HUNTSVILLE, TX — A North Texas man who spent nearly two decades on death row was executed by lethal injection Thursday evening, despite a last-minute push from high-profile celebrities and a startling confession from his co-defendant.
James Broadnax, 37, was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. His execution marks the third in Texas this year and the 10th nationwide in 2026, as the state continues its history of carrying out more executions than any other in the U.S.
The Crime: A 2008 Double Homicide
The case dates back to 2008, when Broadnax and his cousin, Demarius Cummings, were charged with the fatal shooting and robbery of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler. The victims were killed in the parking lot of Butler’s recording studio in Garland, a suburb of Dallas.
While Cummings was sentenced to life without parole, Broadnax was handed the death penalty. Shortly after his arrest, Broadnax had famously confessed to reporters in jailhouse interviews, stating he “pulled the trigger” and felt no remorse. However, in his final years, Broadnax claimed those confessions were fueled by drug use and a nihilistic state of mind.
A Controversial Path to Execution
Broadnax’s legal team fought until the final hour to stop the punishment, citing several critical issues:
- The Cousin’s Confession: In a recently released video, Demarius Cummings claimed he was the actual shooter, not Broadnax. Defense attorneys argued that DNA evidence on the murder weapon belonged to Cummings, further backing this claim.
- The Jury Spreadsheet: Attorneys alleged that prosecutors used a spreadsheet during jury selection that bolded only the names of Black potential jurors, eventually dismissing seven of them. They argued this violated the “Batson v. Kentucky” ruling, which prohibits excluding jurors based on race.
- Rap Lyrics as Evidence: Broadnax’s team argued that prosecutors unfairly used his rap lyrics to portray him as a “violent monster.” This specific issue drew support from A-list rappers including Travis Scott, T.I., and Killer Mike, who filed briefs with the Supreme Court arguing that creative expression should not be used as evidence of character in capital cases.
Despite these appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied all requests for a stay or commutation.
Final Moments in Huntsville
The execution was a somber and emotional scene. Broadnax remained defiant in his final statement, though he did ask for forgiveness from the families of Swan and Butler. As the lethal injection was administered, his wife witnessed the event from behind glass, her screams of “I love you” echoing through the chamber.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office stood by the conviction, dismissing the cousin’s confession as a “questionable stall tactic.” Theresa Butler, the mother of victim Matthew Butler, also urged the state to move forward, calling the late-hour claims “all a lie.”
The National Picture
Broadnax was not the only person executed on Thursday. About an hour earlier, Florida executed 70-year-old James Ernest Hitchcock for a 1980s murder. The dual executions highlight the ongoing and polarizing use of capital punishment across the Southern United States.
What is your take, Texas? Do you believe the use of rap lyrics and the “bolded” jury list should have been enough to grant a new trial? Or was justice finally served for the families of the victims?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
