Monday, May 12, 2008
Steve Earle - Ellis Unit One
Ellis Unit, located in Huntsville, Texas, previously housed the Texas male death row, until it was moved to Polunsky Unit near Livingston, Texas.
Day 22 WALK4LIFE Wake County Vigil
Day 22 made up for day 21 ten fold. The networking I thought was happening all came together. Instead of walking out of Wake county, I walked locally till the later evening when I was to attend a vigil in front of the death house (Central Prison) in Raleigh, NC. I had learned this vigil had been going on every Monday in front of the prison for the past three years. Incredible, that's all I kept saying because it was. This type of dedication to the struggle is exactly what's needed to defeat the killing machine that preys on America's poor. It wasn't a massive crowd but you wouldn't have known with the amount of energy and passion. Moments after I arrived at the vigil I was joined by attorney Akin "Ice" Adepoju. Akin was one of many lawyers who helped exonerate the 7th wrongfully convicted death row prisoner in North Carolina only day before my arrival. Akin came to the vigil with only moments notice.
As soon as I stepped up to the vigil horns were blowing from people driving by showing their support, showing their approval. I give Akin much credit for coming out and storming the weather. It down poured on us for a good 15 minutes, but he stood with us even picking up a sign himself. He also marched onto the governor's mansion with us after the vigil.
This vigil was powerful for me seeing not long ago I felt like a lone activist. Now here I was with a group of people ranging from ages 8 to 70 all in sharing the same belief's, life should respected, preserved and cherished no matter what. I was honored to be a part of this vigil/march. (...)
Read rest of this post here.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Justice Stevens contrasts lethal injection methods
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens says the euthanized Kentucky Derby horse Eight Belles probably died more humanely than death row prisoners do.
Stevens's comments Friday night came a month after he voted with a majority of the Supreme Court to approve the most widely used method of lethal injection, while saying for the first time that he now believes the death penalty is unconstitutional.
According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Stevens told an audience of judges and lawyers that he checked into the procedure used to kill Eight Belles and was surprised to learn it is against the law in Kentucky to kill animals using one of the drugs in a three-drug lethal injection cocktail that many states, including Kentucky, use to execute prisoners. (...)
Please read the complete article in the Washington Post
Marietta Jaeger and Ron Keine in Montana
Marietta and I Did 8 speaking events and Media interviews in Montana this month. It was a pleasure working with Marietta as she is truly a professional speaker. We even had a new experience of speaking to an Indian college on a reservation. It is one of the most beautiful states I have ever been to.
One of the things that made this trip so nice is the people from the Montana Abolition Coalition. Every detail was well planned out and organized. We were right on time for every event on the two day tour. They were the perfect hosts. My thanks to Jennifer Kirby, Rachel, Katy, Matt, Moe, and Scott. Also Lex, from the ACLU, who filmed the whole tour.
Montana was close to abolition at the last legislative session. We lost by just one vote. With the caliber of the abolitionists in Montana it could surely be the next state to abolish the Death Penalty.
Ron Keine
One of the things that made this trip so nice is the people from the Montana Abolition Coalition. Every detail was well planned out and organized. We were right on time for every event on the two day tour. They were the perfect hosts. My thanks to Jennifer Kirby, Rachel, Katy, Matt, Moe, and Scott. Also Lex, from the ACLU, who filmed the whole tour.
Montana was close to abolition at the last legislative session. We lost by just one vote. With the caliber of the abolitionists in Montana it could surely be the next state to abolish the Death Penalty.
Ron Keine
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Murder and the death penalty
In this last week my feelings on the death penalty have been challenged.
About a week ago, my 77-year-old sister was murdered and her 78-year-old husband was wounded as they made their 13th and last stop as Meals on Wheels volunteers. A day later a suspect was captured in Norfolk, Va.
When I was a youth, I was very much pro-death penalty. 4 different levels of academia saw me write term papers on this topic.
But in recent years, I have seen the behavior of prosecutors here in Illinois (particularly in DuPage County).
They have rushed to judgment, been guilty of withholding exculpatory evidence and failed to show remorse when DNA evidence has cleared those on death row (some hours away from execution).
So I've gradually come to oppose the death penalty in most cases (the exception being for the crime of incompetence for high school and college administrators).
So now that my sweet sister has met an untimely death, has this again changed my mind? No.
The death penalty option has been abused so often by ambitious prosecutors anxious to put another notch on their belts as they prepare to run for higher office that they must be denied this punishment optioneven for the obviously guilty.
John Anderson----Beach Park
(source: Letter to the Editor, Chicago Tribune)
About a week ago, my 77-year-old sister was murdered and her 78-year-old husband was wounded as they made their 13th and last stop as Meals on Wheels volunteers. A day later a suspect was captured in Norfolk, Va.
When I was a youth, I was very much pro-death penalty. 4 different levels of academia saw me write term papers on this topic.
But in recent years, I have seen the behavior of prosecutors here in Illinois (particularly in DuPage County).
They have rushed to judgment, been guilty of withholding exculpatory evidence and failed to show remorse when DNA evidence has cleared those on death row (some hours away from execution).
So I've gradually come to oppose the death penalty in most cases (the exception being for the crime of incompetence for high school and college administrators).
So now that my sweet sister has met an untimely death, has this again changed my mind? No.
The death penalty option has been abused so often by ambitious prosecutors anxious to put another notch on their belts as they prepare to run for higher office that they must be denied this punishment optioneven for the obviously guilty.
John Anderson----Beach Park
(source: Letter to the Editor, Chicago Tribune)
A date to mark in your calenders: May 25th: End of WALK4LIFE in TX
Dear Connie and Susanne,
after talking with Andre, we have thought to plan the end of the Walk as follows. Andre will plan his route from where he will be to the Governor Mansion in Austin and will let us know the details so those who will want to walk with him for the last miles will be able to find him. Meeting place (ending place of the walk) will be the Governor Mansion in the centre of Austin- address: corner between Eleventh and Colorado St. Time: time of meeting - between 3 and 4 pm.
We know that the Governor has temporarily moved to another place but the ending of the Walk there, to the historic home of the Texas Governor is something symbolic.
The idea is that after getting there, we can take our cars and go to where the Governor is living now, which is at 8113 Hickory Creek Drive (about 30 minutes far from the centre of Austin). Once there we will protest with signs and asking the Governor to talk to us. Hopefully we'll get media to cover this.
Also i think we should try to gather as more people as possible to join us at both the places.
Also, we should spread the word about organizing a protest in front of the State Capitol in Austin for the following day (26th May)... with signs and petitions.
Just wanted to update you on this.
Peace
Katia
Remember: Saturday, May17th - Come and show your support!
Innocence Matters: Rally for Troy Davis
Saturday, May 17, 2008
10am-12pm
Georgia Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia
(front steps facing Washington St.)
Emcee: Warren Ballentine; Lead organizers: Amnesty International and NAACP
Spread the word! Come out and show your support!
Click here to find more information
Summit on Wrongful Convictions
Six of us with the Abolition Movement went to Austin today for the Summit on Wrongful Convictions sponsored by Texas Senator Rodney Ellis.
Today was an amazing day -- meeting 9 exonerees, meeting the Dallas DA that has the courage to do the right thing, speaking with legislators who agree with us that DA's that commit misconduct should go to jail. We met with Jeff Blackburn, attorney and founder of the Innocence Project of Texas who is working with the Dallas DA and has agreed to work with us to get help for Howard Guidry, an innocent man on death row.
Regina Guidry did an interview with German TV, in German, I assume, about Howard.
The few people not enjoying the day were Roe Wilson, Harris County DA who handles post conviction capital murder appeals. Also Rissie Owens, chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Sen John Whitmire made Roe Wilson look like she needed Pepto Bismol, according to Ester King. And Lee Greenwood took both of Rissie Owens hands in hers and spoke to her about her allowing the murder of her son, Joseph Nichols, a man who had killed no one. I hope that keeps Ms. Owens awake tonight and every other night. Looking into the eyes of a mother in pain whose child you have murdered couldn't be easy if you have any sense of humanity. And we don't know if she does or not.
We got a commitment from State Rep. Terri Hodge to attend the 9th Annual March to Stop Executions in Houston on October 25.
Barbara Acuna and I had a long talk with Alejandro Hernandez an exoneree from El Paso who spent 13 years locked up for a crime he did not commit. He was sincerely interested in Barbara's son, Robert, who was the last juvenile sent to death row in the country. He also got to know Cesar Fierro while in the El Paso County jail in 1994. Cesar was there on a bench warrant for a eharing that should have resulted in him being freed from death row, but didn't.
The lunch was delicious and we thank Sharon for getting us name badges which allowed us and Randi with the CEDP in to the opening lunch and introduction session.
I think we made good contacts and allies for furthering our work for abolition and building the movement that is needed to stop the executions for good!
gloria
Click here to read "Wrongly convicted gather at Texas Capitol to share stories" in the Star-Telegram
Today was an amazing day -- meeting 9 exonerees, meeting the Dallas DA that has the courage to do the right thing, speaking with legislators who agree with us that DA's that commit misconduct should go to jail. We met with Jeff Blackburn, attorney and founder of the Innocence Project of Texas who is working with the Dallas DA and has agreed to work with us to get help for Howard Guidry, an innocent man on death row.
Regina Guidry did an interview with German TV, in German, I assume, about Howard.
The few people not enjoying the day were Roe Wilson, Harris County DA who handles post conviction capital murder appeals. Also Rissie Owens, chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Sen John Whitmire made Roe Wilson look like she needed Pepto Bismol, according to Ester King. And Lee Greenwood took both of Rissie Owens hands in hers and spoke to her about her allowing the murder of her son, Joseph Nichols, a man who had killed no one. I hope that keeps Ms. Owens awake tonight and every other night. Looking into the eyes of a mother in pain whose child you have murdered couldn't be easy if you have any sense of humanity. And we don't know if she does or not.
We got a commitment from State Rep. Terri Hodge to attend the 9th Annual March to Stop Executions in Houston on October 25.
Barbara Acuna and I had a long talk with Alejandro Hernandez an exoneree from El Paso who spent 13 years locked up for a crime he did not commit. He was sincerely interested in Barbara's son, Robert, who was the last juvenile sent to death row in the country. He also got to know Cesar Fierro while in the El Paso County jail in 1994. Cesar was there on a bench warrant for a eharing that should have resulted in him being freed from death row, but didn't.
The lunch was delicious and we thank Sharon for getting us name badges which allowed us and Randi with the CEDP in to the opening lunch and introduction session.
I think we made good contacts and allies for furthering our work for abolition and building the movement that is needed to stop the executions for good!
gloria
Click here to read "Wrongly convicted gather at Texas Capitol to share stories" in the Star-Telegram
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Bill Pelke: My trip to join X
Thanks to Journey of Hope supporter and friend of mine, Dirk Sisson of Anchorage, Alaska, I will be flying from Anchorage to Dallas, Texas on May 20 to support Capital X’s Walk 4 Life.
I will be providing roadside assistance, offering whatever help Andre needs to finish his walk to Austin, Texas. Capital X will be walking into Austin on May 25th with a group of supporters and head to the Governors Mansion. X has a stack of petitions calling for a moratorium on the death penalty that he hopes to present to the Governor.
Since it is the Memorial Day weekend it is not known if Governor Perry will be in town or not, but who knows, he may be hosting a barbeque for friends and invite us for dinner. (not).
On Monday the 26th, Memorial Day, there will be a rally at the State House. Capital X’s 1700 mile walk will be over at that point but his journey will continue. He will then travel to Livingston where Texas houses it’s male population and will remain there for several days.
On March 29 X will head to Houston and join up with Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Founder, Dave Atwood, on the 29th where activities are planned for the 30th. X then heads to Huntsville, where executions in Texas take place, for a rally on the 31st. After spending a few more days in Livingston on 2nd and 3rd of June, X will head west for some more events in Austin and then on to New Mexico.
I will return to Dallas, turn in my rental car and head back to Alaska on June 4th. When I joined X in Maryland near the start of his walk I was able to stay with him through DC and about 100 miles into Virginia. It was a great honor for me and I was doing what I felt my calling in life demands, and that is to be a foot soldier in battle for abolition.
I greatly look forward to rejoining X in Texas, the killing field of this country, for yet another battle. I know it is a war we will win some day.
Any donations to the Journey of Hope will be used for in state transportation costs while in Texas and for food and lodging. To make a donation the easiest way is to click The Donate Now button.
I will be providing roadside assistance, offering whatever help Andre needs to finish his walk to Austin, Texas. Capital X will be walking into Austin on May 25th with a group of supporters and head to the Governors Mansion. X has a stack of petitions calling for a moratorium on the death penalty that he hopes to present to the Governor.
Since it is the Memorial Day weekend it is not known if Governor Perry will be in town or not, but who knows, he may be hosting a barbeque for friends and invite us for dinner. (not).
On Monday the 26th, Memorial Day, there will be a rally at the State House. Capital X’s 1700 mile walk will be over at that point but his journey will continue. He will then travel to Livingston where Texas houses it’s male population and will remain there for several days.
On March 29 X will head to Houston and join up with Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Founder, Dave Atwood, on the 29th where activities are planned for the 30th. X then heads to Huntsville, where executions in Texas take place, for a rally on the 31st. After spending a few more days in Livingston on 2nd and 3rd of June, X will head west for some more events in Austin and then on to New Mexico.
I will return to Dallas, turn in my rental car and head back to Alaska on June 4th. When I joined X in Maryland near the start of his walk I was able to stay with him through DC and about 100 miles into Virginia. It was a great honor for me and I was doing what I felt my calling in life demands, and that is to be a foot soldier in battle for abolition.
I greatly look forward to rejoining X in Texas, the killing field of this country, for yet another battle. I know it is a war we will win some day.
Any donations to the Journey of Hope will be used for in state transportation costs while in Texas and for food and lodging. To make a donation the easiest way is to click The Donate Now button.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Walk 4 Life - Capital "X" Update
"X" Is NOT between a Rock and a Hard Place!
Intro: The more I begin to see and understand what kind of Divine Mission and Vision "X" has for this Walk 4 Life, for Texas and for his whole remaining life--the more I see that he truly is tapping from a Source we all need. So although he's between Little Rock and Texas- a truly HARD place for inmates and those with the death sentence--rest assured he's NOT between the Rock and a Hard place in his spirit.
"X" knows where he's going because he's got his "hand in the Hand"...(not too many abolition sites put things this way but somehow this feels quite appropriate for "X" and the JOH today.)
"X" thanks for your trust and for all the beautiful bleeding hearts you and the Heart of Hearts are reaching together right now!
Connie
~~~
From "X"
Seeing that assistance moving all my gear along has been such a challenge along with finding people willing and able to do road side assistance, I have had to change the game plan somewhat since I reached Alabama. This change of plan has proven to be anointed by God for it has been very effective and filled with blessings.
Tuskegee, AL was not on my route at all. I was driven there where I met with some wonderful people building what I believe were some much need bridges in this struggle. After Tuskegee where I did symbolically leave on foot--I was moved back to my original path, I was to be in Birmingham. I pretty much only walked within the city where I could be seen and where I can meet and speak to people. This was great seeing I spoke to flocks of folks from attending a church service at Mary's hospitality house speaking to all those who attended, to speaking to members of the local "Bloods" gang who are against the death penalty let me add. I accumulated many miles walking.
My family drove to Birmingham from NC and helped me reach Jasper which is where I was stranded after they had left. I walked up and down the highway in Jasper which was ok to keep my daily miles up, but I didn't get to reach but a few hand fulls of folks.
Anyway an angel volunteered to drive near 9 hours from Rogers, Arkansas to help me. With my walked miles I had more than enough miles in to be driven to Tupelo, Mississippi which was good because it was nothing but open farm land. Together Jennifer and I planned out our attacks. We hit the area where Elvis was born first talking to tourists and locals alike. We then went to the busiest road in Tupelo,Mississippi where I spent the day walking this road being seen by a few thousand people. Jen alerted me that from Tupelo to Little Rock there was nothing but lonely roads. If she was to leave me, I would have been in a bad situation.
She suggested I move on ahead with her to be secure so we drove on after my day of walking was over. We hit Tennessee for a bit (which Tennessee wasn't on my route so this was a plus). Let me tell you, she was not lying about the route to Arkansas. There weren't even cows on these roads. Not a good route to be on all alone. She payed for a night's stay and then the next morning I crossed over into Little Rock on foot. This put me a bit ahead of schedule but all for the better of the walk. I was only in Little Rock a couple hours when I was met by KARK News 4. I appeared on the 5, 10 and 11pm news.
I spent the entire day meeting people in downtown Little Rock. Again after the day was done Jennifer payed for a hotel. Now she informed me that she had to leave the next morning. Being ahead of schedule, I was in a bit of a bind really. Anyway before leaving Jennifer put me up in a Hotel and payed for 2 nights to give me enough time to find someone to help me along. Bill Pelke is coming from Alaska to help (which he has experience as to how I need help to walk) but this won't be till I am already in Texas. I am so close, but yet so far.
I may still need someone to help move my gear a few miles or lots of miles ahead, and friendly places to stay on my way to Dallas. Once there I will be just fine as there are folk who have said they'd be there for me.
OK, I am off to network. Let me know if you need anymore information.
Peace, love and progress. "X"
NOTE: A nice tip: "X" loves ALL kinds of food & is enthusiastic and grateful for whatever healthy food you place in front of him. So give him your best and don't worry about him liking it...You will be glad to be with him which is such a great joy. If you want to help or want "X" to speak to your group or media outlet, please contact "X" directly using the info in the column to the right.
In the case you are unable to reach him, contact either Bill Pelke or call me, Connie Nash, at 828 384-1501.
You can provide financial assistance through either JOH SPECIFY FOR CAPITAL "X" WALK 4 LIFE or the link for the T-Shirt on the UPPER RIGHT Column--Stay tuned for a JOH blog from Little Rock and maybe some photos soon! Go Well, Connie
Intro: The more I begin to see and understand what kind of Divine Mission and Vision "X" has for this Walk 4 Life, for Texas and for his whole remaining life--the more I see that he truly is tapping from a Source we all need. So although he's between Little Rock and Texas- a truly HARD place for inmates and those with the death sentence--rest assured he's NOT between the Rock and a Hard place in his spirit.
"X" knows where he's going because he's got his "hand in the Hand"...(not too many abolition sites put things this way but somehow this feels quite appropriate for "X" and the JOH today.)
"X" thanks for your trust and for all the beautiful bleeding hearts you and the Heart of Hearts are reaching together right now!
Connie
~~~
From "X"
Seeing that assistance moving all my gear along has been such a challenge along with finding people willing and able to do road side assistance, I have had to change the game plan somewhat since I reached Alabama. This change of plan has proven to be anointed by God for it has been very effective and filled with blessings.
Tuskegee, AL was not on my route at all. I was driven there where I met with some wonderful people building what I believe were some much need bridges in this struggle. After Tuskegee where I did symbolically leave on foot--I was moved back to my original path, I was to be in Birmingham. I pretty much only walked within the city where I could be seen and where I can meet and speak to people. This was great seeing I spoke to flocks of folks from attending a church service at Mary's hospitality house speaking to all those who attended, to speaking to members of the local "Bloods" gang who are against the death penalty let me add. I accumulated many miles walking.
My family drove to Birmingham from NC and helped me reach Jasper which is where I was stranded after they had left. I walked up and down the highway in Jasper which was ok to keep my daily miles up, but I didn't get to reach but a few hand fulls of folks.
Anyway an angel volunteered to drive near 9 hours from Rogers, Arkansas to help me. With my walked miles I had more than enough miles in to be driven to Tupelo, Mississippi which was good because it was nothing but open farm land. Together Jennifer and I planned out our attacks. We hit the area where Elvis was born first talking to tourists and locals alike. We then went to the busiest road in Tupelo,Mississippi where I spent the day walking this road being seen by a few thousand people. Jen alerted me that from Tupelo to Little Rock there was nothing but lonely roads. If she was to leave me, I would have been in a bad situation.
She suggested I move on ahead with her to be secure so we drove on after my day of walking was over. We hit Tennessee for a bit (which Tennessee wasn't on my route so this was a plus). Let me tell you, she was not lying about the route to Arkansas. There weren't even cows on these roads. Not a good route to be on all alone. She payed for a night's stay and then the next morning I crossed over into Little Rock on foot. This put me a bit ahead of schedule but all for the better of the walk. I was only in Little Rock a couple hours when I was met by KARK News 4. I appeared on the 5, 10 and 11pm news.
I spent the entire day meeting people in downtown Little Rock. Again after the day was done Jennifer payed for a hotel. Now she informed me that she had to leave the next morning. Being ahead of schedule, I was in a bit of a bind really. Anyway before leaving Jennifer put me up in a Hotel and payed for 2 nights to give me enough time to find someone to help me along. Bill Pelke is coming from Alaska to help (which he has experience as to how I need help to walk) but this won't be till I am already in Texas. I am so close, but yet so far.
I may still need someone to help move my gear a few miles or lots of miles ahead, and friendly places to stay on my way to Dallas. Once there I will be just fine as there are folk who have said they'd be there for me.
OK, I am off to network. Let me know if you need anymore information.
Peace, love and progress. "X"
NOTE: A nice tip: "X" loves ALL kinds of food & is enthusiastic and grateful for whatever healthy food you place in front of him. So give him your best and don't worry about him liking it...You will be glad to be with him which is such a great joy. If you want to help or want "X" to speak to your group or media outlet, please contact "X" directly using the info in the column to the right.
In the case you are unable to reach him, contact either Bill Pelke or call me, Connie Nash, at 828 384-1501.
You can provide financial assistance through either JOH SPECIFY FOR CAPITAL "X" WALK 4 LIFE or the link for the T-Shirt on the UPPER RIGHT Column--Stay tuned for a JOH blog from Little Rock and maybe some photos soon! Go Well, Connie
Mark your calenders: Summit on wrongful convictions in Austin on May 8th
A day-long Summit on Wrongful Convictions will be held Thursday, May 8 at the State Capitol in Austin to determine the causes of wrongful convictions in Texas and identify reforms that can prevent them.
The recent release of James Lee Woodard in Dallas, based on DNA tests showing that he did not commit a murder 27 years ago for which he was wrongfully convicted, comes just one week after Thomas McGowan was freed based on DNA results showing he did not commit the Dallas County rape and burglary for which he spent 23 years in prison.(...)
As a result of the unprecedented number of exonerations in Texas, key leaders from across the state will gather in Austin on May 8 for a landmark Summit on Wrongful Convictions. Judges, lawmakers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, exonerees, professors and many others will come together for the Summit.
The Summit will mark the first time any state’s criminal justice leaders have initiated a high-level meeting themselves to address wrongful convictions. Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis is spearheading the Summit, and Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck will attend. The Summit will be open to the public. (...)
The Summit on Wrongful Convictions will be held on the Senate Floor at the State Capitol from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Read complete article in the North Country gazette
The recent release of James Lee Woodard in Dallas, based on DNA tests showing that he did not commit a murder 27 years ago for which he was wrongfully convicted, comes just one week after Thomas McGowan was freed based on DNA results showing he did not commit the Dallas County rape and burglary for which he spent 23 years in prison.(...)
As a result of the unprecedented number of exonerations in Texas, key leaders from across the state will gather in Austin on May 8 for a landmark Summit on Wrongful Convictions. Judges, lawmakers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, exonerees, professors and many others will come together for the Summit.
The Summit will mark the first time any state’s criminal justice leaders have initiated a high-level meeting themselves to address wrongful convictions. Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis is spearheading the Summit, and Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck will attend. The Summit will be open to the public. (...)
The Summit on Wrongful Convictions will be held on the Senate Floor at the State Capitol from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Read complete article in the North Country gazette
Attorney is asking for help in Death Penalty case
I have handled five death penalty habeas matters. Only in one has the evidence of a client’s innocence been overwhelming, and that client is Arthur Tyler. He now stands literally at the door of the death chamber and unless people act, an innocent man will be killed by the State...
...Why did Arthur get convicted? I read the transcript and the answer is simple – he chose to testify. At the time he was a smart aleck, streetwise young Black man and the testimony he gave, while not inculpatory was cocky and offensive, to be frank. He had a criminal record, but not for violent crimes. He was a con man. He hustled pool. But he did not shoot or assault people.
He needs help. Right now the State is sealing the lips of the only individual who could save him. Arthur has appealed his case to the Supreme Court and is likely to be without any further legal redress. Ohio’s Governor can commute this sentence. Arthur needs your help. Without it, Ohio will execute an innocent man later this year.
Text by Rick Kerger, a Toledo, Ohio criminal attorney
Please read complete text here
Sign a petition to reopen Arthur Tyler's case here
For more information about Arthur Tyler’s case see the following websites:
http://torley.org/Arthur-Tyler/Arthur-Tyler and
http://justiceforarthurtyler.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Unanimous CA Supreme Court Reverses Death Sentence
Unanimous California Supreme Court Reverses Death Penalty Because Los Angeles Prosecutors Withheld Evidence of Innocence, Notes Quinn Emanuel Partner George Hedges
Today in a rare unanimous decision the California Supreme Court found that San Quentin inmate Adam Miranda was wrongly sentenced to death because district attorneys, including senior District Attorney Curt Hazell and now sitting judges Lance Ito and Frederic Horn, withheld confessions to the killing by the prosecutor's star witness. Miranda's lead counsel George R. Hedges of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges and Kerry Bensinger of Bensinger Ritt Tai & Thvedt were elated with the result.
"The Miranda case represents yet another indictment of the death penalty. We have been through a 20-year struggle to locate evidence the DA's office intentionally withheld that showed our client did not commit the murder that placed him on death row 26 years ago," said Mr. Hedges. "The case reveals an outrageous miscarriage of justice."
"It took us years to force the DA's office to turn over the Miranda files, and there in the back of one of the files was an envelope containing a confession to the murder by the star witness the prosecutors used to condemn our client to death," added Mr. Bensinger. "It shows just how corrupt the system is. Without an all-out legal assault our client would have been put to death years ago for a crime he didn't commit."
Read rest of article in the Morningstar
Today in a rare unanimous decision the California Supreme Court found that San Quentin inmate Adam Miranda was wrongly sentenced to death because district attorneys, including senior District Attorney Curt Hazell and now sitting judges Lance Ito and Frederic Horn, withheld confessions to the killing by the prosecutor's star witness. Miranda's lead counsel George R. Hedges of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges and Kerry Bensinger of Bensinger Ritt Tai & Thvedt were elated with the result.
"The Miranda case represents yet another indictment of the death penalty. We have been through a 20-year struggle to locate evidence the DA's office intentionally withheld that showed our client did not commit the murder that placed him on death row 26 years ago," said Mr. Hedges. "The case reveals an outrageous miscarriage of justice."
"It took us years to force the DA's office to turn over the Miranda files, and there in the back of one of the files was an envelope containing a confession to the murder by the star witness the prosecutors used to condemn our client to death," added Mr. Bensinger. "It shows just how corrupt the system is. Without an all-out legal assault our client would have been put to death years ago for a crime he didn't commit."
Read rest of article in the Morningstar
AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR
SNEAK PREVIEW: At the Death House DoorIn production for The Independent Film Channel...At the Death House Door is the story of the wrongful execution of Carlos DeLuna and the Death House Chaplain, Pastor Carroll Pickett, who spent the last day of DeLuna's life with him. The feature documentary, currently in production, follows the remarkable career journey of Pickett, culminating in the story of DeLuna, a convict whose execution bothered Pickett more than any other. He firmly believed the man was innocent, and the film will track the investigative efforts of a team of Chicago Tribune reporters who have turned up evidence that strongly suggests he was. The documentary takes a very personal and intimate look at the death penalty in Texas , the first state to do lethal injection. Pickett was present for the first lethal injection in 1982. At the Death House Door is a Kartemquin Films Production in association with the Chicago Tribune. The film will debut on the Independent Film Channel, May 29 @ 9:00pm. At last report the film had received 4 awards.
FILM SHOWING
- in HOUSTON: at the Rice University Media Center, May 9, 7:00pm.
Free and open to all. Post discussion will be provided with Rev. Carroll Picket and the film makers.
- in AUSTIN: May 6, 2008 at 7 pm, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Howson Hall, 4700 Grover Ave., Austin
- in CEDAR PARK: May 8, 2008 at 7 pm, Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church
3315 El Salido Parkway,Cedar Park
- in WIMBERLY: May 9, 2008 at 7 pm, Wimberley Community Center, RR 12 and River Road in Wimberley
- in AUSTIN: May 13, 2008 at 6:30 pm, St. Austin’s Catholic Church, Hecker Hall,2026 Guadalupe, Austin, (Parking available off San Antonio, behind church) and
May 16, 2008 at 7 pm, Friends Meeting of Austin, 3701 E. Martin Luther King, east of Airport Blvd
- in LUBBOCK: Date and location TBA, If interested email lubbock@tcadp.org for more info
Monday, May 05, 2008
What's In The Brown Paper Bag?
A Story From Death Row"I'm about the share with you a story who's telling is long past due. It's a familiar story to most of you reading this from death row. And now it's one that all of you in "free world" may benefit from. This is the story of my first day on the row.
I came here in May of 1999. The exact date is something that I can't recall.
I do remember arriving in the afternoon . I was placed in a cell on H-20 wing over at the Ellis Unit in Huntsville, Tx. A Tsunami of emotions and thoughts were going through my mind at the time. I remember the only things in the cell were a mattress, pillow, a couple of sheets, a pillow case, a roll of toilet paper, and a blanket ... I remember sitting there, utterly lost.
The first person I met there was Napolean Beasley. Back then, death row prisoners still worked . His job at the time was to clean up the wing and help serve during meal times. He was walking around sweeping the pod in these ridiculous looking rubber boots. He came up to the bars on my cell and asked me if I was new.. I told him that I had just arrived on d/r. He asked what my name is. I told him, not seeing any harm in it. He then stepped back where he could see all three tiers. He hollered at everyone, "There's a new man here. He just drove up. His name is Luis Ramirez."
When he did that, I didn't know what to make of it at first. I thought I had made some kind of mistake. You see ? Like most of you, I was of the impression that everyone on d/r was evil. I thought I would find hundreds of "Hannibal Lecter's in here. And now , they all knew my name. I thought "Oh well," that's strike one. I was sure that they would soon begin harassing me. This is what happens in the movies after all.
Well, that's not what happened. (...)
Please read the rest of the story and some information about Napoleon Beazley here
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Tune in to CBS's "60 Minutes" tonight!
Tune in to CBS's "60 Minutes" on Sunday, May 4 to learn more about the Innocence Project of Texas's involvement in securing the release of James Lee Woodard, who served more than 27 years in prison for a Dallas County murder that he has always maintained he did not commit. Woodard's release came about as a result of more than 1000 man hours spent by IPOT and the Dallas County District Attorney's office investigating his claim of actual innocence. His story will be told in a compelling segment about the efforts of Dallas County's Conviction Integrity Unit and its collaboration with the Innocence Project of Texas to review more than 400 cases where post-conviction DNA testing was denied by previous Dallas D.A. Administrations.
For more information about this program click here
EDUCATING PEOPLE MAKES BIG DIFFERENCE
Former Death Row Inmates address students in Glenville, West Virginia.
Photo: Ron Keine and Greg Wilhoit who were both framed by the American Justice System, standing at the Frametown sign.
On Wednesday, Rob Warden , Greg Wilhoit and Ron Keine spoke to students of the Glenville State College about their experiences with the criminal law system and the death penalty.
Rob Warden is director for the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwesrtern Law School in Chicago. Ron Keine and Greg Wilhoit are men who had spent several years on death row for crimes they did not commit.
When Witness to Innocence speakers speak, they pass out a questionaire to the audience. Of the 55 students whom responded, 21 were already opposed to the death penalty, 34 were in favor. After listening to the men speak, 23 of these 34 shifted to oppose the death penalty.
Photo: Ron Keine and Greg Wilhoit who were both framed by the American Justice System, standing at the Frametown sign.On Wednesday, Rob Warden , Greg Wilhoit and Ron Keine spoke to students of the Glenville State College about their experiences with the criminal law system and the death penalty.
Rob Warden is director for the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwesrtern Law School in Chicago. Ron Keine and Greg Wilhoit are men who had spent several years on death row for crimes they did not commit.
When Witness to Innocence speakers speak, they pass out a questionaire to the audience. Of the 55 students whom responded, 21 were already opposed to the death penalty, 34 were in favor. After listening to the men speak, 23 of these 34 shifted to oppose the death penalty.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
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