Case Study
Innocence Project Stopped an Execution Using Capitol Canary
Rodney Reed fought the justice system for two decades, maintaining his innocence in the murder of a Texas woman. The efforts landed him on death row, scheduled for execution by the state. The Innocence Project, which works to exonerate those wrongly convicted and reform the criminal justice system, needed to halt the execution so they could continue to fight Reed’s conviction in court.
Solution
After years of fighting for Reed in court, The Innocence Project used Capitol Canary to mobilize the public on Reed’s behalf. It activated more than 40,000 Texans, generating 8,000 phone calls and emails to the governor and the state Board of Pardons and Paroles asking that Reed’s life be spared. Nationwide, more than 60,000 people signed a petition supporting Reed.
Key Results
40,000
Texans activated
8,000
phone calls and emails to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
60,433
people signed nationwide petition
Testimonial
This is how democracy is supposed to operate. I really attribute a huge part of our success to the tool we use.
Alicia Maule
Digital Engagement Director, Innocence Project