BREAKING NEWS: LUCIO DECLARED INNOCENT!!
November 14, 2024 - According to breaking news reports, Judge Arturo Nelson — who presided over the original trial and sentenced her to death — found that Melissa Lucio is “is actually innocent; she did not kill her daughter.”
STATEMENT FROM MELISSA LUCIO
"More than words. There are truly no amount of words, no matter how eloquently spoken, that can begin to convey the thanks I feel in this moment.
It is safe to say I find myself still in shock and awe of everything that has transpired this past week. But this story began long before this moment and I want to thank each and every person who has played such a significant part, and not only bringing the truth to light, but fighting so very hard to do so.
First and foremost, I want to thank God for orchestrating all of this. It is by his hand that every person that has played a part in this journey ended up where they have.
I will never forget the first time I met journalist Sabrina Van Tassel. I had never given an interview before and, although I was not sure why I was agreeing to this one, I can say I felt safe. The moment I sat down in front of her, I knew that I was safe and I was being listened to for the first time since this nightmare began. Where normally I was hesitant to share any part of myself, I found that with her I wanted to pour myself out and share everything. It was a hard yet freeing process and it was the beginning to where we have come now. Without her tireless dedication to me and my cause, I do not believe I would be alive today. She brought worldwide attention to the system that has been sweeping issues like mine under the proverbial rug for decades and getting away with it.
I want to thank everyone that has fought so hard. Not just for me, but more importantly for Mariah’s memory. I want to thank everyone that has been involved. The Innocence Project who has worked alongside my own attorneys, Jason Flom with the Wrongful Conviction podcast , the entire team at Death Penalty Action and Abe Bonowitz for their early support through this battle. Each and every one of you have played such a crucial part in this fight for justice. We are all family now and will remain so always.
I know that the world sees this victory as my freedom, but for me it is a victory for the truth. Words will never be enough, but I will leave you with the above and say yet again, Thank you, with all of my heart."
ADVOCATE STATEMENTS
Statement from Abraham Bonowitz, Coordinator of the #FreeMelissaLucio Campaign and Executive Director of Death Penalty Action:
"Anyone who saw Sabrina Van Tassell's film, 'The State of Texas vs. Melissa,' in 2022 knows there was no murder, and that Mariah's death was an accident. The real hero here is Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz, who finally looked at the evidence once ordered to do so by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He concluded in 2022 that she would not have been convicted had she had all of the evidence that was available to his predecessor, the disgraced former prosecutor, Armando Villalobos.
"It is tragic that Melissa has had to wait all of this time, and remains on death row today. We urge the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm Judge Nelson's findings immediately so that Melissa can finally come home. She should not spend another night in prison.
"Melissa Lucio was once two days from execution. It took a film viewed by millions and a massive public relations campaign just to halt her execution and get the courts to order a fresh look at the evidence. This should concern every Texan who thinks the state can be trusted to get it right in every case. Thank God for Melissa's attorney, Richard Ellis, the Innocence Project, the Capital Habeas Unit in Austin and everyone on Melissa's legal team and from her community, who never gave up on her."
Statement from Sabrina Van Tassel, Filmmaker:
"From the very first time I met Melissa Lucio, every instinct within me told me she did not kill her daughter. That profound feeling compelled me to investigate further and ultimately make a documentary, The State of Texas vs. Melissa, that exposed the evidence that has now been affirmed by the judge who originally sentenced her to be executed. Our journey together transformed both of our lives forever. Melissa placed her trust in me, and I placed mine in her.
Without the documentary and the "Free Melissa Lucio" campaign which it inspired, she would very likely have been executed. Today, there is real hope that her death sentence could be overturned, paving the way for Melissa Lucio to finally walk free. This possibility exceeds all my expectations, and I pray for the day we can finally hold each other in our arms.
Melissa Lucio is alive. If not for a documentary seen by millions, catching the attention of the public and the media, she would have been executed. This fact should give pause to everyone who thinks government always gets it right - especially when a life is on the line.
I am deeply thankful for the precious help I received from angels along the way. Their guidance and support have been truly invaluable."
CASE BACKGROUND
Melissa E. Lucio has spent over a decade on death row in Texas for a crime she did not commit. She has maintained her innocence ever since she was arrested for the murder of her two-year-old daughter Mariah in 2007.
The primary evidence used in her conviction came from a seven hour coercive interrogation on the night of Mariah’s death. Her other children witnessed the accident which led to Mariah's injuries, but they were not called upon to testify in court. The prosecutor in her case is now serving a 13 year prison sentence for bribery.
On April 25, 2022, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a stay of execution and ordered the 138th Judicial Court of Cameron County to consider the evidence of her innocence- a decision that came just two days before her scheduled execution. Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz now has the chance to do the right thing by dismissing her charges and releasing her immediately.
UPDATE FROM MELISSA LUCIO (2022)
The above letter is from Melissa Lucio, in which she writes:
"MY CASE HAS NOW GONE BACK TO THE COURTS, AND JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!!!!!"
What great news! Congratulations to Melissa and her entire legal team. This means we don't need to do anything more at this time about Melissa's case. If/when that changes, we will let you know.
THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO
2. Host a Screening of the Film
To host a formal screening of the film, download this PDF. Or please contact info@FreeMelissaLucio.org to be connected with the film distributor. All fees waived except shipping costs if a hard copy or other materials are needed.
3. Wear the Message
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM DOLORES HUERTA
Dolores Huerta works tirelessly developing leaders and advocating for the working poor, women, and children. As founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she travels across the country engaging in campaigns and influencing legislation that supports equality and defends civil rights.
The Free Melissa Lucio Campaign welcomes her advocacy and support!