James Broadnax
Case
James Broadnax was sentenced to death in Texas for a crime that took place when he was just 19 years old. In 2008, two young men were tragically killed during a robbery in Garland, Texas. James is deeply remorseful for his role in that robbery. But he was sentenced to die based on the claim that he was the shooter—a claim that has since been fundamentally challenged by new evidence.
In 2026, his co-defendant, Demarius Cummings, signed a sworn declaration admitting that he—not James—was the one who pulled the trigger. That admission aligns with forensic evidence presented at trial. His cousin, Demarius Cummings—the actual shooter—was sentenced to life without parole and has now admitted he committed the murders of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler during a robbery in Dallas in 2008. DNA evidence supports Demarius's admission.
James’s case shows the prevalence of racial bias in the death penalty system, including the jury selection process and the weaponization of Black artistic expression.
Dallas County prosecutors deliberately removed all prospective Black jurors from James's trial. James, who is Black, was convicted by a nearly all-white jury. This is not an anomaly: Dallas County has a documented history of racist jury selection spanning decades. A death sentence imposed by a jury selected through racial discrimination violates the Constitution and basic human rights.
Prosecutors also introduced rap lyrics James wrote as a teenager as evidence of his “future dangerousness.” They labeled it “gangster rap” and claimed it was a “self-admission” of criminal mentality. They exploited racist stereotypes about Black music and culture to transform artistic expression into a death warrant. We are aware of no instance where a white defendant has been been sentenced to death based on their songwriting.
The new evidence in James’s case fundamentally undermines the State’s argument for his murder conviction and death sentence. If the jury had known that Demarius shot the victims instead of James, he likely would not have been sentenced to death. James should not receive a more severe punishment than the person who actually committed the killings.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have the power to intervene in James’s case. Join us in urging these authorities to stop the execution of James Broadnax and commute his sentence!
James Broadnax
Is Loved
Over nearly two decades on death row, James has undergone a profound transformation. The young man who entered prison at 19 is not the man he is today. Through discipline, Christian faith, and an unwavering commitment to growth, James has dedicated his life to becoming a source of stability, mentorship, and healing for others around him.
He was selected for a highly competitive faith-based rehabilitation program, reserved for individuals with a record of sustained discipline and demonstrated commitment to change. Within that program, James became a leader. He has taught classes on conflict resolution and spirituality, helped de-escalate tensions between incarcerated individuals and staff, and guided others through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The respect he has earned is rare and telling. One man on death row said that if there were only one chance at clemency, he would give it to James instead of himself.
Even those who once judged him have seen it. A juror from his trial later spent time with James and described him as thoughtful, kind, and deeply committed to becoming better. Others simply describe him as someone who listens, who shows up, who makes people feel seen—qualities that are easy to overlook, but impossible to fake over years.
James has built relationships beyond prison walls, too!. With family, a fiancée, and a community of people drawn to the person he has become. This is a case about truth. But it is also a case about who someone becomes when no one is watching.
When there is no promise of release, no reward, just the decision to be better anyway.
James Broadnax has made that decision, every day, for nearly twenty years.