Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg already sent three people to death row in 2009, 2010 and 2011, so it is not surprising that today she announced she is seeking another death sentence. One day Travis County should elect a progressive district attorney who reflects the values of the community.

In 2011 only six counties sent anyone to death row in Texas, but Travis County was one of those. Remember when the members of the audience at one of the presidential debates cheered and clapped when Rick Perry was asked about all the executions that Texas conducts? If Texas counties send fewer people to death row, then we can begin to silence those people who would clap and cheer for the death penalty.

Travis County should be a death penalty free zone in Texas. There is no law that says a DA has to seek the death penalty. Life without parole is the other option in Texas in capital cases.

Rosemary Lehmberg’s decision will be expensive for Travis County taxpayers. Seeking a death sentence is much more expensive, maybe three times as expensive, as seeking life without parole.

From the Austin American-Statesman:

Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg said this morning that she has decided to seek the death penalty against Brandon Montgomery Daniel, who police say fatally shot Austin police officer Jaime Padron earlier this year.

“I think it is the right thing to do,” Lehmberg told the American-Statesman.
She declined to comment further.

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