George Floyd Recommended For Posthumous Pardon Due To Fabricated Evidence

George Floyd could receive a posthumous full pardon, after a recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, for a 2004 drug charge he received in Houston.

Five months ago, Houston public defender Allison Mathis submitted a clemency application for Floyd, whose death sparked national outcry and protests. Mathis claims that fabricated evidence was used against Floyd in 2004.

According to Mathis, former Houston police officer Gerald Goines fabricated evidence in the case. “Goines manufactured the existence of confidential informants to bolster his cases against innocent defendants,” she said.

Now it is up to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to either accept or reject the proposal.

“We lament the loss of former Houstonian George Floyd and hope that his family finds comfort in Monday’s decision,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. “We urge Gov. Abbott to follow the board’s recommendation and grant clemency.”

Article by Elizabeth Letsou