STOP the Execution of Abel Ochoa

Loading....

STOP THE EXECUTION OF ABEL OCHOA

The state of Texas plans to execute Abel Ochoa on Thursday, February 6, 2020 for the 2002 murders of his wife, Cecilia Ochoa (29), their two daughters, Crystal Ochoa (7) and Ana Ochoa (9 months), his father-in-law, Bartolo Alivizo (56), and sister-in-law, Jacqueline Saleh (20).

The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty is unacceptable in all cases because it is "an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." (Catholic Catechism 2267)

During his time on death row, Mr. Ochoa has been dedicated to serving as a positive influence on other men on death row, on correctional officers, and other individuals he encounters. According to the accounts of both current and former guards, Ochoa is a valued member of the prison community and has a calming influence on everyone around him.

We invite you to raise your voice in opposition to this execution by sending this prepared letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and urge them to commute Mr. Ochoa's sentence.

Read Abel Ochoa's Clemency Petition

TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR LETTER:

In your letter, it is important that you include the following information:
"Full name: Abel Revill Ochoa; birth date: 01/23/1973; TDCJ # 00999450"
Personal appeals are more effective. You are STRONGLY encouraged to customize this letter.
In Texas, the Governor MUST have the recommendation of clemency from a board or advisory group in order to grant clemency.

Learn more about clemency here.

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Country*

Address, line 1*

City*

State*

Zip Code*

Submit

Additional contact information for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles:

PO Box 13401
Austin, Texas 78711-3401
(512) 406-5452
bpp-clemency@tdcj.texas.gov

Contact Us!

415 Michigan Avenue NE, Suite 210 | Washington, DC 20017
catholicsmobilizing.org | (202) 541-5290 | info@catholicsmobilizing.org

STOP THE EXECUTION OF ABEL OCHOA

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Subject: Stop the Execution of Abel Ochoa

Message:

Dear Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, I am writing to you to express my concern over the execution of Abel Ochoa (full name: Abel Revill Ochoa; TDCJ Number: 00999450; Date of Birth: 01/23/1973) which is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2020 for the 2002 murders of his wife, Cecilia Ochoa (29), their two daughters, Crystal Ochoa (7) and Ana Ochoa (9 months), his father-in-law, Bartolo Alivizo (56), and sister-in-law, Jacqueline Saleh (20). At the center of my Catholic faith is the belief in the sanctity of life and the inherent dignity of the human person. This dignity is inviolable and cannot be lost even after the commission of a serious crime. As St. John Paul II said, “the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.” This means we recognize the God-given dignity of Abel Ochoa, despite the horrific nature of his crimes. The gift of life is from God alone; we do not have the power to create or destroy it. Abel Ochoa’s deep remorse and his record of conduct in prison merit this commutation. He has demonstrated daily throughout the past 16 years on death row that he is worthy of the mercy of executive clemency. Through his calming, respectful, and compassionate presence, Mr. Ochoa makes the prison safer for both guards and inmates. He is considered to be a model inmate. I do not forget the undeniable grief and pain suffered by the victims' family and loved ones. As a Church, we pray for their continued healing. We do not, however, condone the state’s planned execution as a form of justice. A positive recommendation of clemency to Governor Abbott would send the proper message that even in prison, people can grow, change, and contribute in meaningful ways.I ask that you recommend clemency for Mr. Ochoa. Sincerely,

Remaining:

Contact Us!

415 Michigan Avenue NE, Suite 210 | Washington, DC 20017
catholicsmobilizing.org | (202) 541-5290 | info@catholicsmobilizing.org