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In Memphis, Tennessee, a group of Black community leaders are petitioning to obtain DNA testing in support of an inmate scheduled to be executed in December.

Black community group leaders are calling on Shelby County district attorney, Amy Weirich, to support DNA testing for the trial of Pervis Payne. These groups, which include The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, 100 Black Men of Memphis, and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) – Memphis Chapter, claim that DNA evidence would absolve Payne in the murder of a woman and her daughter 33 years ago.

53-year old Payne has always maintained his innocence in the 1987 murder case of Charisse Christopher and her 2-year old daughter, Lacie Jo. Her 3-year old son, Nicholas, was also there but survived the stabbing.

During the time of Payne’s trial, DNA testing for evidence was not yet an option, but despite the availability of DNA tests today, no testing was ever done in his case.

Payne’s attorneys initially filed a petition in July to get DNA tests of the evidence, which include the murder weapon as well as a number of blood-soaked items. Arguing that Payne is intellectually disabled, an African American lawyer organization also calls for his sentence to be commuted and reduced to life in prison.

Shelby County district attorney Weirich is fighting the request to obtain DNA evidence in support of Payne. A hearing for the case is set for Tuesday.

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