Kristi and Juan in Spokane.(We were blessed to have time with Juan to hear his experiences, discuss Jimmy and Kerry's cases, and pray for them both)
Juan was exonerated in 2002, after losing nearly 18 years of his life living on Florida's Death Row. On the day Juan was declared innocent of all charges and set free, the state graciously gave him $100.oo, a new pair of pants and a new shirt. Not even an apology was offered...
Juan's appeal came when it was discovered that the D.A. had the confession of the real killer in his possession - 1 month prior to the Melendez trial; he also had 16 documents to back up that confession. None of that information was revealed during Juan's 2 day trial - sentenced to death on the third day.
Because of immunity over district attorneys, that D.A was not held accountable. There is no way for Mr. Melendez or any other wrongly convicted person to sue a district attorney who inadvertently or even purposely prosecutes the wrong person.
It seems accountability could probably help avoid unjust convictions - what do you think?
It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet Mr. Melendez. His eventual freedom and the life he lives now are such an encouragement to me in hopes for my own sister's life. Mr. Melendez's life on Death Row has affected him permanently; he can never turn the clock back and undo what he lost and what he experienced. Instead of dwelling on the past, Mr. Melendez is dedicated to the people he left behind. He spreads the word about the flaws in the justice system and works hard to change it to a humane, responsible, JUST one. After all, as he has said, there are many others unjustly imprisoned - and some we have already killed, "they will kill them all," if we don't do something about it.
I admire his spirit and compassion. He is a brave, exceptional man! I pray for more people like Juan Melendez to populate this world.
I thank you from my heart for the sacrifices you make to help abolish the Death Penalty Mr. Melendez!
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