October 10 marks the annual World Day Against the Death Penalty, and we will be joining coalition partners across the country for the National Christian Prayer Call on the Death Penalty.
During this event, you’ll hear from death row exoneree Sabrina Butler-Smith and murder victim family member David Taynor. We will take time to join in prayer for several specific aspects of the death penalty:
- Those directly impacted by harm and violence
- Those currently on death row
- Elected officials who can influence death penalty legislation
- The hearts and minds of U.S. citizens
Join Demetrius Minor, National Manager, on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m. (ET).
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at noon Pacific/3 p.m. Eastern, Death Penalty Focus hosted a webinar marking the 22nd World Day Against the Death Penalty. The discussion addressed the demonstrable falsehood that the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime.
Panelists included:
- Philip Hansten (Moderator): Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington, he specializes in the philosophy of science and drug interactions. His expertise in lethal injection drugs led him to engage in the death penalty debate.
- Stephen Oliphant: A postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, Stephen’s interdisciplinary work focuses on the effects of firearm laws and social policies on violence.
- Shelan Y. Joseph: With 29 years of experience in criminal and juvenile law, Shelan advises the Los Angeles District Attorney on death penalty policy, juvenile law, and conviction integrity.
- Miriam Aroni Krinsky: A former prosecutor and national advocate, Miriam founded Fair and Just Prosecution, supporting innovative approaches among recently elected prosecutors. She has extensive experience in criminal justice reform.
The program lasted about an hour last night.
Additional Updates
Jurors Deadlock in Sacramento Capital Murder Case
In July, a Sacramento jury found Anton Paris guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Deputy Mark Stasyuk. However, jurors recently deadlocked on his sentencing, unable to decide between death and life in prison.
California’s SB 1001 Passes; SB 94 Stalls
Two significant criminal justice bills were introduced in California’s Senate this session. While SB 1001 passed, it awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, while SB 94 stalled.
Kevin Cooper’s Experience
In a recent conversation, Kevin Cooper shared his perspective on life off death row, emphasizing the importance of dignity and respect in the prison system.
Texas Execution Controversy
Texas may execute Robert Roberson, who has autism, on October 17. Sentenced to death 20 years ago for the death of his daughter, Roberson’s case raises serious concerns about the validity of the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis.
Alabama Schedules Multiple Executions
Alabama plans to execute three individuals, the most since 2011, including Alan Miller and Carey Dale Grayson.
NSA Confirms Ethel Rosenberg’s Innocence
A newly released NSA document confirms that the U.S. government was aware that Ethel Rosenberg was not a spy before her trial and execution.
In Brief:
South Carolina executed Freddie Owens, also known as Khalil Allah, marking the 14th execution in the U.S. this year. This execution is part of a series scheduled across multiple states.
Monthly Recommendations
We suggest checking out a poignant poem that incorporates the last words of executed individuals, along with a visual archive of mug shots and last statements from those executed in Texas over the past 40 years.