David Lee Powell was an American man who gained notoriety for his involvement in a high-profile criminal case. He was convicted in 1978 for the murder of a police officer in Texas. His case drew significant media attention and raised discussions about the death penalty in the United States. Powell spent over 15 years on death row before his execution in 2002. His case highlighted issues related to the legal system, including the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the appeals process. Powell's story remains a point of reference in debates about capital punishment and criminal justice reform.