AUSTIN, TX (TPA) — ***BREAKING UPDATE*** Today, May 16th, 2024 at 1:25 P.M. CST, Governor Greg Abbott has officially pardoned Daniel Perry.
Direct Link to Daniel Perry's Pardon HERE
AUSTIN, TX (TPA) — Garrett Foster, a 28-year-old Air Force veteran, was tragically killed while participating in protests against police brutality and systemic racism. Born into a family with a long military history at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where his father was stationed, Foster grew up in a tradition that honored service. He graduated from Plano East Senior High in 2010 and immediately enlisted in the Air Force, reflecting a generational legacy of military commitment.
Foster's life was deeply connected to his partner, Whitney, a black woman he had loved since they were both 17. After Whitney suffered catastrophic medical negligence resulting in sepsis and the loss of all her limbs, Foster remained devotedly by her side. His care for her was a testament to his deep compassion and unconditional love, qualities that defined his character.
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Known for his good heart and a distinctively twisted, dark sense of humor inherited from his mother, Foster was a person of diverse social connections. He cherished lifelong friendships that began in his childhood and maintained a constant presence of pets, particularly showing a fascination for lizards and snakes. His passions included music, evident from his regular attendance at Coachella, and enjoying the vibrant live music scene in Austin with Whitney. The couple had recently settled in their dream home in North Austin in 2019.
During the intense summer of 2020, Foster passionately marched for racial equality and against systemic racism, enduring the severe Texas heat for 50 straight days. In a profound display of community service and protest, he and Whitney initiated a food outreach for the homeless every Wednesday right across from the police station, underscoring a message of care and peaceful protest.
A Libertarian, Foster did not affiliate with any specific group during the protests. He was motivated by a commitment to equality and a critical view of police immunity in cases of misconduct. He legally open carried a weapon (Texas is an open carry state) for protection against potential threats from extremists, as there were multiple incidents of violence at protests nationwide during that period.
The evening of July 25, 2020, marked a turning point when Daniel Perry, an active-duty soldier, drove recklessly into a crowd at a red light, causing panic and chaos. Foster approached Perry's car to urge him to leave, a moment that ended tragically as Perry shot him multiple times. Whitney, overcoming her own physical challenges, rushed to Foster's side as he died.
Read the Discovery of Evidence in the Daniel Perry Murder Trial HERE
The investigation and trial that followed were overshadowed by significant public misinformation, including misleading statements from then-President Donald Trump and media personality Tucker Carlson, which painted Foster negatively and incited public animosity.
Watch Tucker Carlson misrepresent the incident on Fox News HERE
After an arduous legal process, Perry was convicted of premeditated murder, yet the case took another dramatic turn when Texas Governor Greg Abbott signaled a rapid pardon for Perry, stirring controversy and debate over justice and accountability.
Read the AP Coverage of Gov Abbott's desire to pardon Perry HERE
The governor's pardon power is a vital executive function intended for rectifying judicial errors, correcting harsh sentences, and facilitating justice when new evidence or circ*mstances arise. It should be exercised judiciously, focusing on fairness and rehabilitation rather than political motives. Pardons are appropriate in cases of wrongful convictions, disproportionate punishments, or when individuals demonstrate genuine rehabilitation and no threat to public safety. Misuse of this power to make political statements or favor allies undermines public trust in the justice system, eroding the principles of equality and fairness. Proper use of pardons should always aim to strengthen trust in the legal process and uphold the rule of law.
Garrett Foster's life and untimely death embody the complex interplay of dedication, love, and advocacy, leaving a legacy shaped by his service, both in uniform and in civic activism. His story is a poignant reflection on the ongoing struggles for racial equality and the profound impacts of violence and misinformation in America.
Watch Garrett Foster's Celebration of Life Video HERE
Supporters of Garrett Foster have organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe for his mother, Sheila Foster, who has been unable to maintain full-time employment since her son’s tragic death. With Daniel Perry’s conviction potentially subject to reversal, uncertainty lingers over the possible impact of Governor Greg Abbott’s influence on the case.
As the Board of Pardons and Paroles deliberates on whether to recommend a pardon for Perry, extending the ordeal for Foster’s family, community members are rallying to assist Sheila during this challenging time. The past several years has placed significant emotional and financial strain on her, complicating her efforts to secure stable employment.
You can contact the Texas Pardon and Parole at these emails: bpp_clemency@tdcj.texas.gov
jeff@jeffleach.com
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Michallie, The Petty Auntie’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
