regret his own crime, but has also joined in the struggle to help other at-risk youth to not follow down his path. Howard’s own ghetto upbringing allows him to connect with other at-risk youth. In his 13 years on death row Howard has used this fact to help other young people to not travel the path that he did. Additionally Howard has spent his time on death row becoming a more educated Christian man. Howard has earned the respect of wardens and prison guards, some of whom have come to him for advice or aide. Howard also currently lacks legal representation.
The death of Officer Davidson is tragic. However the death of Ronald Ray Howard will not bring Davidson back. Allowing Howard to live also will allow him to continue his work in preventing similar fates for other at risk youth. Please contact Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole to ask that Ronald Ray Howard’s execution be stopped.
