John,

Louisianans have a historic chance to prevent innocent people on death row from being executed.

As we speak, there are 57 defendants on Louisiana’s death row, including Innocence Project client Jimmie “Chris” Duncan, who has maintained his innocence in the 1993 death of his girlfriend’s baby. At least 190 innocent people have been exonerated from death row nationwide — and 12 in Louisiana alone.

If we want to avoid further injustices, action must be taken soon. That’s why we’re joining the Innocence Project New Orleans and Capital Appeals Project in calling on Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to commute death sentences to life in prison before he leaves office in January 2024.

Please, take a moment right now to read 9 reasons why this mass clemency effort in Louisiana could help save innocent lives.

The truth is, Louisiana has a startling ratio of getting it wrong — for every seven executions, three innocent people have been exonerated in the state. And an astounding 95% of Louisiana death sentences have been reversed since 1999. These statistics alone reveal dangerous systemic flaws in the state’s criminal legal system, and the irreversible nature of the death penalty leaves no room for error. 

As a vocal opponent of capital punishment. Gov. Edwards has a history of speaking out against the death penalty — but now is his opportunity to turn words into action by commuting the sentences of those on death row in Louisiana before he leaves office.

Louisiana has a historic opportunity to rectify potential miscarriages of justice, but the clock is ticking. Learn everything you need to know about what this mass clemency effort could mean for so many innocent people, and then share this news with your friends and family online.

Thank you for your continued support,

— The Innocence Project