To my knowledge Troy Davis is a death row inmate convicted of murdering police officer Mark MacPhail on August 19, 1989. MacPhail was working as a security guard at a Burger King when he intervened to defend a man being assaulted in a nearby parking lot. Davis was convicted as the assailant. During Davis’ trial in 1991 many witnesses testified they had seen Davis shoot MacPhail, and two others testified that Davis confessed this to them. The murder weapon was not recovered but ballistic evidence tied bullets recovered at or near the scene to those at another shooting for which Davis was also charged. Davis was convicted of murder along with various lesser charges and was sentenced to death in August 1991.
As of today Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles has rejected Troy’s clemency petition. He faces execution today at 7 pm. The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state’s non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony. Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured or coerced by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis. One of the two witnesses who has not recanted his testimony is Sylvester ”Red” Coles — the principle alternative suspect, according to the defense, against whom there is new evidence implicating him as the gunman. Nine individuals have signed affidavits implicating Sylvester Coles.
Now some of you may agree with the death penalty and some of you may not. But all stances on the law aside, is it really right to put someone to death for a murder they may have committed? I mean white, black or purple how can you justify killing a man if your case is full of holes. Would you feel right attempting to avenge your loved ones death by killing a man you think MIGHT have committed the murder? Why dont we ask the Government of the greatest country in the world. Im not saying let the man go but can we please get some solid evidence before we let the government end someones life.
For more on Troy David visit justicefortroy.org
Way #TooMuchDoubt
