In a powerful press conference on April 30th, Witness to Innocence and the Tennessee Innocence Project asked Governor Lee to stop the May 21 execution of Tony Carruthers and to test the DNA that could prove his innocence.

Watch the press conference here.

Tennessee residents Ray Krone, Sabrina Butler-Smith, and Ndume Olatushani, all wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for crimes that they did not commit, shared their experiences and reiterated the necessity of leaving no stone unturned in the search for the truth, particularly when a life is on the line.

Mr. Olatushani stated, “As long as we have the death penalty, innocent people are going to be executed. I have no doubt about that.”

Tennessee Innocence Project’s Jason Gichner added, “DNA doesn’t take sides. It’s science. It’s objective. Law enforcement can use DNA to solve crimes and find guilty people. But we can also use DNA to validate claims of innocence and bring innocent people home.”

Ray Krone shared that without DNA testing in his case, he would have likely been executed. He explained that the State of Arizona tried to dismiss his attorney’s request for further DNA testing as a “fishing expedition” that would serve no purpose. The court disagreed. The DNA not only proved Mr. Krone’s innocence but identified the actual killer, a man already in prison for other violent crimes.

Sabrina Butler-Smith stated, “Just give people the opportunity. Let them prove their innocence. They are fighting for their lives.”

On May 6, Memphians will gather at the National Civil Right Museum at 1:00 p.m. to continue the call to Governor Lee to stop this execution and request the DNA testing in this case. If you are in the Memphis area, please join with faith and community leaders, as well as those directly impacted, in support of this request.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Please sign and share the letter to Governor Lee and call him at (615) 741-2001. Tell him to pause Mr. Carruthers’ scheduled execution and to order the DNA testing.