We are urging the public to stand up for constitutional rights, digital privacy, and basic fairness in the Texas criminal justice system by signing this petition calling for meaningful review and accountability in the case of Jamin Stocker.

Mr. Stocker was convicted of capital murder in Harris County despite the absence of eyewitness testimony, surveillance video, forensic phone location data, or a confession. The cornerstone of the prosecution’s case was the warrantless seizure and search of his cell phone—an action that an appellate court initially ruled unconstitutional before that decision was later reversed.

In its original opinion, a justice on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals found that the warrant affidavit failed to establish any factual connection between Mr. Stocker’s phone and the alleged crime, noting there were no facts tying the device to any offense. That ruling ordered a new trial. However, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals later intervened and adopted a sweeping interpretation of search authority, holding that police do not need to show a phone was used before, during, or after a crime in order to justify searching it.

This ruling has alarming consequences. Prosecutors admitted that parts of the affidavit used to justify the phone search contained untrue statements intended to bolster an anonymous tip. Nevertheless, the search was upheld using assumptions and inferences that were never included in the warrant itself. As a result, more than 5,600 pages of personal digital data were extracted and used against Mr. Stocker, even though phone records showed no location data placing him at the scene of the crime.

Further concerns emerged after trial, including police reports revealing an alternative motive for the killing involving counterfeit money and drugs—evidence never disclosed to the jury and directly contradicting the State’s claim that Mr. Stocker was the only person with a motive. Additional constitutional issues were raised before trial, including racial underrepresentation on the grand jury and violations of Mr. Stocker’s right to a speedy trial, all of which were denied without written findings.

Advocates warn this case sets a dangerous precedent that threatens everyone’s digital privacy.

“This case highlights how easily constitutional protections can be eroded when courts allow speculation to replace facts,” said advocates with Injustice Spotlight. “If phones can be seized and searched without a clear nexus to a crime, no one’s digital privacy is truly secure.”

Mr. Stocker’s appeal has been pending before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for months without action. By signing this petition, you are calling for transparency, accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights—not only for Jamin Stocker, but for every person whose digital life could be searched without meaningful safeguards.

Sign and share this petition to demand justice, protect privacy, and uphold the Constitution.

State legislator's to contact:

Rep. John T. Smithlee, Chair of House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, (512) 463-0702

Rep. Jolanda Jones, Member of House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, (512) 463-0524

Sen. Pete Flores, Chair of Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, (512) 436-0124

Sen. Joan Huffman, Member of Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, (713) 850-1981