Rodney Reed supporters demand governor stop Nov. 20 execution

AUSTIN, Texas - For the Reed family, it's a two-decade-long nightmare that won't end.

“We've been suffering because of injustice,” said Rodrick Reed.

In 1998 his brother Rodney Reed was convicted of murdering Stacey Stites. He sits on death row.

“I know my brother, and I knew he was going with Stacey, and I knew he was not capable of what was described. That nightmare has been going on 22 and a half years,” said Reed.

Supporters, including faith leaders, gathered Tuesday to demand Governor Greg Abbott stop his Nov. 20 execution. Reed's supporters say there is a massive amount of evidence that could exonerate him. 

“The murder weapon that has never been tested for DNA evidence, in spite of repeated calls for it to be done. Also, that the state's forensic experts have admitted on record that the original time of death is inaccurate making the timeline of the Reed killing of Stites, impossible,” said Gaylon Clark, pastor of Greater Mount Zion Church. 

A petition to stop the execution is making its rounds, with Kim Kardashian also supporting Reed. Additionally, state Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) filed an amicus brief, which tells the court there is a strong interest in the case.

“No one should be executed when there is reasonable or even possible evidence of their innocence. We stand in the tradition of Jesus Christ who defended a woman who was about to be unjustly executed,” said Clark.

If the governor has not stopped the execution by Nov. 9, the family plans to hold a protest at the Governor’s Mansion at 2:00 p.m.

“We are looking for justice so we can wake up and our family be whole again,” said Reed.