Edna Wrongful Conviction: The Case of Justin Lopez

Photo courtesy of The People’s Global News Network

EDNA, Texas (TXAN 24) - A case that many in Jackson County believed to be “open and shut” is now being exposed as a miscarriage of justice.

Justin Lopez, a Hispanic man from Edna, was convicted of murder after a four-day trial dominated by questionable testimony, an all-white jury, and conflicts of interest that raise serious constitutional concerns.

The prosecution’s case leaned heavily on testimony from a drug addict and a police informant — testimony that has since unraveled. In open court, one witness admitted on the stand: “I lied about this case.” Despite this admission, the trial pressed on. The witness was taken into custody, but Lopez was left to face the weight of falsehoods.

Even more troubling, Lopez’s case was presided over by the same man who once served as district attorney — the very DA who had previously told Lopez, “If I ever see you in my courtroom again, I’ll make sure you go to jail.” That former DA, now judge, refused to recuse himself. Lopez’s defense counsel requested a change of venue, but it came too late.

No murder weapon was ever recovered. No confession was ever given. Yet Lopez was found guilty.

Civil rights activist Quanell X is now sounding the alarm, calling the trial “a disgrace to the justice system” and demanding that the truth about Lopez’s conviction be heard. “This is the story they never wanted you to know,” Quanell said.

The case raises critical questions about racial bias, judicial conflict of interest, and the integrity of the justice system in small-town Texas.