As Ivan Cantu faces his impending execution scheduled for February 28, his legal team is pushing for a last-minute reprieve, citing new evidence that they believe proves his innocence in the 2000 murders of his cousin, James Mosqueda, and Mosqueda's fiancée, Amy Kitchen. Cantu has maintained his innocence for over 20 years, claiming he was framed by the real killers, who he alleges were rival drug dealers.

With the support of his attorney, Gena Bunn, Cantu is seeking a hearing and a potential lesser sentence or a 120-day reprieve. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles is set to vote on his clemency recommendation two days before the execution date, with Governor Greg Abbott having the final say.

Key to Cantu's defense is evidence uncovered by investigator Matt Duff, which suggests discrepancies in the testimony of the state's key witnesses, including Cantu's former girlfriend, Amy Boettcher. Boettcher, who has since passed away, provided crucial testimony at trial, linking Cantu to the murders based on events surrounding the night of the killings.

Prosecutors have refuted Cantu's claims, arguing that the evidence presented at trial, including DNA analysis, fingerprints, ballistics, and witness testimony, supports his guilt. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis has asserted his conviction that Cantu was responsible for the murders and that justice should be carried out on the scheduled execution date.

Despite the prosecution's stance, Cantu's legal team, along with supporters and activists, are pushing for a detailed review of the case before Cantu's execution proceeds. High-profile advocates like Sister Helen Prejean and Kim Kardashian have lent their voices to the call for a more thorough examination of the evidence.

As the clock ticks down to the scheduled execution, Cantu continues to fight for his life, with hopes that the new evidence will be enough to spark a reconsideration of his case and potentially save him from facing the ultimate penalty.