The Senate of The State of Texas ‘SeNATE COMDATEES: Senator John Whitmire ism ornce: tia ai Chie Deas of the Texas Senate Toutes e767 casetar FAR OI B87 April 29, 2019 ‘hin ane 7071. Sinwaons Diario ly Cae Mr. Bryan Collier Executive Director ‘Texas Department of Criminal Justice P.O. Box 99 Huntsville, Texas 77342-0099 Dear Mr. Collier: 1 demand that you end the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's policy of reading to the pul through the press the written words of a death row inmate. I was shocked that TDCJ spokesman Jeremy Desel was quoted in the Houston Chronicle accommodating Mr. King’s request to read his last comments in writing. I believe this action was totally improper and should never be repeated. If'a death row inmate has something to say to the public or victims, let him or her say it while they are strapped to the gurney. For TDCJ to accommodate a heinous murderer's request is disrespectful to the vietim's family and the State of Texas. It concerns me that this is the second of James Byrd's killers that TDC] has accommodated with the unusual requests. The last was Lawrence Brewer in 2011 with his ‘outrageous requests for his last meal - all of which were agreed to by TDCI staff. After my demand, this practice of favorite last meal was ended. I now wish to demand that no last statements of the executed by read after their death Also, | intend to ask Lt. Governor Patrick to authorize an interim study of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee to review how someone like Mr. King could be on death row for 20 years. It is entirely too long and not fair to the Byrd family and to the State of Texas. I would also like to point out that Mr. King never showed remorse for this most heinous crime. Sincerely, itn. John Whitmire