Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 7.24.13 This is one of those weeks when a scheduled execution overshadows everything. Nevertheless, we were of course pleased to learn that two men are leaving Alabama’s death row. Both men were resentenced. They are Montez Spradley and Demetrius Jackson. Montez Spradley could be released in less than 10 years. Demetrius Jackson whose jury had voted 10-2 to recommend life and had been over ruled by the trial judge and given a death sentence, now faces life in prison. Our congratulations to both, as well of course as to their attorneys! Much of our activity this week has focused on the upcoming execution of Andrew Lackey, still scheduled for tomorrow. Andrew Lackey suffers from serious long standing mental illness and is being treated by the prison doctors with psychotropic medication. After a failed suicide attempt he requested an execution date, even though no state or federal court has completed appellate review to determine whether his trial was fair or his sentence appropriate. I was able to share with the men that this has attracted world- wide negative attention from friends in England, France and Germany. They find it incomprehensible and barbaric. We too find it incomprehensible and barbaric! The men are preparing for vigils and know that friends will be attending in Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville. They asked me to convey their thanks for the support. (details of the vigils may be found on our face book page as well as on our web site, phadp.org) Esther reported briefly on a conference call with the NCADP, MVFHR and MVFR on the role of murder victims in the struggle. As always we are grateful for the important role that Callie Greer fulfills in this capacity in Alabama. Where would we be without her? We also appreciate the 2 other Murder Victims Family members whose support we treasure, Antoinette Bosco and Bill Pelke. We thank you! In closing we want to remind all that it is still not too late to contact the Governor to let him know that this State assisted suicide is not in our name. Here are the contact details: Email: governor.alabama.gov/contact/contact_form.aspx THE HONORABLE GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY STATE CAPITOL N 104 600 Dexter Ave MONTGOMERY, AL 36130 2751 PHONE 1-334-242-7100 1-334-242-7100 FREE FAX: 1-334-242-3282 Thank you to all who have already contacted Governor Bentley! See you next week! Esther
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:45:59 +0000