Dossier
James Broadnax
Coverage of James Broadnax in the Nexus archive.
- Texas executes convicted killer claiming innocence as cousin’s last-minute confession falls flat
James Broadnax, a Texas man who claimed innocence in a 2008 double murder, was executed despite his cousin Demarius Cummings' last-minute confession to being the triggerman. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a final appeal, and Broadnax maintained his innocence until his lethal injection.
- Prosecutors used rap lyrics to help send a man to death row in Texas. It’s not an uncommon tactic
Prosecutors in Texas used rap lyrics as evidence to secure a death sentence for James Broadnax, arguing they indicated gang affiliation and intent to commit murder. Critics, including experts and Broadnax's attorneys, claim this practice exploits racial stereotypes and undermines the artistic value of rap music, disproportionately targeting young men of color.