TROY DAVIS and The American Justice System

Troy Davis was the man executed for the 1989 death of Mark MacPhail, a police officer, working as a security guard at Burger King in Savannah, GA. During Troy's 1991 trial, seven witnesses testified they had seen Troy shoot MacPhail, and two others testified that Troy had confessed the murder to them, and six others for the defense, including Troy. The murder weapon was never recovered and there was no DNA evidence or fingerprints, but ballistic evidence presented at trial linked bullets recovered at or near the scene to those at another shooting in which Troy was also charged. He was convicted of murder and various lesser charges, including the earlier shooting, and was sentenced to death in August 1991.

Troy maintained his innocence until his death, September 21, 2011 at 11:08 pm. In the 20 years between his conviction and execution, 7 out the 9 prosecution witnesses changed or recanted their statements. One of those witnesses being rumored to be the actual killer.  Some of the witnesses stated police coercion.  These changes and accusations were never addressed or investigated.

Over the years of Troy Davis's imprisonment, he appealed to no avail.  Finally in 2009, he was granted an evidentiary hearing. On June 2010, Troy's evidentiary hearing was held and he was required to prove his innocence, a heavy burtden to bear. Despite presenting affidavits from 7 out of 9 witnesses recanting or changing their statements, he was not granted a new trial and his conviction was upheld.

I can not say that I know without a doubt that Troy Davis was innocent or guilty.  But I can say that there was too much doubt to warrant lethal injection. America is called "the land of the free."  It has a "justice" system where each individual is "innocent" until "proven" guilty. Every man is given a "fair" trial. Tell me, do you believe this?  Unfortunately I can't say that I do. Sometimes other factors, race....age....gender....finances....education....resources...location, all play a part in someone receiving justice.  I've heard about the innocents imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit.  As a legal professional, I am aware of those unfortunate cases.  But for the first time in MY life, I watched as evidence for a new trial went ignored.  I watched as millions protesting were ignored....as opinions from respected legal scholars and experts were overlooked. And I couldn't help but wonder, why so much disregard for accuracy....for the truth?  Or is charging the RIGHT offender important anymore?  Or will anyone suffice?

What would make so many legal officials overlook standards and lack of evidence? What about the rules of professional responsibility they are governed by? Why didn't the truth matter? Why didn't millions of people protesting tug at their hearts....their conscience? Seems like all we've have is Jesus if the people we've trusted to serve and protect us are biased...making their own standards. Such blatant disregard for human life. I pray for America because we need it.

Troy Davis's execution showed us in bold print that our justice system is flawed.  It is disturbing that there's no uniformity or standards that must be followed when imposing the death penalty in the United States.  Nor any uniformity amongst Parole Boards.  Of course there are always rules and regulations in place, but are they being followed?  Who's regulating or making sure they're enforced? 

In May 22, 2008, Georgia's Board of Parole pardoned Samuel David Crowe who in March 1988, killed store manager Joseph Pala during a robbery at the lumber company in Douglas County, west of Atlanta. Crowe, who had previously worked at the store, shot Pala three times with a pistol, beat him with a crowbar and a pot of paint.  His death sentence was commuted to a life sentence without parole. It was stated that "David Crowe takes full responsibility for his crime and experiences profound remorse."  This same parole board denied Troy Davis's request, despite 7 of the 9 convicting witnesses recanting their statements. Would they have shown mercy and pardoned him if he admitted guilt and remorse for a crime that he proclaimed innocence against? 

We may never know.  I do know that I watched as millions protested and begged for a man's life to be spared. I watched as the masses, including some high esteemed individuals, were silenced by the few.  I watched as those few decided to continue with Troy Davis's death.  I watched with tears in my eyes as a possibly innocent man's life was taken in the midst of a hurricane of doubt.  I cried and my heart hurt like he was my brother. And I decided that I will no longer watch injustice.

I will no longer stand by and feel helpless and sorrowful for the indiscretions of America's "justice" system....for the indiscretions of America.  I will fight for the innocent.  I will fight against the death penalty.  I will fight for those who can't fight.  I will use my Juris Doctorate for more than just a dollar.  If I have to, I'll do it alone.  But I know I won't because you'll stand with me.  You saw what I saw.  You felt what I felt.  And you don't ever want to feel that way again. So educate yourselves. Be aware of your surroundings...your environment.  More importantly, VOTE!!!  At EVERY election, local, state and national.  Write your legislature, they work for you.  Your city council....your commissioners.....they work for YOU!!!  It's time we take a stand TOGETHER and make a change that's warranted. Let's stop being the victim. Take my hand and let's lead a purpose filled life.

Troy Davis, your life is not in vein.  You have fueled the fire in many. Thanks for the reality check. May you rest in peace.♥

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