There was no forensic evidence in the case. Eyewitness testimony alone convinced the jury in 1991 that Troy Davis was guilty in the 1989 slaying of a Georgia police officer, Mark MacPhail. He was sentenced to execution. Multiple appeals have not changed that fact. For the past twenty years, execution dates have been set and then appealed.
I do not know for certain whether or not Troy Davis is guilty. I do know for certain there is enough reasonable doubt to warrant a new trial. Seven of the nine eyewitnesses have recanted their testimony, all saying they were coerced or threatened into the erroneous identifications. Of the two remaining eyewitnesses, one has been said to have admitted to several other people that he, not Troy Davis killed the police officer.
At the present time, Davis is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, September 21. (Yes, day after tomorrow.)
Amnesty International has led efforts to obtain a new trial for Troy Davis. (You can access the Website here.) Read the information about Troy Davis and if you are so inclined, sign the petition. If you are not inclined to sign the petition, please keep positive energy that Troy Davis will not die Wednesday evening.
Photograph from Internet
Protest marches for Troy Davis.
Also, please think of the slain officer's family. They are convinced that Troy Davis is guilty and truly believe the only thing that will give them closure is his execution. It is a very sad time for all concerned.
12 comments:
Thanks for this, Carolyn. We signed the petition against executing him. In fact, we believe execution, in today's world, is barbaric and unthinkable.
Elora
I don't believe in execution, especially if there is a risk that even one innocent person is sent to his or her death. I hope he gets a stay so the truth can be explored.
I am familiar with this and also signed the petition.
I personally don't agree with the death penalty....too many have been wrongly accused.
I feel for the family of both parties....
xoxo
Thanks~ I signed the petition.
Guess they just needed to blame someone, even if it may not have been the right someone.
This story is getting much attention--hope it is not too late. Even the homeless man, on whose behalf the policeman intervened, says he only identified Troy Davis because the police were withholding medical treatment from him.
How is that NOT a miscarriage of justice?
I agree it is sad for all involved--the widow says she will be glad when Davis is executed. What an awful way to live--clamoring for someone's death.
I saw this story on the news; heart wrenching doesn't even begin to state how I feel.
I would hate for this man to lose his life if he is truly innocent. Going to the link.
I signed and I appreciate the link.
Petition signed. Too many innocent people have been executed.
Heartwrenching story. I haven't heard about it here.
Madi and Mom
It hasn't been widely reported here but I'm appaled. 7/9 recanting. Unbelievable.
I haven't been following this, but I agree that execution is barbaric. And the worst thing is execution when the guilt of the individual is uncertain.
Post a Comment