TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas – A post-conviction innocence hearing was held in Travis County on Friday, revisiting a decades-old murder case and leading to an apology from the District Attorney’s Office to the victim’s family. The case involves the conviction of Allen Andre Causey for the murder of Anita Byington in July 1992, and he was paroled in October 2022.
The Texas Innocence Project filed new grounds on behalf of Causey, leading to the recent hearings. During the second hearing, witnesses were called to debunk the State of Texas’ previous theory about Byington’s death, including allegations of her involvement with drugs, which have since been found to be false.
Dr. Richard Leo, a false confessions and testimony expert, highlighted circumstances that could have made Causey vulnerable to a false confession. This included Causey’s low IQ and allegations of mistreatment and threats during his police testimony. Despite these points, Byington’s family still believes that Causey is responsible for her death.
The District Attorney’s Office issued an apology to the family of Anita Byington and expressed the hope of seeking justice for her and ensuring that the real perpetrator is held accountable.
The innocence hearing has reignited interest in Byington’s murder investigation, shedding light on the complexities and uncertainties of criminal convictions. The case serves as a reminder of the potential flaws in the criminal justice system and the ongoing quest for truth and justice.