For Immediate Release

September 12, 2025

Today, the Mississippi Supreme Court denied Charles Crawford’s Petition for Post-Conviction Relief and set an execution date. We plan to appeal by filing a Petition with the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Crawford’s inexperienced trial counsel conceded his guilt to the jury—against Mr. Crawford’s timely and repeated objections. Mr. Crawford told his counsel to pursue a not guilty verdict. Counsel did just the opposite, which is precisely what the U.S. Supreme Court says counsel cannot do. Mr. Crawford’s constitutional rights to make the most fundamental choices regarding whether, and how, to defend his life and liberty were violated. A trial like Mr. Crawford’s – one where counsel concedes guilt over his client’s express wishes – is essentially no trial at all.

We hope the U.S. Supreme Court will correct the grievous errors in this case.

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