Topic: Tonight, the US will execute another innocent man - executed at 11:08pm Eastern
cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w started this discussion 15 years ago #12,158
A black man who was convicted of killing a white police officer, almost entirely on the testimony of nine witnesses – seven of whom have since recanted – will die tonight.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/georgia-inmate-polygraph-execution-14569626
http://www.thenation.com/article/163522/killing-troy-davis
Davis' supporters include former President Jimmy Carter, Pope Benedict XVI and a former FBI director, the NAACP, as well as conservative figures. The U.S. Supreme Court even gave him an unusual opportunity to prove his innocence last year, but ultimately didn't hear the merits of the case.
Several witnesses have recanted their accounts that it was Davis who pulled the trigger, and some jurors have said they've changed their minds about his guilt. Still, prosecutors and MacPhail's family have staunchly backed the verdict and state and federal courts have repeatedly upheld his conviction.
MacPhail was working security at a bus station on Aug. 19, 1989, and rushed to the aid of Larry Young, a homeless man who prosecutors say Davis was bashing with a handgun after asking him for a beer. When MacPhail got there, they say Davis had a smirk on his face as he shot the officer to death in a Burger King parking lot. Others have claimed the man with Davis that night has told people he actually shot the officer.
No gun was ever found, but shell casings were linked, prosecutors say, to an earlier shooting for which Davis was convicted. Witnesses placed Davis at the crime scene and identified him as the shooter. However, no other physical evidence was found, including blood or DNA, that tied Davis to the crime.
Several witnesses have recanted their accounts that it was Davis who pulled the trigger, and some jurors have said they've changed their minds about his guilt. Still, prosecutors and MacPhail's family have staunchly backed the verdict and state and federal courts have repeatedly upheld his conviction.
MacPhail was working security at a bus station on Aug. 19, 1989, and rushed to the aid of Larry Young, a homeless man who prosecutors say Davis was bashing with a handgun after asking him for a beer. When MacPhail got there, they say Davis had a smirk on his face as he shot the officer to death in a Burger King parking lot. Others have claimed the man with Davis that night has told people he actually shot the officer.
No gun was ever found, but shell casings were linked, prosecutors say, to an earlier shooting for which Davis was convicted. Witnesses placed Davis at the crime scene and identified him as the shooter. However, no other physical evidence was found, including blood or DNA, that tied Davis to the crime.
“If I knew then what I know now,†juror Brenda Forrest said in 2009, “Troy Davis would not be on death row.â€
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/georgia-inmate-polygraph-execution-14569626
http://www.thenation.com/article/163522/killing-troy-davis
(Edited 9 hours later.)
Anonymous B joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later[^] [v] #218,796
Nothing I can do about it.
Anonymous C joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 5 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,798
If he even shot at jimmy carter then he should be executed. Jimmy Carter is a saint.
cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 6 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,799
Anonymous C replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 8 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,801
@previous (cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w)
Oh, is it? I kinda just skimmed it. Well, if I'm right then I stand behind it.
Oh, is it? I kinda just skimmed it. Well, if I'm right then I stand behind it.
Ks !KansasxqvM joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 42 seconds later, 8 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,802
inb4 last minute reprieve. There is enough doubt now not to execute the guy, but there is also a few reasons to think he might be guilty. Its a very interesting case, but I hope they figure it out rather than kill the guy and bury the case.
cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 12 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,807
@previous (Ks !KansasxqvM)
I'm not sure who would take it at this point. SCOTUS has already taken a pass, Georgia governor can't intervene, neither can Obama. Seems like it's going to happen.
I'm not sure who would take it at this point. SCOTUS has already taken a pass, Georgia governor can't intervene, neither can Obama. Seems like it's going to happen.
(Edited 3 minutes later.)
Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 14 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,809
I though Troy's last appeal was tonight?
Oh nevermind, it was a few days ago and he lost it. :-/
Oh nevermind, it was a few days ago and he lost it. :-/
(Edited 1 minute later.)
sluggy joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 16 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,810
From what I read, he may actually be guilty. There isn't anything compelling. Irrelevant though, he shouldn't be facing execution regardless. I kind of hope he is guilty if he's going to die.
The thing is, he really doesn't look like a cold blooded killer. He wears glasses.
The thing is, he really doesn't look like a cold blooded killer. He wears glasses.
Anonymous C replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 18 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,811
Anonymous E replied with this 15 years ago, 3 seconds later, 18 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,812
Georgia inmate Troy Davis's last-ditch request for a lie detector test to try to prove his innocence ahead of tonight's planned execution has been denied by Georgia Department of Corrections.
:-(
cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 20 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,813
@218,810 (sluggy)
There's very little evidence. Just no major procedural fuckups/technicalities to appeal on, and governor/president's hands are tied from making an executive decision.
There's very little evidence. Just no major procedural fuckups/technicalities to appeal on, and governor/president's hands are tied from making an executive decision.
(Edited 53 seconds later.)
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 54 seconds later, 21 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,814
@218,807 (cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w)
> Georgia governor can't intervene
What?!? Why not? I haven't read the second article yet...
A system that lets this go down is seriously fucking flawed, from what I've read there is clearly not proof of his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It looks like he could be guilty, but is sure doesn't look he is without a doubt guilty.
How does this even happen? When 90% of the case is based on eyewitness testimony and the eyewitnesses recant... It bothers me that 7 of the 9 eyewitnesses recanted, you don't testify unless you're about as sure as a person can be. What made these people change their mind? So much I don't know about the case, of course the first I heard about it was yesterday... this is a travesty.
> Georgia governor can't intervene
What?!? Why not? I haven't read the second article yet...
A system that lets this go down is seriously fucking flawed, from what I've read there is clearly not proof of his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It looks like he could be guilty, but is sure doesn't look he is without a doubt guilty.
How does this even happen? When 90% of the case is based on eyewitness testimony and the eyewitnesses recant... It bothers me that 7 of the 9 eyewitnesses recanted, you don't testify unless you're about as sure as a person can be. What made these people change their mind? So much I don't know about the case, of course the first I heard about it was yesterday... this is a travesty.
cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 57 seconds later, 22 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,815
@previous (Ks !KansasxqvM)
From what I understand, that authority rests with the state parole/review board, which is unusual. And it's a state charge so Obama can't do anything.
From what I understand, that authority rests with the state parole/review board, which is unusual. And it's a state charge so Obama can't do anything.
Fake anon !ZkUt8arUCU joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 19 minutes later, 41 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,816
Fallible justice system + irreversable punishment = problems
Yay death penalty!
Yay death penalty!
TheSheep !kJ.A4PF7.k joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 47 seconds later, 42 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,817
> the US
That's your problem
That's your problem
Anonymous C replied with this 15 years ago, 12 minutes later, 54 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #218,818
In America we believe in our convictions.
Anonymous I joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 15 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #218,819
He probably did it though.
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 12 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #218,822
Anonymous C replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #218,824
Voice of !WisdomHsuU joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 38 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,828
Even though I won't be attending his funeral, I will still send a nice letter saying I approved of it.
Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,830
Anonymous L joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 37 seconds later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,831
I'm just glad that Jimmy Carter survived.
stickybuns !bENfolDsOU joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 39 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,850
@218,812 (E)
Wait, if they're so sure he's guilty, then why not make him undergo a lie detector test to 'prove' their point more?
Wait, if they're so sure he's guilty, then why not make him undergo a lie detector test to 'prove' their point more?
Anonymous C replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,854
@previous (stickybuns !bENfolDsOU)
Their point was proven in court already and agreed upon by a jury. How many times do they have to prove it? How much more money are thwy going to spend proving their point over and over and over.
Their point was proven in court already and agreed upon by a jury. How many times do they have to prove it? How much more money are thwy going to spend proving their point over and over and over.
Anonymous E replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,858
@218,816 (Fake anon !ZkUt8arUCU)
> Fallible justice system + irreversable punishment = problems
>
> Yay death penalty!
This. I'm glad we don't have the death penalty here.
> Fallible justice system + irreversable punishment = problems
>
> Yay death penalty!
This. I'm glad we don't have the death penalty here.
(Edited 9 seconds later.)
Nickalollyoff !Aw0s40dyqw joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 49 minutes later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,903
@218,828 (Voice of !WisdomHsuU)
> Even though I won't be attending his funeral, I will still send a nice letter saying I approved of it.
it's like you actively try to be a cunt
> Even though I won't be attending his funeral, I will still send a nice letter saying I approved of it.
it's like you actively try to be a cunt
Voice of !WisdomHsuU replied with this 15 years ago, 8 minutes later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,908
@previous (Nickalollyoff !Aw0s40dyqw)
> black man who was convicted of killing a white police officer
My sympathy can only go so far.
> black man who was convicted of killing a white police officer
My sympathy can only go so far.
Anonymous O joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 26 minutes later, 4 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,918
@218,903 (Nickalollyoff !Aw0s40dyqw)
> it's like you actively try to be a cunt
It's funny 'cause it's true. :')
> it's like you actively try to be a cunt
It's funny 'cause it's true. :')
Anonymous C replied with this 15 years ago, 17 minutes later, 4 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,922
Anonymous E replied with this 15 years ago, 36 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,932
Troy Davis, the condemned inmate who convinced hundreds of thousands of people but not the justice system of his innocence, filed an eleventh-hour plea Wednesday asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop Georgia authorities from executing him for the murder of an off-duty police officer.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/09/21/general-us-georgia-execution_8693550.html
(Edited 12 seconds later.)
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 9 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,940
Should be happening right now.
Anonymous J replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,942
cccuuunnttt !nIGga.SL0w (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 29 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,960
Temporarily delayed while Supreme Court considers a stay of execution.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/22/troy-davis-execution-delayed
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/22/troy-davis-execution-delayed
(Edited 33 seconds later.)
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 25 minutes later, 6 hours after the original post[^] [v] #218,978
Anonymous P joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 2 hours later, 8 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,174
is he dead yet?
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 8 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,177
Anonymous Q joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 9 minutes later, 8 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,184
@previous (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
Whenever Al Sharpton is involved it makes me suspicious. This man had nearly twenty years of appeals, either our justice system is a complete fucking joke, or he's an easy rallying cry for the black community to use. There was little to no physical evidence at the trial because the case was seen as so open and shut...not because it didn't exist.
Whenever Al Sharpton is involved it makes me suspicious. This man had nearly twenty years of appeals, either our justice system is a complete fucking joke, or he's an easy rallying cry for the black community to use. There was little to no physical evidence at the trial because the case was seen as so open and shut...not because it didn't exist.
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 13 minutes later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,189
@previous (Q)
Really? You think the police/prosecution were sitting around thinking, lol we have so much great evidence about this cop's murder, but we'll just not present it?
The thing people forget about appeals is that they very rarely deal directly with the important things like guilt or innocence, but rather specific procedural and technical issues that are identified. It's not like the whole case is heard over again at every stage -- rather lawyers are picking over the record for specific errors that occurred before, like if the jury was instructed incorrectly or evidence was wrongly allowed in. There's no rule that allows for appeal on the basis of a witness later recanting, or a juror waking up and saying they were wrong. They don't get another shot unless there's such a grievous error that the whole thing is overturned, which appeals courts absolutely hate to do.
It's basically one shot, and a lot of nitpicking over what happened the first time.
Really? You think the police/prosecution were sitting around thinking, lol we have so much great evidence about this cop's murder, but we'll just not present it?
The thing people forget about appeals is that they very rarely deal directly with the important things like guilt or innocence, but rather specific procedural and technical issues that are identified. It's not like the whole case is heard over again at every stage -- rather lawyers are picking over the record for specific errors that occurred before, like if the jury was instructed incorrectly or evidence was wrongly allowed in. There's no rule that allows for appeal on the basis of a witness later recanting, or a juror waking up and saying they were wrong. They don't get another shot unless there's such a grievous error that the whole thing is overturned, which appeals courts absolutely hate to do.
It's basically one shot, and a lot of nitpicking over what happened the first time.
(Edited 3 minutes later.)
sluggy replied with this 15 years ago, 11 minutes later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,196
@218,854 (C)
Eyewitness testimony is flawed. Most recanted. Almost all cases where DNA evidence exonerated someone, they were convicted on eyewitness testimony.
The only other evidence is that the gun was believed to be the same one he used in another crime, but they never found the gun.
What's so wrong about giving him life instead of the death penalty? He can then attempt to prove his innocence. If he isn't innocent, he is still locked away.
as a people, we really should be at that prison to try and atop it by force. It's murder. We are a weak country.
Eyewitness testimony is flawed. Most recanted. Almost all cases where DNA evidence exonerated someone, they were convicted on eyewitness testimony.
The only other evidence is that the gun was believed to be the same one he used in another crime, but they never found the gun.
What's so wrong about giving him life instead of the death penalty? He can then attempt to prove his innocence. If he isn't innocent, he is still locked away.
as a people, we really should be at that prison to try and atop it by force. It's murder. We are a weak country.
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 51 seconds later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,201
Supreme Court will not stop the execution.
Anonymous R joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 21 minutes later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,215
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 10 minutes later, 9 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,226
Anonymous I replied with this 15 years ago, 19 minutes later, 10 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,245
I don't see how giving him a last minute lie detector test would really that big of a deal, unless it would require all new trials and stuff.
Anonymous S joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 10 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,254
I don't see why people think lie detector tests are valid.
The Truth !!vSp31CfSr joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 46 minutes later, 10 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,299
But:
> and two others testified that Davis confessed to them
So, the man confessed... How was he innocent? Anyways, he is dead now.
> and two others testified that Davis confessed to them
So, the man confessed... How was he innocent? Anyways, he is dead now.
The Truth !!vSp31CfSr double-posted this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 10 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,300
Also:
> Davis had also been involved in another shooting in which he was charged and ballistics from MacPhail's shooting were compared and matched to the gun used in the first one.
Innocent my ass.
> Davis had also been involved in another shooting in which he was charged and ballistics from MacPhail's shooting were compared and matched to the gun used in the first one.
Innocent my ass.
Triptych !LightPenis joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 9 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,302
@219,299 (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
It's two people saying that he confessed to them. Two witnesses who could have lied. Testimony is all well and good, but you need evidence too.
It's two people saying that he confessed to them. Two witnesses who could have lied. Testimony is all well and good, but you need evidence too.
The Truth !!vSp31CfSr replied with this 15 years ago, 4 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,306
@previous (Triptych !LightPenis)
I understand you, but take a look at the man's record, he was no saint and things point out to his verdict being right.
See:
@219,300 (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
I understand you, but take a look at the man's record, he was no saint and things point out to his verdict being right.
See:
@219,300 (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 5 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,314
@previous (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
That does point towards him being guilty, but it's not absolute proof. If it turns out that he's innocent, a death sentence can't exactly be undone. Why not give him a life sentence instead? It comes out to the same thing, really.
That does point towards him being guilty, but it's not absolute proof. If it turns out that he's innocent, a death sentence can't exactly be undone. Why not give him a life sentence instead? It comes out to the same thing, really.
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 6 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,321
@previous (Triptych !LightPenis)
> It comes out to the same thing, really.
Not so much, lifers make a life for themselves in prison, they make friends, enjoy things etc. Something their victim/s never get to do...
> It comes out to the same thing, really.
Not so much, lifers make a life for themselves in prison, they make friends, enjoy things etc. Something their victim/s never get to do...
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 22 seconds later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,322
@219,299 (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
Of the two who reported he had confessed, one has since recanted (reporting police coercion, a common theme among the seven witnesses who have recanted). The other? He was initially a strong suspect in the case himself, and several witnesses maintain that this person was the guilty party.
http://www.iactucson.org/2011/09/19/troy-davis-life-on-the-line/
@219,300 (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
Only one ballistics expert testified to this, and with "some doubt":
https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR51/023/2007/en/909e39f7-d3b6-11dd-a329-2f46302a8cc6/amr510232007en.html
Of the two who reported he had confessed, one has since recanted (reporting police coercion, a common theme among the seven witnesses who have recanted). The other? He was initially a strong suspect in the case himself, and several witnesses maintain that this person was the guilty party.
http://www.iactucson.org/2011/09/19/troy-davis-life-on-the-line/
One witness, Jeffrey Sapp, recounted how he was pressured by police to testify to Davis confessing the killing to Sapp even though Troy Davis did not say anything to him. Another witness, Darell Collins, declared that he was threatened with being an accomplice in the murder of a police officer if he did not finger Davis as the killer. Sylvester Coles, initially a suspect himself after he confessed that he was carrying a .38 weapon, the same weapon used to kill MacPhail, an hour before MacPhail was shot, claimed that Davis was the shooter and is one of two original trial witnesses testifying to Davis’ guilt.
@219,300 (The Truth !!vSp31CfSr)
Only one ballistics expert testified to this, and with "some doubt":
https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR51/023/2007/en/909e39f7-d3b6-11dd-a329-2f46302a8cc6/amr510232007en.html
A ballistics expert testified at the trial that the .38 calibre bullet that killed Officer McPhail could possibly have been fired from the same gun that wounded Michael Cooper, although he admitted that he had "some doubt" about this. He was "confident" that .38 calibre shell casings found at the Cloverdale party matched one allegedly found by a homeless man near the Burger King restaurant. The homeless man did not testify at the trial.
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 7 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,327
@previous (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
> Sylvester Coles, initially a suspect himself after he confessed that he was carrying a .38 weapon, the same weapon used to kill MacPhail
Wow... seems a little transparent.
> Sylvester Coles, initially a suspect himself after he confessed that he was carrying a .38 weapon, the same weapon used to kill MacPhail
Wow... seems a little transparent.
Fake anon !ZkUt8arUCU replied with this 15 years ago, 5 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,336
@previous (Ks !KansasxqvM)
That's why I can't in good conscience support the death penalty. For every open-and-shut case involving a child-murdering serial rapist, there are an indeterminate number of people who just had bad luck with their trial and appeals: Lazy cops, lying witnesses, incompetent judges, etc.
That's why I can't in good conscience support the death penalty. For every open-and-shut case involving a child-murdering serial rapist, there are an indeterminate number of people who just had bad luck with their trial and appeals: Lazy cops, lying witnesses, incompetent judges, etc.
Ks !KansasxqvM replied with this 15 years ago, 7 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,348
@previous (Fake anon !ZkUt8arUCU)
I can't believe they still executed the guy, given all the doubt introduced, manufactured doubt or not. -1 for the justice system. I hope it doesn't just get swept under the rug though, maybe it will lead to some changes.
I can't believe they still executed the guy, given all the doubt introduced, manufactured doubt or not. -1 for the justice system. I hope it doesn't just get swept under the rug though, maybe it will lead to some changes.
Anonymous E replied with this 15 years ago, 6 hours later, 18 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,465
sluggy replied with this 15 years ago, 29 minutes later, 18 hours after the original post[^] [v] #219,472
@219,348 (Ks !KansasxqvM)
I would love to see the death penalty abolished in my lifetime. I'd like to think it would be, but we can't even get weed legalized. I loss a lot of faith in the US from weed documentaries. Not because of weed, but because of the way our country operates.
I would love to see the death penalty abolished in my lifetime. I'd like to think it would be, but we can't even get weed legalized. I loss a lot of faith in the US from weed documentaries. Not because of weed, but because of the way our country operates.