Journey for Freedom: Revised Schedule

October 14th-- visit Kerry Lyn, hold vigil for Kerry, abolition, and the walk.

October 15th -- Leave Chowchilla in morning, walk into Fresno & spend the night.

October 16th -- Tulare 

October 17th -- Bakersfield 

October 18th -- Lebec  

October 19th -- Santa Clarita 

October 20th -- Sunvalley

October 21st -- Glendale

October 22nd -- Westlake

October 23rd -- Loyola to Longbeach

October 24th -- Mission Viejo

October 25th -- Dana Point

October 26th -- San Clemente

October 27th -- Vista

October 28th -- Escondido

October 29th -- Carmel Mountain

October 30th -- Kearny Villa Rd.

October 31st -- Old Town 

November 1st-- S.D. County Superior Courthouse

Journey for Freedom Update

http://spokanefavs.com/culture/social-issues/spokane-author-says-death-penalty-is-inhumane-should-be-abolished

Use the link above to read the article about CAGES, Kerry Lyn's case and the Death Penalty.

This is the front and back of the t-shirts Victoria will be wearing on the walk.

 

Please check last post for details on Journey for Freedom

Death Penalty Comemorative Street preformance

September 15, 2012,  Riverfront Park Spokane, Riverpark Square, and surroundings areas of downtown Spokane, a group of activists portrayed four executed citizens guarded by law enforcement in the effort to bring attention to the state killings. This was a part of the Amnesty International Week Of Death Penalty Awareness. A week that acknowledged the 1 year anniversary of Troy Davis' execution, Sept. 21st, 2011, and brought attention to the Reggie Clemmons hearings currently in session.

Participants in the street theater wore arm and wrist shackles, had make up to appear deathly, and bore signs around their necks signifying who they were.

Troy Davis murdered by the state of Georgia.

Cameron Todd Willingham murdered by the state of Texas.

Teresa Lewis murdered by the state of Virginia.

Cal Brown murdered by the state of Washington.

The activists shared information on all the deceased and provided facts on the Death Penalty for passers by.

They informed the onlookers that the state inserts "Homicide" on the line of the executed's death certificate, even though they put "legal" in front of it, the state acknowledges they have committed murder.

A Conversation about the Death Penalty

September 19, 2012, at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Spokane, WA, Three community members and a Gonzaga Professor as moderator, presented their expert information in regards to the Death Penalty and its workings, from their unique perspectives. Dr. Raymond Reyes moderated the panel as they shared the realities of the Death Penalty "system" with the audience. Reverend Dr. Todd Eklof brought the moral values and ethical questions into account. Beull Holister is a victim's family member who shared the truth on the closure aspect of murders. And Victoria Thorpe provided the realities of living with a wrongful conviction. Each member was well educated in their areas and all were ready with statistics and facts for the audience questions. It was a good evening of friendly conversation about Capital Punishment. The panel and audience ended agreeing the United States needs to be educated in the truth on this subject along with tackling the obstacle of fear and replacing it with compassion and understanding.
Thank you to everyone who participated!!

Missconduct on the part of government employees at the heart of this Death Penalty case-

Charge dismissed against Ohioan once on death row

The Associated Press

Published: Thursday, Sep. 6, 2012 - 12:06 pm

CLEVELAND -- An Ohio man who spent more than 21 years on death row is free after a judge dismissed the murder charge against him in a 1988 stabbing death.

A Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County judge on Thursday dismissed the aggravated murder count against 62-year-old Michael Keenan after determining evidence that could have exonerated him was withheld from his trial attorneys.

A co-defendant was freed in 2010 by a judge citing the same reason.

Keenan was convicted twice of killing Tony Klann in a Cleveland park. Keenan's attorney says a priest who befriended the co-defendant helped uncover evidence favorable to both men.

A federal judge in April had ruled that Keenan must be retried or the verdict set side.

Congratulations Mr. Keenan!

more info at Death Penalty Info Center: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-ohio-judge-dismisses-all-charges-and-frees-inmate-death-row

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/06/4794126/charge-dismissed-against-ohioan.html#storylink=cpy

Honor Life: Abolish the Death Penalty

July 21st, 2012

The event was fantastic! People of compassion and the desire to gain understanding gathered for the rooftop garden party with live music, food and refreshments.  150 eager listeners heard Jason's personal story, were introduced to Kerry Dalton's case, and heard about two more families in our community who have loved ones on Death Row. You can read more at this link to SpokaneFAVS (a division of the Faith and Values news network).  

The article written by Tracy Simmons 

http://spokanefavs.com/culture/social-issues/group-fights-to-abolish-death-penalty

 Jason Baldwin working to change a broken system.

Jason and Holly Ballard. She is a champion for the cause! They just finished working on a new movie about the West Memphis Three, Devil's Knot, and are busy campaigning to end the death penalty.

Jason and Holly pose with some of those who made this event come together.

Victoria with Jason after she shared Kerry's story and introduced CAGES.

Our thanks and love to Jason and Holly!!!

Bryan Stevenson: amazing human rights activist

Please watch this wonderful video of Bryan Stevenson sharing his wisdom and hope as eloquent as could be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tOp7OxyQ8