Lezmond Mitchell, a member of the Navajo Nation, is set to be executed on August 26th.
The only Native American on Federal death row may be executed against the wishes of the Navajo Nation and victim family members.
This is urgent. Lezmond Mitchell, a member of the Navajo Nation, is set to be executed on August 26th, next Wednesday.
For some context, Lezmond Mitchell committed a crime back in 2001 that ended in the murder of 63-year-old Alyce Slim and her 9-year-old granddaughter, Tiffany Lee, fellow members of the Navajo Nation.
Lezmond is the only Native American on Federal death row and may now be executed against the wishes of the Navajo Nation and victim family members. If the U.S. Supreme Court does not intervene, he will become the fourth federal inmate executed in just six weeks, and this after a 17-year hiatus of federal executions.
Lezmond’s lawyers are doing everything they can. They recently filed a clemency request with the backing of the Navajo Nation. An appeal was just filed that highlights the racist undertones of Lezmond’s trial.
You can help too. We all get to step up and take action to stop Lezmond’s execution, and end the death penalty once and for all. Please be sure you have signed our petition calling on Congress to end the federal death penalty here, and then use the sharing tools to invite others to join you.
Three federal death row prisoners were executed in July and the Trump Administration has three others scheduled, including Keith Nelson on August 28th, just two days after Mitchell’s scheduled execution. Taking action with Death Penalty Action couldn’t be more urgent than it is right now. We have three ways you can help right now:
- Donate: If you’re financially able, a donation of $100, $25, or even just $10 today will go a long way in the struggle to end the death penalty.
- Build the Coalition: We’re also seeking additional organizations to sign on to a coalition letter several members of congress have asked Death Penalty Action to organize to help support their efforts. If you are part of a faith community, a civic organization, or even a business, please urge those in leadership to sign on to our organization letter right away, here. We’ll be announcing this effort to the public in a press conference on Monday.
- Join the Protest in-person or on-line: We’ll also be working hard on the ground with protests at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana and at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C. next week. You can learn more about how to get involved or support these efforts, and how you can watch on-line, here.
What’s clear is this: Death Penalty Action is leading the grassroots effort to stop federal executions. Together, with your support, we’re making the difference.
Thank you,
Abe
PS: Because of you and others like you, Death Penalty Action has become the leading voice for Abolition of the Death Penalty in the United States. Your generous donation today matters.
