Current:Home > FinanceTexas governor pardons Daniel Perry, convicted of shooting and killing protester in 2020 -Infinite Edge Capital
Texas governor pardons Daniel Perry, convicted of shooting and killing protester in 2020
View
Date:2025-04-15 09:11:45
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday pardoned Daniel Perry, an Army sergeant sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting and killing a protester in 2020. The Republican governor issued his pardon after a unanimous recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The Board also unanimously voted to recommend a full restoration of Perry's firearm rights.
"Texas has one of the strongest 'Stand Your Ground' laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney," Abbott said in a statement. "I thank the Board for its thorough investigation, and I approve their pardon recommendation."
Texas law states that the governor can grant a pardon after a recommendation by the state's Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose members are appointed by the governor.
An investigation into Perry's case began on April 8th, 2024, at the request of the governor, the parole board said in a statement. The request came one day after Perry was convicted for the murder of Garrett Foster, 28, who was protesting for racial justice and against police brutality in downtown Austin.
Perry's attorneys said their client, a U.S. Army sergeant who was stationed at Fort Hood at the time of the shooting and working as a ride-share driver, was part of a "political prosecution" and claimed that he acted in self-defense. Foster, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was carrying an AK-47 on July 25, 2020, and Perry's lawyers argued that Foster approached their client's vehicle.
Prosecutors said witnesses never saw Foster raise his weapon – and that Perry didn't need to fire his gun.
Prosecutors also presented social media posts and messages that they said showed Perry's state of mind before the shooting. He had searched for phrases including "protest in austin today," "protest in dallas today" and "protesters in seattle get shot."
Members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles "delved into the intricacies of Perry's case" before arriving at their decision, the board said in a statement. "The investigation's efforts encompassed a meticulous review of relevant documents, from police reports to court records, witness statements, and interviews with individuals linked to the case."
Perry's attorney Doug O'Connell on Thursday thanked the governor in a statement to CBS News, saying the pardon corrected "the courtroom travesty which occurred over a year ago and represents true justice in this case." He said that Perry is "thrilled and elated to be free," and that he also wished "this tragic event never happened" and he "never had to defend himself against Mr. Foster's unlawful actions."
O'Connell also noted that Perry recognizes "that the Foster family is grieving."
Whitney Mitchell, who was Foster's girlfriend and with him when he was killed, said in a statement to CBS News, "I loved Garrett Foster. I thought we were going to grow old together. He was the love of my life. He still is." She added, "With this pardon, the Governor has desecrated the life of a murdered Texan and US Air Force veteran."
Travis County District Attorney José Garza, whose office oversaw the case, ensured that the board allotted time for prosecutors and Foster's family to make presentations before they issued their recommendations. In a statement signaling his disappointment, Garza said the recent actions of the Governor and Board "have put their politics over justice and made a mockery of our legal system."
"Their actions are contrary to the law and demonstrate that there are two classes of people in this state where some lives matter and some lives do not," Garza said.
—Caroline Linton contributed reporting.
- In:
- Austin
- Texas
Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at cara.tabachnick@cbsinteractive.com
veryGood! (14138)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Heavy-smoking West Virginia becomes the 12th state to ban lighting up in cars with kids present
- Elevate Your Spring Wardrobe For Less With These Can't-Miss Fashion Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale
- Midwest commuters face heavy snow starting Friday as New England braces for winter storm
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- The Diane von Furstenberg x Target Collection Is Officially Here—This Is What You Need To Buy ASAP
- Iceland's latest volcanic eruption will have an impact as far as Russia
- Another March Madness disappointment means it's time for Kentucky and John Calipari to part
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- NCAA Tournament winners and losers: Kentucky's upset loss highlights awful day for SEC
Ranking
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Deaths of dog walker, 83, and resident of a remote cabin possibly tied to escaped Idaho inmate
- How do you play the Mega Millions? A guide on tickets, choosing numbers and odds to win
- Relatives of Tyre Nichols, George Floyd and Eric Garner say lack of police reform is frustrating
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Pair of massive great white sharks surface off Florida coast within a minute of each other
- Lawmakers who passed a bill to lure nuclear energy to Kentucky say coal is still king
- King Charles III praises Princess Kate after cancer diagnosis: 'So proud of Catherine'
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Republican Mike Boudreaux advances to special election to complete term of ousted Speaker McCarthy
Kremlin says 40 killed and more than 100 wounded in attack on Moscow concert hall
Deaths of dog walker, 83, and resident of a remote cabin possibly tied to escaped Idaho inmate
Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
It's Final Four or bust for Purdue. Can the Boilermakers finally overcome their March Madness woes?
North Carolina’s highest court won’t revive challenge to remove Civil War governor’s monument
King Charles III praises Princess Kate after cancer diagnosis: 'So proud of Catherine'