Texas Inmate Hopes This Video Saves Him from June 26 Execution

June 26, 2024, Death Row inmate Ramiro Gonzales is scheduled to be executed in Huntsville.

Gonzales was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting 18-year-old Bridget Townsend, before fatally shooting her. The crime took place on January 15, 2001, in Medina County, just west of San Antonio. Gonzales was also 18 at the time.

Unless he is granted a stay or clemency, Gonzales will become the second Texas inmate to be executed this year. Ivan Cantu was executed on February 28.

Even through his last statement, Cantu denied killing the two people he was convicted of murdering. Gonzales, however, takes full responsibility for his actions and is hoping that a compelling video depicting how he has changed will compel Governor Abbott or the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute his sentence to life with no parole.

Clemency Petition

Recently, death row inmates along with their supporters have taken to producing long-form videos to better illustrate their remorse as well as their amended and rehabilitated lifestyles.

I watched this video fully expecting to see a man who was remorseful only because he got caught and was nearing the execution of his sentence. After watching Gonzales' testimony in this video, I truly believe that he is remorseful because of the pain he has caused others and for the terrible crimes he committed.

It would be hard to argue that he has not become the spiritual person he claims to be. Many professionals and inmates back up his claim.

However, even if his testimony is 100% truthful, should that be a reason to commute his sentence? If he can help rehabilitate other inmates, would that be a solid enough reason to allow him to live the rest of his life behind bars?

Or does his actions demand the justice for which he was sentenced?

On average, less than 2 death row inmates nationwide have their sentences commuted.