What Do You Know About Troy Davis ?

Spread the word: Text “TROY” to 90999 on your cell phone

This is clipped from an excellent article on huffington today -

The 132nd Death Row Exoneree: Implications for the Troy Davis Case

Executive Director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
Diann Rust-Tierney Posted: May 14, 2009 06:12 PM

The 132nd Death Row Exoneree: Implications for the Troy Davis Case
Now comes the case of Troy Anthony Davis, where the high court will again be presented with a strong claim of innocence.

Troy Anthony Davis was sentenced to death in Georgia in 1991 for the murder of police officer Mark Allen MacPhail- a crime for which there is no physical evidence linking him to the shooting, in which seven of nine witnesses who named him as the killer have since recanted their testimony, saying in sworn affidavits that they were coerced or pressured into implicating Davis, and for which no murder weapon has been produced.

Davis, like House and Herrera, has been fighting for years for a new trial through which to prove his innocence. Last month the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that effort, saying that the affidavits from the witnesses who recanted were introduced “too late” in the process. In her dissenting opinion, Circuit Court Judge Rosemary Barkett wrote, “To execute Davis, in the face of a significant amount of proffered evidence that may establish his actual innocence, is unconscionable and unconstitutional.”

If there is any lesson that should be learned from these cases it is that our capital punishment system has some serious flaws. Not the least of which is a sufficiently adequate process for assuring that no innocent man or women is executed. The route to safety is too obscured by technicalities.

The Troy Anthony Davis case presents another test for the system. We must be as determined as the lawyers and other advocates who worked tirelessly to save the life of Paul House to prevent the execution of Troy Anthony Davis. While it should not be true — it is — it will take an extraordinary effort to prevent a miscarriage of justice here.

The Paul House case is a chilling reminder of just how often the system makes mistakes.

It should strengthen our resolve in the Davis case.

(A Global Day of Action in support of Davis has been organized by Amnesty International USA for May 19th. For more information on scheduled events of that day, and what can be done to obtain clemency for Davis, visit http://www.aiusa.org./troydavis.)

(end clipping)

May 19, 2009: Day of Action for Troy Davis!

WE Are going to devote the next two days to Troy Davis, because we know this fight is one that needs every hand on deck.

Listen to Troy Davis speaking about the wrong and why we need to get the killer off the street, now.

Troy Davis has not received Justice. There is NO Physical Evidence Against Him. yet He sits on Death Row. It’s time to right the wrong before Troy is Executed for a Crime He Did Not Commit. Won’t You Join us in our Support of Troy Davis, by participating in this day of support on Tuesday May 19th, 2009. Show the World that You Support Truth and Justice -

Free Troy Davis.

Troy Davis : Finality over Fairness.

Troy Davis

Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer in 1991. Nearly two decades later, Davis remains on death row – even though the case against him has completely fallen apart. » Learn more about Troy Davis

GLOBAL DAY FOR TROY DAVIS

May 19: Participate in the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis

Troy Davis, a man who may well be innocent, has a 30-day stay of execution that is about to expire. No court has yet held a hearing on the new evidence of tainted testimony, yet they are willing to end his life. On May 19th, every person can help make a difference by participating in any activity, event or creative action that calls attention to the injustice of his case.

» Find out what Global Day activities are happening in your state
» Organize and register your own Global Day of Action for Troy Davis event
» Download and print the May 19 Atlanta rally flyer
» Don’t forget: Share pictures from your Day of Action events or activities
» Don’t forget: Give us feedback on your Day of Action

LATEST NEWS ON TROY DAVIS

The Court extended Davis’ stay of execution for 30 days to give him a chance to file a habeas corpus petition with the US Supreme Court. » More information on the court’s decision and case background

TROY DAVIS RESOURCES

Activists turn out in support of Troy Davis © Private

Order an “I am Troy Davis” t-shirt Listen to Troy tell his story Join the discussion on our blog Hear from Troy’s sister Visit Troy Davis’ website Send a solidarity message to Troy on his E-Book through AI-France

| Download a fact sheet on Davis’ case
| Read more about innocence on Georgia’s death row

GLOBAL DAY ACTION IDEAS

» Encourage friends online to email Georgia’s Governor Perdue using blogs, social networks, and other websites
» Download and print the petition to help gather more signatures
» Visit GFADP to see what activists are doing in Georgia
» Urge clergy members and religious leaders to sign on to this letter (.doc) condemning the death penalty
» Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. It’s quick and easy using the ACLU’s website.
» Spread the word: Text “TROY” to 90999 on your cell phone

Please do not contact the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles directly right now, as doing so could be detrimental to Troy’s case.  Instead, we encourage you to contact Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.

Read the report:

• Where is the justice for me?: The case of Troy Davis, facing execution in Georgia

Read the press releases:

• Supreme Court’s Death Penalty Ruling in Troy Davis Case Reveals ‘Catastrophic Flaws in the U.S. Death Penalty Machine’
• Religious Leaders, Members of Congress, Entertainers, Civil Rights Leaders Lead Worldwide Clemency Call for Troy Davis
• Amnesty International USA Applauds Stay of Execution for Troy Davis
• Amnesty International USA Applauds Georgia Supreme Court Action in Troy Davis Case
• Amnesty International USA Calls Georgia Supreme Court Hearing on Troy Davis Case ‘Essential,’ Saying ‘the Original Case Has No Legs’
• Amnesty International USA Decries Ruling in Troy Davis Case
• Amnesty International Condemns Parole Board Decision to Allow the Execution of Troy Davis
• Amnesty International Praises Stay of Execution for Troy Davis
• Amnesty International Decries U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Deny Troy Davis Petition
• In Final Days Before Troy Davis Execution Date, Concerned Public Worldwide Demands Action

Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it, about it, and subscribe to the blog RSS feed.

What Do You Know About Troy Davis ?

Spread the word: Text “TROY” to 90999 on your cell phone

This is clipped from an excellent article on huffington today -

The 132nd Death Row Exoneree: Implications for the Troy Davis Case

Executive Director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
Diann Rust-Tierney Posted: May 14, 2009 06:12 PM

The 132nd Death Row Exoneree: Implications for the Troy Davis Case
Now comes the case of Troy Anthony Davis, where the high court will again be presented with a strong claim of innocence.

Troy Anthony Davis was sentenced to death in Georgia in 1991 for the murder of police officer Mark Allen MacPhail- a crime for which there is no physical evidence linking him to the shooting, in which seven of nine witnesses who named him as the killer have since recanted their testimony, saying in sworn affidavits that they were coerced or pressured into implicating Davis, and for which no murder weapon has been produced.

Davis, like House and Herrera, has been fighting for years for a new trial through which to prove his innocence. Last month the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that effort, saying that the affidavits from the witnesses who recanted were introduced “too late” in the process. In her dissenting opinion, Circuit Court Judge Rosemary Barkett wrote, “To execute Davis, in the face of a significant amount of proffered evidence that may establish his actual innocence, is unconscionable and unconstitutional.”

If there is any lesson that should be learned from these cases it is that our capital punishment system has some serious flaws. Not the least of which is a sufficiently adequate process for assuring that no innocent man or women is executed. The route to safety is too obscured by technicalities.

The Troy Anthony Davis case presents another test for the system. We must be as determined as the lawyers and other advocates who worked tirelessly to save the life of Paul House to prevent the execution of Troy Anthony Davis. While it should not be true — it is — it will take an extraordinary effort to prevent a miscarriage of justice here.

The Paul House case is a chilling reminder of just how often the system makes mistakes.

It should strengthen our resolve in the Davis case.

(A Global Day of Action in support of Davis has been organized by Amnesty International USA for May 19th. For more information on scheduled events of that day, and what can be done to obtain clemency for Davis, visit http://www.aiusa.org./troydavis.)

(end clipping)

May 19, 2009: Day of Action for Troy Davis!

WE Are going to devote the next two days to Troy Davis, because we know this fight is one that needs every hand on deck.

Listen to Troy Davis speaking about the wrong and why we need to get the killer off the street, now.

Troy Davis has not received Justice. There is NO Physical Evidence Against Him. yet He sits on Death Row. It’s time to right the wrong before Troy is Executed for a Crime He Did Not Commit. Won’t You Join us in our Support of Troy Davis, by participating in this day of support on Tuesday May 19th, 2009. Show the World that You Support Truth and Justice -

Free Troy Davis.

Troy Davis : Finality over Fairness.

Troy Davis

Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer in 1991. Nearly two decades later, Davis remains on death row – even though the case against him has completely fallen apart. » Learn more about Troy Davis

GLOBAL DAY FOR TROY DAVIS

May 19: Participate in the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis

Troy Davis, a man who may well be innocent, has a 30-day stay of execution that is about to expire. No court has yet held a hearing on the new evidence of tainted testimony, yet they are willing to end his life. On May 19th, every person can help make a difference by participating in any activity, event or creative action that calls attention to the injustice of his case.

» Find out what Global Day activities are happening in your state
» Organize and register your own Global Day of Action for Troy Davis event
» Download and print the May 19 Atlanta rally flyer
» Don’t forget: Share pictures from your Day of Action events or activities
» Don’t forget: Give us feedback on your Day of Action

LATEST NEWS ON TROY DAVIS

The Court extended Davis’ stay of execution for 30 days to give him a chance to file a habeas corpus petition with the US Supreme Court. » More information on the court’s decision and case background

TROY DAVIS RESOURCES

Activists turn out in support of Troy Davis © Private

Order an “I am Troy Davis” t-shirt Listen to Troy tell his story Join the discussion on our blog Hear from Troy’s sister Visit Troy Davis’ website Send a solidarity message to Troy on his E-Book through AI-France

| Download a fact sheet on Davis’ case
| Read more about innocence on Georgia’s death row

GLOBAL DAY ACTION IDEAS

» Encourage friends online to email Georgia’s Governor Perdue using blogs, social networks, and other websites
» Download and print the petition to help gather more signatures
» Visit GFADP to see what activists are doing in Georgia
» Urge clergy members and religious leaders to sign on to this letter (.doc) condemning the death penalty
» Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. It’s quick and easy using the ACLU’s website.
» Spread the word: Text “TROY” to 90999 on your cell phone

Please do not contact the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles directly right now, as doing so could be detrimental to Troy’s case.  Instead, we encourage you to contact Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.

Read the report:

• Where is the justice for me?: The case of Troy Davis, facing execution in Georgia

Read the press releases:

• Supreme Court’s Death Penalty Ruling in Troy Davis Case Reveals ‘Catastrophic Flaws in the U.S. Death Penalty Machine’
• Religious Leaders, Members of Congress, Entertainers, Civil Rights Leaders Lead Worldwide Clemency Call for Troy Davis
• Amnesty International USA Applauds Stay of Execution for Troy Davis
• Amnesty International USA Applauds Georgia Supreme Court Action in Troy Davis Case
• Amnesty International USA Calls Georgia Supreme Court Hearing on Troy Davis Case ‘Essential,’ Saying ‘the Original Case Has No Legs’
• Amnesty International USA Decries Ruling in Troy Davis Case
• Amnesty International Condemns Parole Board Decision to Allow the Execution of Troy Davis
• Amnesty International Praises Stay of Execution for Troy Davis
• Amnesty International Decries U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Deny Troy Davis Petition
• In Final Days Before Troy Davis Execution Date, Concerned Public Worldwide Demands Action

Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it, about it, and subscribe to the blog RSS feed.

The Execution of Troy Davis – Will Happen TONITE IF YOU DON’T HELP STOP IT. SAVE Troy Davis, Because He Doesn’t Deserve To Die For A Crime He Didn’t Commit.

President Obama Do You Hear Us ?

Troy Davis files final appeal to U.S. Supreme Court

By BILL RANKIN

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, May 18, 2009

Death-row inmate Troy Anthony Davis on Tuesday will file a last-ditch appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the final court that can consider whether Davis killed a Savannah police officer 20 years ago.

Davis’ attorneys asked the high court to send Davis’ case back to a federal judge for an evidentiary hearing on his innocence claims.

Davis’ new evidence eviscerates the state’s case against him,” the filing said. “Despite substantial new evidence of his innocence, no court has ever held a hearing to assess the scores of new witnesses that show Mr. Davis is innocent.”

The petition says that carrying out Davis’ execution without a “full and fair hearing in which he could make a truly persuasive demonstration that he is actually innocent” would be unconstitutional.

Davis, 40, sits on death row for the killing of off-duty Officer Mark Allen MacPhail. The 27-year-old former Army ranger was shot three times before he could draw his weapon. He was responding to the wails of a man being pistol whipped in a Burger King parking lot.

Since Davis’ 1991 trial, seven of nine state witnesses have recanted their testimony and other witnesses have implicated Sylvester “Redd” Coles as the shooter. Coles was at the scene at the time of the shooting and the first person to implicate Davis in the killing.

Davis is filing an unusual petition for a writ of habeas corpus directly to the Supreme Court. It is through these lawsuits, almost always filed in lower courts and then appealed to the high court, that an inmate can bring a constitutional claim.

The last time the court granted relief to such an extraordinary petition was in 1925, Jason Ewart, one of Davis’ attorneys, said. This involved Philip Grossman, who was serving time for contempt even though he had been granted a presidential pardon. The high court ordered Grossman’s release.

Since then, however, the high court has sent some cases back to federal court judges, directing them to conduct hearings, he said.

“This is the last court that we can go to,” Ewart said. “It’s something that’s not often granted, but we think this is an exceptional case.”

Davis’ innocence claims have attracted worldwide attention. Former President Jimmy Carter, Pope Benedict XVI and former FBI Director William Sessions have asked that Davis be spared death by lethal injection. Amnesty International is holding a rally on Davis’ behalf Tuesday afternoon at the state Capitol.

Chatham County prosecutors, who tried Davis, have long expressed confidence that Davis was the triggerman. Larry Chisolm, who became Chatham’s new DA in January, declined comment Monday on the substance of prior court rulings or the facts of Davis’ case.

“He’s not going to take any action at all until all appeals are exhausted,” Lydia Sermons, a spokesman for the DA’s office, said Monday.

Davis’ Supreme Court petition notes that the only two eyewitnesses who have not recanted their trial testimony are Coles, who later told police he had a .38 caliber revolver on the night of the shooting, and Stephen Sanders, who was at the Burger King with his Air Force buddies.

Two hours after the shooting, Sanders told police he could not recognize anyone at the scene except by their clothes. At the trial two years later, Sanders identified Davis as the killer.

Davis’ recantation evidence is exceptional and warrants intervention by the high court, his petition says.

“Few — if any — recantation cases involve consistent, multiple recantations from state witnesses who were innocent bystanders to the crime,” the petition says.

In past years, Davis has come extraordinarily close to being executed and to getting relief in the courts.

Davis’ execution had previously been set three times but he was granted stays each time — once in 2007 less than 24 hours before he was to be put to death.

Davis has lost his bid for a new evidentiary hearing in two important court rulings, both decided by one-vote margins. In March 2008, the Georgia Supreme Court turned him down in a 4-3 decision. A month ago, the federal appeals court in Atlanta rejected Davis’ appeal by a 2-1 vote.

On April 16, the two federal appeals court judges in the majority said they viewed the recantations with skepticism and, after reviewing Davis’ claims, “remain unpersuaded.”

In dissent, Judge Rosemary Barkett said to execute Davis in the face of the new evidence “is unconscionable and unconstitutional.”

The court kept in place Davis’ stay of execution for another 30 days. That expired Saturday.

Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it, about it, and subscribe to the blog RSS feed.