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New Evidence Raises Questions About A Texas Execution

New evidence has been found that casts some doubt on whether Cameron Todd Willingham was rightfully executed back in 2004.
Posted at 9:11 AM, Mar 01, 2014

New evidence suggests a Texas man executed back in 2004 for murder might actually be innocent. 

"The nonprofit Innocence Project says it found new documents that undermine the credibility in the murder case of Cameron Todd Willingham." (Via KEYE)

Willingham was executed after he was found guilty of setting fire to his own house in 1991, killing his three children inside. Testimony from a fire expert helped conclude it was arson. 

But according to Gawker, testimony from a jailhouse informant also helped lead to the conviction. Johnny Webb, a convict who was in jail with Willingham said Willingham had confessed the murder to him. (Via Gawker)

Willingham had always argued he was innocent, and ever since the non-profit group Innocence Project has been working to clear his name. 

At the time of the trial, both the Webb and the prosecutor, John Jackson, said Webb wasn't a reduced for testifying against Willingham. But The New York Times says that statement can now be contradicted. 

Last year, the current district attorney allowed the Innocence Project to look through the case files. According to the New York Times, a handwritten note was found inside the prosecutor's notes saying, "...Mr. Webb's charges were to be listed as robbery in the second degree, not the heavier first-degree robbery charge he had originally been convicted on..." 

No word from Jackson on the new finding. The Innocence Project is seeking a posthumous pardon for Willingham from Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.