Rodney Reed is guilty
2022
On April 25, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Reed’s writ, challenging the dismissal of his federal civil rights claim related to denial of his DNA testing request by the Texas state courts. Merits briefs were filed by the parties and amici between July and September and oral argument was held on October 11, 2022.
2023
On April 19, 2023, the judgment of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was reversed by the majority and the case goes back to the Fifth Circuit to review the dismissal of Reed’s underlying case by the district court. Justice Thomas and Justice Alito filed dissents.
On May 30, 2023, Reed’s request for supplemental briefing was granted by the Fifth Circuit panel and his request for oral argument is pending. Reed’s supplemental brief is due on July 3, 2023. DA Goertz’ supplemental brief is due on August 2, 2023 and Reed’s supplemental reply brief is due on August 23, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued a 129 page opinion in Reed’s -10 writ, denying the remanded claims and dismissing the unremanded claims. An additional opinion was issued dismissing Reed’s -11 writ, alleging Brady violations after his counsel received additional notes from the AG’s office in advance of the 2021 hearing held by Judge Langley.