Thomas Whitaker will not be executed by the state of Texas

[janterry]

Thomas plotted to have his family killed - so that he could inherit the families money. Only his father survived the attack (Thomas was shot by his accomplice, to look like he was also a victim).

Thomas' father eventually forgave his son and the two now have a close relationship.

This is a good day for those opposed to the death penalty.

From the newspaper:

About 40 minutes before the scheduled execution, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would grant clemency to 38-year-old Thomas "Bart" Whitaker. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, in a rare recommendation, voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of the "lesser penalty" of commuting Whitaker's death sentence to life behind bars without the possibility of parole.

“In just over three years as governor, I have allowed 30 executions. I have not granted a commutation of a death sentence until now," Abbott said in a statement. “The murders of Mr. Whitaker’s mother and brother are reprehensible. The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them. The recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and my action on it, ensures Mr. Whitaker will never be released from prison."

http://abcnews.go.com/US/man-plotted-familys-murder-executed-governor/story?id=53274744

[Me.]

1. Rich White Guy

[Jake Stern]

2. So. . . .

He should have been executed to prove Texas is fair about their lust for blood?

I, for one, am glad that a governor who seems to get his rocks off executing someone actually found tinge of mercy.

[Me.]

7. Why This One

and not the 30 others?

[janterry]

3. I really think they were swayed by his father.

He has worked tirelessly to have the sentence commuted.

I think you're right about unequal justice, though. This father had the means and ability to get a lot of support (interviews on tv, books).

[Me.]

8. I'm Glad For The Father

to have something to hang onto but how many stories have we heard about people who should've been freed must less execute or wasn't able to assist in their defense because of a lack of mental capacity.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. I have no idea how the father was able to forgive Bart. I've seen

this story multiple times on TV and it was truly a cold hearted plan to get an inheritance. The son had already been spending college tuition money to party.
I thought it odd the parents had no idea Bart wasn't in school.

Anyway the father has forgiven the slaughter of his wife and younger son and wants to continue to be a part of Barry's life. To each, his own.

[janterry]

5. I also think he plotted the murders

to prevent his parents and brother from knowing the truth (that he hadn't graduated).

He started the blog Minutes before 6 (seeded with - I think - money from his father). It's run by someone outside (she's visited him a few times, a friend - she has her own family/partner).

Here's a link if you're interested:
http://minutesbeforesix.blogspot.com/

Many other men and women have blogs there.

[LeftInTX]

6. I read a book about this

Yes, this was rich family