Texas executes James Broadnax despite cousin's claim he was the shooter in 2008 Garland recording‑studio killings
A North Texas man who long insisted he was not the shooter in a fatal 2008 robbery – and who argued prosecutors misused his rap lyrics to secure a death sentence – was executed Thursday evening.
James Broadnax, 37, was put to death by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the shooting deaths of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler outside Butler's Garland recording studio. Prosecutors said Broadnax and his cousin, Demarius Cummings, robbed and fatally shot the two men. Cummings received life without parole.
"To the family, I prayed for years that any of my choices would create heaviness in your heart and burdens on your spirits," Broadnax said in his last statement. "I prayed to God for your forgiveness. Despite what you think about me, I hope to God that prayer was answered. But no matter what you think about me, Texas got it wrong.
"I'm innocent, the facts of my case should speak for itself period. Let this moment be what finally sparks the revolution that will be televised, none of it was worth it. Queen Emmit, I love you, my promise still stands, I always will. Keep fighting, stay strong, keep God first, never stop believing. I love you forever and a day. I love you Queen. Peace, love, and light, that's what I stand for. God bless everybody."
Confession recanted before execution
Broadnax had previously confessed in jailhouse interviews, saying "I pulled the trigger," though he later recanted, claiming he was under the influence of drugs and indifferent to his own life at the time.
In recent weeks, Cummings recorded a video claiming he – not Broadnax – was the shooter.
"I'm really gonna tell it like it's supposed to be told, that it was me, that I was the killer. I shot Matthew Bullard, Steve Swann," Cummings said recently from prison in a video created as part of the efforts to stop Broadnax's execution.
Defense cites DNA and remorse
Broadnax's attorneys argued the confession was supported by DNA evidence linking Cummings to the murder weapon and one victim's pocket.
In the video, Broadnax said his confession was false because, at the time, he didn't care about his life. Broadnax's lawyers say he was under the influence of drugs during the television interviews.
He also apologized to the families of Butler and Swan for taking part in the robbery, saying, "I wish I could show them my soul, so they could see just how sorry I am. I am very much remorseful for everything that happened."
His legal team also alleged racial discrimination during jury selection, saying prosecutors struck all seven Black prospective jurors and used a spreadsheet that highlighted only Black names. One Black juror was ultimately seated. Prosecutors denied any racial motive, saying the jurors were dismissed for their answers, including opposition to the death penalty.
In a 1986 ruling known as Batson v. Kentucky, the U.S. Supreme Court held that excluding jurors on the basis of race violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Appeals rejected by high court
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Broadnax's final appeals, including challenges to the use of his rap lyrics at trial and the handling of forensic evidence. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles also denied his request for a reprieve.
Several prominent rappers, including Travis Scott, T.I., and Killer Mike, filed briefs supporting Broadnax's earlier appeal, arguing prosecutors misused his rap lyrics to portray him as violent.
State disputes new confession
The Texas Attorney General's Office dismissed Cummings' confession as "questionable new evidence" and argued that claims of racial bias in jury selection were "entirely meritless."
Family members of the victims urged the state to proceed, calling Cummings' confession a last‑minute attempt to delay the execution.
Theresa Butler, Matthew Butler's mother, called the confession "a stall tactic" and "a lie."
Third execution in Texas this year
Broadnax became the third person executed in Texas this year.