PLANO, TEXAS – A mother in North Texas is fighting tirelessly to prevent her son from facing execution for a crime he claims he did not commit. Ivan Cantu, now 50 years old, is scheduled to be executed after being convicted of murdering his cousin and his cousin’s girlfriend in their Collin County home back in 2000.
Originally from Dallas, Cantu has maintained his innocence since his conviction at the age of 28. Despite the evidence presented against him, Cantu continues to assert that he did not commit the double murder.
The case has gained national attention through the “Cousins by Blood” podcast, which has raised questions about the fairness of Cantu’s trial. While these investigations have not conclusively proven Cantu’s innocence, they have highlighted discrepancies in the legal proceedings leading to his conviction.
Cantu’s mother, Sylvia, has been actively advocating for her son, rallying support to secure a stay of execution. She believes that new evidence, recently uncovered, could potentially exonerate her son and deserves to be reconsidered in the legal process.
Attorney Gena Bunn, representing Cantu, has been working to challenge the testimony of the main prosecution witness, Cantu’s former fiancée Amy Boettcher. Recent developments, including the recantation of statements by Boettcher’s brother, Jeff, have cast doubts on the reliability of the information that led to Cantu’s conviction.
Despite these efforts, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis stands by the conviction, citing the extensive evidence presented during the trial. Willis maintains that justice has been served in this case and upholds the decision of the jury to sentence Cantu to death.
With Cantu’s execution date fast approaching, his mother’s birthday on February 23 serves as a poignant reminder of her son’s impending fate. Sylvia Cantu continues to hope for a last-minute reprieve, longing for the opportunity to welcome her son back home and reclaim a sense of normalcy in their family life.