In a moment that has sparked intense debate online, 31-year-old Tiana Krasniqi stood behind a glass window inside a Texas execution chamber and shouted, “I love you,” as her husband, James Broadnax, was put to death by lethal injection.
The execution took place in a prison in Texas, just two weeks after the couple had gotten married.
A Relationship That Began as Research
Tiana, originally from Lewisham, first contacted Broadnax while studying international human rights law. At the time, she was researching racial disparities on death row.
What started as academic outreach quickly turned personal.
Over time, she developed a relationship with Broadnax, eventually moving to the United States to be closer to him. In his final months, she became one of his most vocal advocates, fighting to stop his execution.
“Nobody agrees with the relationship. And I don’t expect them to. It’s not conventional,” she said in a previous statement.
Claims of Doubt and New Evidence
The case drew attention after Broadnax’s cousin, who was already serving a life sentence for the same crime, reportedly confessed on video to being the actual shooter.
According to supporters, DNA evidence allegedly linked the cousin — not Broadnax — to the weapon used in the crime.
Despite this, courts did not overturn the conviction.
Appeals were filed all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, but his final request for intervention was denied just hours before the execution.
Efforts for clemency were also rejected by the Texas Board of Pardons and the state governor.
Public Reaction and Support
The case gained traction online, with thousands of people signing petitions and public figures speaking out in support of Broadnax.
Still, none of the last-minute efforts were enough to stop the execution.
A Final Goodbye
Witnesses said Tiana had to be physically assisted out of the prison after the procedure.
Broadnax was 37 years old.