Texas Death Row Inmate Faces Execution Despite Sister of Victim Advocating for His Life

Appeals from the victim's sister and religious leaders clash with state interest in deterring gang murders as Texas Parole Board unanimously denies request to commute the death sentence of William Keith Speer.

William Keith Speer, a Texas death row inmate, is scheduled for execution for strangling another inmate Gary Dickerson, with the victim's sister Sammie Martin pleading for his life, believing Speer has 'something left to offer the world'.
Speer, who spent most of his life behind bars and grew up under severe abuse, claims he is remorseful for his actions and has turned his life around within the prison system. He assists in leading a religious program that ministers to other death row inmates.
Despite opposition, the Texas Attorney General's Office maintains the state's interest in deterring gang murders and prison violence, seeing Speer's execution as an act of justice for Dickerson.
Religious leaders across the nation have also advocated for Speer, asserting that his religious work within prison does not excuse his actions but provides a fuller picture of his character.
The Texas Parole Board unanimously voted against commuting Speer's death sentence or granting a six-month reprieve, aligning with state interests rather than pleas from the victim's sister and religious leaders.