Texas Governor Greg Abbott has requested the Board of Pardons and Paroles review the case of Daniel Perry, a man found guilty of murder on Friday for shooting and killing protester Garrett Foster in July 2020.
Texas Governor Requests Review of Daniel Perry Murder Conviction
Daniel Perry had claimed that he acted in self-defense, and the jury found him not guilty of aggravated assault but guilty of murder. Abbott’s request for a review of the case could result in a pardon for Perry if recommended by the Board.
In a statement, Abbott seemed to support Daniel Perry’s claim of self-defense, stating that Texas has one of the strongest “Stand Your Ground” laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney.
However, the Governor also stated that the Texas Constitution restricts his pardon authority to only act on a suggestion by the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
According to a published article in KVUE, Abbott’s request for a review of Daniel Perry’s case follows his prioritization of reining in rogue District Attorneys and the Texas Legislature’s ongoing work on laws to achieve that goal.
The trial, which included about 40 witnesses, was not broadcast, and Abbott did not attend any portion of it.
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Daniel Perry’s Fate Remains Uncertain
Daniel Perry, who had been out on bond, turned himself into authorities after the shooting and claimed that he acted in self-defense. The State shared social media posts during the trial to back up its claim that Perry had threatened protesters in the past.
After the verdict was read, Foster’s partner and friends broke down in tears, while Perry also lost his composure and was immediately taken into custody by deputies. Should the Board recommend a pardon in Daniel Perry’s case, Abbott has promised to approve it “as soon as it hits my desk.”
However, it remains to be seen what the Board’s decision will be and what impact it will have on the case. Meanwhile, both Foster’s family and Daniel Perry’s supporters await further developments in this controversial and emotionally charged case.
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