AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Just one day after a Travis County jury found Daniel Perry guilty of murder, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he's asking the state's Board of Pardons and Paroles to review the case for a potential pardon.
"I am working as swiftly as Texas law allows regarding the pardon of Sgt. Perry," said Abbott on Twitter.
Perry was convicted of murdering Garrett Foster in July 2020. While driving for a rideshare company, he turned into a group of protesters marching on Congress Avenue; that group of protesters surrounded Perry's vehicle. Foster, carrying an AK-47 rifle, approached Perry's window. Perry claimed Foster raised his rifle in a threatening manner, prompting him to fire in what his attorneys allege was self-defense.
"Texas has one of the strongest 'Stand Your Ground' laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney," said Abbott.
Under state law, Abbott's power to grant a pardon is limited to only those recommended by the state board. "Texas law DOES allow the Governor to request the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine if a person should be granted a pardon. I have made that request and instructed the Board to expedite its review," said Abbott.
In the tweet, Abbott said he would approve the board's recommendation "as soon as it hits my desk."
With Friday's conviction, Perry faces up to life in prison. The sentencing phase of the trial could get underway as soon as Tuesday.
