James Lee Clark

Who was James Lee Clark?

James Lee Clark was an American murderer whose controversial execution by the state of Texas sparked international outcry as it was believed by many that his execution violated the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Atkins v. Virginia which held that executions of mentally retarded criminals is cruel and unusual punishment which is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment.

Clark and his accomplice, James Richard Brown, were charged with capital murder for the June 7, 1993 robbery, rape and murder of 17-year-old Shari Catherine "Cari" Crews in Denton County, Texas. Also killed was 16 year old Jesus Garza for whom both Clark and Brown were charged with murder, however, Clark was never tried for this case. Brown was also charged with capital murder but a jury found him guilty of only the robbery charge and was sentenced to 20 years.