January 30, 2007 (vigil across from Governor’s mansion 5:30)

In April 2003, Christopher Swift killed his wife and later that day killed his mother-in-law. Swift represented himself at his trial.

Texas should not execute Christopher Swift. Executing Swift would violate the right to life, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and would constitute the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. Ineffective assistance of counsel and mental illness are at issue in this case. Swift has stated that he believed his 5-year old son wanted him to commit the murders, and that his mother-in-law would have been happy about her daughter’s death. Swift’s mental illness and lack of counsel should be carefully examined in this case.

Please write to Gov. Rick Perry on behalf of Christopher Swift!