FRANCES NEWTON IS INNOCENT!

FRANCES HAS BEEN ON DEATH ROW FOR 17 YEARS

FOR A CRIME SHE DID NOT COMMIT

§ Frances’ husband and two small children were murdered execution-style, likely by a drug dealer, in 1987.

§ Frances’ conviction rested largely on the results of ballistics testing conducted by the now-discredited Houston Police Department crime lab, which said that it was her gun that was used to murder her family.

§ Frances’ court-appointed trial attorney, Ron Mock, did nothing to prepare for trial. He interviewed no one & investigated nothing. He is the same attorney that sent an innocent Shaka Sankofa, a.k.a. Gary Graham, to his execution. The State Bar of Texas has sanctioned mock many, many times.

§ There was no blood found on Frances Newton's clothing, gun, hands, or car, despite the fact that the victims had been shot at close range. No gunpowder residue was found on her hands or sweater. There was also no evidence that someone had undertaken a cleanup at the apartment.

HOW CAN YOU HELP FREE FRANCES?

1. Join the Committee to Free Frances Newton—next meeting is Thursday, February 3, at the Highland Park Community Building, at 3316 DeSoto from 6-8 PM. DeSoto is ½ block east of West T.C. Jester between Tidwell and Little York in the Acres Homes neighborhood.

2. Help promote “Black History and the Death Penalty,” two community celebrations /forums in February featuring Iva Jewel Nelms, Frances’ mother; Lee Bolton, Nanon Williams ‘ mother, and youth from Acres Homes. Frances and Nanon are both innocent, sent to death row by the Houston Police Crime Lab.

3. Help leaflet churches on Sundays, either your own or join us in Frances’ neighborhood to flyer people leaving services. Call Njeri to sign up at the numbers below.

COMMITTEE TO FREE FRANCES NEWTON

Contact Njeri Shakur at 713-222-0749 or at SHAPE Center – 713-521-0749

Next meeting is Thurs., Feb. 3, at Highland Park Community Center, 3316 DeSoto 6-8 PM