James Broadnax
James Broadnax, a Black man, was a husband, friend and mentor, according to his legal team and wife, who said he led classes on conflict resolution and spirituality and married Tiana Krasniqi in April 2026. The State of Texas executed him by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville on the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2026. His legal team and wife said he was innocent, and they pointed to a sworn statement from his cousin, Demarius Cummings, who said he had done the shooting; the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declined to consider that statement, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay, and the governor did not grant a reprieve. More than 80,000 people signed a petition on his behalf, and more than 60 religious and faith leaders signed a letter asking for mercy. In his final statement he maintained that he was innocent and asked the victims' families for forgiveness.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. His legal team and wife say he was innocent, citing a sworn confession from his cousin and codefendant, Demarius Cummings, who said he was the shooter, and his final appeals also raised claims about the racial makeup of the jury.
Reported by: Texas Department of Criminal Justice (the agency that held him); news reporting on the execution.
News reports (6)
- Executed Inmates
- James Broadnax executed by lethal injection for 2008 Dallas County robbery, double murder
- Convicted Texas killer executed despite co-defendant's claims - FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth
- James Broadnax executed, says 'Texas got it wrong' in final statement
- Texas executes James Broadnax after Supreme Court rejects final appeal tied to cousin’s confession
- 10 most recent executions in Texas: What to know about the inmates