STOP the Execution of Ramiro Ibarra

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Send a message to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles urging them to halt the execution of Ramiro Ibarra and honor the sanctity of human life.

The state of Texas plans to execute Ramiro Ibarra on Thursday, March 4, 2021 for the 1987 murder of 16-year-old Maria De La Paz Zuniga. If carried out, Mr. Ibarra's execution would be the first administered by the state since July 8, 2020.

Catholic Teaching on Capital Punishment

Executions are fundamentally incompatible with a consistent ethic of life. 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" and urges people of goodwill to "work with determination for its abolition worldwide" (Catholic Catechism 2267). Learn More >>

What is Clemency?

Clemency is generally understood to mean the power of the executive branch (either state or federal) to reduce a criminal sentence, and usually takes one of three forms: reprieves, commutations, and pardons. In the capital punishment system, clemency is the final instance for a death sentence to be reviewed before an execution is carried out. Learn More >>

Tips for writing your letter:

In your letter, it is important that you include the following information: "Full name: Ramiro Rubi Ibarra ; TDCJ Number: 999247 ; Date of Birth: 05/10/1954"
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.

Step One: Your Contact Info

First Name*

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Step Two: Write Your Message

Send My Message

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

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Subject: Stop the Execution of Ramiro Ibarra

Message:

I am writing to you to express my concern about the execution of Ramiro Ibarra (Full name: Ramiro Rubi Ibarra, TDCJ Number: 999247; Date of Birth: 05/10/1954) which is scheduled for Thursday, March 4, 2021. 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 Ramiro Ibarra despite the terrible nature of his crime. The gift of life is from God alone; we do not have the power to create or destroy it. It is worth noting that while my faith leads me to oppose the death penalty in all cases, I find the prospect of Mr. Ibarra's execution — set to take place in the middle of a devastatingly deadly global pandemic — to be especially egregious. Our nation has suffered enough loss of life. I do not forget the pain endured by the victim of Mr. Ibarra, 16-year-old Maria De La Paz Zuniga, nor do I forget the grief and suffering of her 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. I ask that you recommend clemency for Mr. Ibarra.

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