UPDATE: On May 7, 2020, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) granted a stay of execution to Randall Mays and remanded his intellectual disability claim to the trial court for a review on the merits.
The state of Texas plans to execute Randall Mays on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 for the 2007 murders of Sheriff Deputies Tony Ogburn and Paul Habelt.
The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty is unacceptable in all cases because it is "an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." (Catholic Catechism 2267)
The previous 6 executions scheduled in Texas have all been re-scheduled or stayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Advocates for Randall Mays anticipate his execution may be stayed as well in the coming days.
Catholic Mobilizing Network has been advised that sending letters to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles would not be helpful in stopping the execution of Randall Mays. No letters are requested on his behalf at this time. CMN will update this page as soon as the status of Mr. Mays' execution changes.
At times like these we may feel at a loss of what to do in the face of such egregious acts of violence. These are the moments when we pray for God's guidance and Grace. Please pray, on behalf of Mr. Mays, that he may come to know God's peace and ever-present mercy.
Prayer
God of Mercy,
You bestow upon every person a dignity that cannot be extinguished, no matter the harm someone has suffered or caused.
Rooted in this sacred value of all life, we work together to transform the criminal justice system by ending the death penalty. Enliven our commitment to “work with determination for its abolition worldwide.”
Ignite in our imaginations more restorative approaches to harm and violence that embody Your vision of right relationship. For any person who is a victim of, responsible for, or witness to crime, may we be vessels of Your hope, healing, and redemption.
Embolden in us the fire to foster a culture of life. Sustain our pursuit of reconciling justice, that we may model your compassion and mercy with our lives.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
