Before They Executed Him

What if you were sentenced to death for a crime you didn't commit? 

In January 1984, Les Bower found himself in the Grayson County Jail after FBI agents and Texas rangers charged him with four counts of capital murder. With Les's bond set at $400,000, his only chance was to win his case so he could reunite with his family.

Because Les Bower was an innocent man. 

Desperate for the truth to be known, Les and his wife, Shari, hire a criminal defense lawyer to fight for his freedom. H

After a five-day trial, including the guilt-innocence phase, Les stands before the court, awaiting his sentencing. Because the defense of Les Bower was totally ineffective.

The jury will make this life and death decision in a courtroom filled with balloons, cotton candy and clowns walking around, as the Spring Carnival is taking place on the courtroom lawn, while an Elvis impersonator sings Jailhouse Rock. 

The jury chose death.

After five years on death row, Les is granted a federal hearing appeal when a new team of lawyers working pro bono come onboard to fight for Les's life. A raw account of Les's trial and imprisonment, this engrossing story will convince you that Les was wrongfully executed, despite the overwhelming evidence that he was innocent. More than a memoir, Before They Executed Him by Shari Bower is a jarring look at the judicial system and the people who fought tirelessly for thirty-one years to get an innocent man, Les Bower, exonerated with the truth of what happened, but no one would listen.

This is the wife's story.