Texas Execution Sparks Questions as Cousin Says, 'I Was the Killer' in 2008 Robbery Case

The execution of Texas death row inmate James Broadnax, 37, on April 30 for a 2008 double murder in Garland has brought back renewed interest on the 'unresolved' aspects of the case. The case received widespread media attention when his cousin, Demarius Cummings, claimed he was the one who killed the two men during a robbery attempt.

Broadnax spent more than 17 years on death row for the killings of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler, who were shot outside a recording studio during a robbery. He was 19 at the time of the crime.

During the trial, Broadnax’s cousin, Demarius Cummings, claimed he was the one who pulled the trigger. He said, 'I was the killer.' In a signed statement in March, Cummings said carried out the shootings. His claim matched DNA evidence that linked him to the gun and one victim’s clothing, while Broadnax’s DNA was not found. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals refused to intervene in April.

On April 30, the United States Supreme Court rejected his final request.

Prosecutors relied heavily on Broadnax’s confession, which he gave during a 2008 jailhouse interview while he was under the influence of drugs. At the time, he said his cousin planned to rob “rich white folks” and admitted to the shooting. Authorities said the robbery netted just $2.

In a statement, Broadnax’s legal team argued that his confession was unreliable and given under pressure. They also raised concerns about jury selection, saying all eligible Black jurors were removed from the trial.

"This jury was unconstitutionally empaneled. The United States Supreme Court decided not to review the case… It has very significant constitutional issues, and the United States Supreme Court has just decided to look the other way."

Broadnax’s lawyers described him as a changed man who found faith in prison and worked to mentor others. They said he often expressed remorse for his role in the robbery that led to the killings.

The victims included Butler, a Christian singer and father of two, and Swan, his employee. Both families were remembered in statements following the execution.

Broadnax, who had no prior criminal record as a teenager, spent years in prison before he was executed.

In his final statement before the execution, Broadnax maintained his innocence. He said, “Texas got it wrong. I'm innocent, the facts of my case should speak for itself period.” He also asked for forgiveness from the victims’ families and expressed love for his wife, whom he married just two weeks before the execution.