So they're pushing ahead. Despite the fact that evidence was withheld from the defense at trial (evidence that puts Sedley Alley under police surveillance at the time of the murder), the state of Tennessee seems hell bent on executing Sedley Alley in the early hours of the morning this Wednesday, May 17th.

What might be even more shocking is that there is physical evidence that could be tested for DNA to determine with certainty if Sedley Alley actually committed the crime, except that the state refuses to release it for testing!

The Governor has scheduled a hearing of the clemency board tomorrow, after the Innocence Project took on the case, to look only at whether or not a temporary reprieve should be granted to allow for DNA testing (at no cost to the state). In all likelihood, the clemency board will provide political cover for the Governor to deny a reprieve, but we know better.

So tonight, we'll be phonebanking, with the help of some wonderful volunteers. Calling as many people as we can in Tennessee and asking them to call the Governor and tell him that justice demands that he grant a reprieve, release the evidence, and allow the Innocence Project to do the DNA testing, to ensure the reliability of the results. The Governor needs to hear from you so pick up the phone and let him know. You can call him at (615) 741-2001 or email him at phil.bredesen@state.tn.us

Tell him, "When the state decides to kill one of its citizens, we, the people, deserve to be absolutely sure, at the very least, that the right person is being executed. Therefore, it is essential that you issue a temporary reprieve of Sedley Alley, to allow the Innocence Project to test the physical evidence in his case for DNA, so we can conclusively know if the right person is in custody."

And we'll be doing the same from all over Tennessee.