Troy Clark

Case identification

Troy Clark was a defendant in a capital murder case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, memorandum opinion 2:03cv357.

• TDCJ number: 999351
• Date of birth: 09/02/1967
• Age when received: 32
• Date received: 03/31/2000
• Education level: 6 years
• Date of offense: 05/19/1998
• Age at the offense: 30

Demographics and description

• Race: White
• Gender: Male
• Hair color: Brown
• Height: 5 ft. 8 in.
• Weight: 159
• Eye color: Blue
• County native: Bexar County
• State native: Texas

Offence

Clark was convicted in the May 1, 1998 drowning death of a 20-year-old white female. Clark and a co-defendant took the victim to their residence, where they drowned her in the bathtub. They then took the victim to a remote area where they dumped the body. The victim was found 5 months later in a ditch by Tyler police.

People involved

• Defendant: Troy Clark
• Co-defendant: Tory Gene Bush
• Victim: White female (20 years old)

Investigation and discovery

Prior criminal record

• TDCJ #454580: 6/24/87 from Harris County on a 2-year sentence for 1-count Possession of a Controlled Substance Cocaine; released 8/27/87 on Parole to Harris County.
• TDC #630186: 1/8/93 from Gregg County on an 18-year sentence for 2 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance; released on Parole 2/23/96 to Smith County.

Sentencing

Clark was sentenced to death March 31, 2000.

Other details

Clark stated:

“INNOCENT”
“09/02/2000 HELLO! My name is Troy Clark, I just turned 33 years old today, My first Birthday spent here on TEXAS DEATH ROW. I came to death row just 5 months ago on April I, 2000, and the Horror of being sent here is still shocking to me. HOW CAN AN INNOCENT PERSON BE SENT TO DEATH ROW? It only takes one person to say "He done it" I am looking for people to share my experience with and to hopefully enjoy a long and lasting friendship. I am also looking for anyone that can possibly help me in finding help and support on my case and appeal process.”
“ I DID NOT COMMIT THIS HORRIBLE CRIME!!! “ Since my court appointed Attorney was not qualified and ineffective, My innocence was not proven and I was found guilty of CAPITAL MURDER... By the testimony of a witness that actually committed the crime, confessed to it and made (five) different statements. The last statement I was brought into it and the witness took a 20 year deal for a lesser charge, And I was sentenced to Die. OR, Now I'll tell you a little about myself... I am a white male, 519", 175 Lbs. with blue eyes, light brown hair I enjoy all types of music, I like drawing and doing art, reading, writing, playing chess, and FOOTBALL! I would like to write and correspond with people that are not afraid to be themselves, that would like to write and receive letters. I am also interested in people who can help me show that I am innocent and help assist me anyway possible. I am new to all this, but I know if I don't have friends on the outside helping and caring about me, nothing will ever happen and I will die. I can't do anything from this prison cell, All I can do is what I am doing now... Writing to you asking for your help and friendship, in the Battle that lies ahead of me... THE FIGHT FOR MY LIFE ! I look forward to hearing from you soon, and having a new Pen-Friend to write. Sincerely, TROY J. CLARK
Polunsky Unit/999351 3872 F.M. 350 South Livingston,TX. 77351 U.S.A.

Timeline

• 05/19/1998 — Offense date.
• 03/31/2000 — Sentenced to death; date received (TDCJ number 999351).
• 09/02/2000 — Clark wrote a letter saying he had just turned 33 years old.