A man on death row has been executed despite his cousin confessing to being the actual perpetrator of the crime. James Broadnax, aged 37, was given the death penalty for the 2008 shootings of two Christian music producers outside a studio in Dallas almost 18 years ago.
The Texas inmate alleged that prosecutors utilized rap lyrics he had written to secure his death sentence. Broadnax and his cousin, Demarius Cummings, fatally shot and robbed Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler in the parking lot of Butler’s recording studio in Garland.
Cummings received a life sentence without parole. Broadnax confessed to the shooting to reporters, stating, “I pulled the trigger” and showed no remorse. However, Cummings later admitted to being the actual shooter.
Before his execution, James Broadnax stated, “I prayed for years that my actions would weigh on your hearts and minds. I prayed for your forgiveness. Despite your thoughts about me, I hope my prayers were answered. Texas made a mistake. I am innocent, and the facts of my case should speak for themselves.”
Despite his claims, Broadnax was put to death by lethal injection at 6:47 pm local time at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. His appeals had all been exhausted. Shortly before his execution, he married Tiana Krasniqi, a British law school graduate, at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas.
Broadnax’s legal team argued that Cummings had confessed to being the shooter, and that Broadnax’s constitutional rights were violated during his trial due to alleged racial bias in jury selection. Cummings’ confession was supported by DNA evidence found on the murder weapon and one of the victims.
In a video, Broadnax claimed his confession was false, citing drug influence during the interviews. He apologized to the families of the victims for his role in the robbery. His lawyers also argued that his constitutional rights were violated by using his rap lyrics to portray him as violent.
Despite efforts from high-profile rappers like Travis Scott and T.I. in support of Broadnax’s appeal, the Supreme Court rejected it. The Texas Attorney General’s Office labeled Cummings’ confession as “questionable new evidence.”
Matthew Butler’s mother, Theresa Butler, supported Broadnax’s execution, dismissing Cummings’ confession as a tactic by his defense team. Broadnax became the third person executed in Texas this year, a state known for its high number of executions.
Tiana Krasniqi, Broadnax’s wife, expressed her desire to be present at the execution, revealing that she initially connected with him while studying human rights law and racial disparities on death row. She contacted Broadnax, leading to their relationship.