Anthony Graves, who was sentenced to death in Texas in 1994, may soon be released on bail. Graves’ conviction was overturned in March 2006 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit because prosecutors had withheld two pieces of important evidence from Graves’ attorneys prior to his trial. One of the main witnesses against Graves, a co-defendant who participated in the crime, recanted his earlier testimony. The federal court has given Texas until September 12, 2006 to either retry Graves or to dismiss charges. Texas requested more time because it has appealed the 5th Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the request was denied.

(Houston Chronicle, Sept. 1, 2006).

See possible Innocence. Eight former Texas death row inmates have been exonerated and freed since 1973. There is also substantial evidence that three people who were executed in Texas were innocent.