Texas Court Denies Rodney Reed's Innocence Claims and New Trial
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has rejected death-row inmate Rodney Reed's claims of innocence and request for a new trial. Reed, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites, has maintained his innocence and received support from the Innocence Project. Despite multiple applications for relief, all have been unsuccessful. Reed's defense team accused the state of withholding evidence and violating his constitutional rights. The court's rejection comes after a two-week evidentiary hearing and the filing of Reed's ninth and tenth applications. The decision has sparked outrage and calls for continued efforts to secure Reed's freedom.