Texas Black man exonerated nearly 70 years after execution in case marked by racial bias
Officials have declared that a Texas Black man executed nearly 70 years ago is innocent in a case prosecutors now say was based on false evidence and riddled with racial bias. Tommy Lee Walker was executed in the electric chair in May 1956 for the rape and murder of Venice Parker, a white woman.  An extensive review of Walker’s case by the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office and others found multiple problems with his conviction. The review found Walker was subjected to threatening and coercive interrogation tactics and prosecutors presented misleading and inadmissible evidence at trial. During a meeting Wednesday, Dallas County commissioners unanimously passed a symbolic resolution declaring Walker was wrongfully convicted and executed.