Wednesday, July 21, 2010

TENNESSEE and ARKANSAS : From Death Penalty Focus: Two Important Items

Working for alternatives to the death penalty

We are thrilled to report that because of the thousands of letters sent by our supporters and others on behalf of Gaile Owens--a battered woman on Tennessee's death row--Governor Bredesen changed her sentence from death to life with parole. This just shows how committed individuals can have an impact and save a life. Now, please take just a few seconds to help save Damien Echols, a man on death row in Arkansas who could be executed for a crime he did not commit. Thank you for your commitment to ending the death penalty. --Stefanie

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Dear Connie,

Damien Echols could be executed for a crime he did not commit unless you ACT NOW.

In 1993, 18-year-old Damien Echols had dyed black hair, wore heavy metal t-shirts, and read Stephen King. When a terrible crime happened in the small town where he lived, he immediately became a suspect, simply because he was "different." He's been on death row ever since.

There was no physical evidence, weapon or motive linking Damien to the murder of three 8-year-old boys. His guilty verdict was based on a recanted confession by a peer with a severe developmental disability. And now new DNA evidence has emerged that could prove once and for all that he's innocent.

Arkansas may execute Damien Echols for a crime he did not commit unless you speak up for him now. Tell Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe that Damien deserves a fair chance -- please, just a few dozen postcards could save Damien's life.

The Arkansas Supreme Court is currently reviewing the new forensic evidence to decide whether they'll grant Damien Echols a new trial. But the Governor has the power to end this nightmare now.

We are partnering with CREDO Action to flood the Arkansas Governor's mailbox with postcards -- postcards that could literally save Damien's life today.

Sincerely,

Stefanie Faucher
Associate Director

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