August 10, 2005 Governor Rick Perry State Capitol PO Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711 Dear Governor: I am writing you to ask you to PLEASE do everything in your power to commute the sentence of Frances Newton, prisoner number 922, and reissue a reprieve petition, which would allow Ms. Newton's innocence claims to be investigated further. THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THIS WOMAN IS INNOCENT. I have read her case and am appalled there has been no further investigation - please reread her case. And please, strongly consider the 59 page 'writ' from her current lawyer which elaborates on substantial, valid, factual evidence that proves her innocence. I AM INCREDULOUS that Texas plans to execute Ms. Newton for the following reasons: 1) The main witnesses have supported Ms. Newton's innocence in every way. Especially the key witness, Sondra Nelms, who signed an affidavit describing how emotionally distraught Ms. Newton was when she found the bodies, stating "...there is absolutely no way she had any involvement in their deaths." 2) The ballistics evidence taken from the crime scene has been shown to need further investigation. Detective Frank Pratt asserts there were two (2) guns at the beginning of this investigation - now the crime lab can only locate one (1). The alleged murder weapon may not be Ms. Newton's gun: Ms. Newton claims their gun was silver - this one is blue. 3) One of the main facts that has surfaced recently is that there would have been 2 hrs. of activity taking place in a matter of 20 minutes, if she were indeed responsible for the murders! 4) There is also physical evidence that should have exonerated her long ago: a) no gunpowder residue (nitrates) were found on ANY clothing except the lower edge of her skirt. How could someone who had fired a gun end up with no nitrates anywhere but there?! She was working in a garden earlier, which had just been fertilized. b) The police found a blood trail on the floor leading to the room where the children were killed. THERE WAS NO BLOOD AT ALL ON FRANCIS, in her car, or anywhere else associated with her! 5) Ms. Newton's court appointed defense lawyer, Mr. Mock, has been shown to be completely incompetent: he did not prepare for her case, did not investigate - in fact ignored - valid tips from neighbors and others about possible suspects, appeared in court inebriated, did no follow up at all. 6) In fact, the most promising leads were not pursued: a) Adrian, her husband, was a small time drug dealer with debts to suppliers. Two (2) people told police about a "Charlie" seeking debt pay back, but the police did not follow up. b) The police ignored neighbors' tips about a strange pickup truck in the driveway the day of the murder. They were able to give the license plate# and color of the vehicle, but again, the police did nothing. 7) Everyone around her says that Francis adored her children. AND, she refused to plead guilty EVEN THOUGH it would have given her the chance to have been FREED THREE YEARS AGO..... what do you think this infers? 8) John McGraff, her current attorney, believes her to be innocent, as do many people working on her case for numerous years, without remuneration, some to the detriment of their own lives and families - WHY? Ms. Newton's execution is scheduled for mid September, 2005. The killing or saving of an innocent woman is your hands! Please take this life seriously. Thank you again,
