Troy Davis reaction: Resignation from John Lewis, and a call for a prison strike
As you probably know, the state Board of Pardons and Paroles this morning declined to commute the death sentence of Troy Anthony Davis, convicted of the 1989 murder of an off-duty police officer.
The decision was immediately denounced by Amnesty International, the NAACP and other groups that made the case an international cause – arguing that the recantation of multiple eyewitnesses had thrown sufficient doubt on the verdict.
Republicans, including Gov. Nathan Deal, have remained largely quiet, preferring the system to run its course.
The reaction from Democrats has varied. U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Atlanta expressed resignation. In part:
“We have come a great distance in Georgia, but today we have demonstrated we still have a great distance to go before we build a society based on simple justice that values the dignity and the worth of every human being. We are not there yet. I am deeply saddened and deeply disappointed by this decision, but in light of all I have seen through the years, it does not surprise me.”
State Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, called for a work stoppage by the men and women who keep inmates at the Jackson, Ga., facility corralled. Again, in part:
”I am calling for a general strike or sick-out by all but a skeleton staff of the Georgia Diagnostic Prison on September 21st, 2011. I say to the prison staff: If you work on that day, you will enable the prison to carry out the execution of a possibly innocent man.”
In a column he wrote for CNN, former Georgia congressman and federal prosecutor Bob Barr levels this harsh criticism:
Imposing a death sentence on the skimpiest of evidence does not serve the interest of justice. The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles did not honor the standards of justice on which all Americans depend by granting clemency. In doing so, it will allow a man to be executed when we cannot be assured of his guilt.
That was the final admirable principle standing between Davis and his scheduled death by lethal injection Wednesday. And the parole board did not uphold it.
Commenting on this post has been closed.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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196 comments Add your comment
Aaron Burr V Mexico
September 20th, 2011
1:08 pm
All those people shouting hooray for the Death Penalty and letting Old People die when Ron Paul and Rick Perry spoke, guess they were from Georgia. This state isn’t quite as dumb as Italy yet by prosecuting scientists for not ‘predicting’ earth quakes, but its only a matter of time.
Soooooooooo glad I’m getting out of here. Good riddance.
Do Him NOW!!!!!
September 20th, 2011
1:08 pm
Troy Davis is a human POS cop killer! He has lived 20 years longer than he should have. It is too bad we don’t still use the Electric Chair in Georgia – a dose of the Big Sleep is too easy of a way for this piece of human garbage to go out. If any correctional officer is hurt in any way by inmates due to the actions and suggestions of John Lewis and Vincent Fort – they Lewis and Fort and Fort should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law….EXECUTE TROY DAVIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
DamntheButcher
September 20th, 2011
1:09 pm
After tomorrow Night Troy Davis will never harm anybody else.
Glad for Justice
September 20th, 2011
1:09 pm
Davis went on to shoot another man that night after this incident, and he was found to be in possession of the same gun that killed the officer.
So what if some scumbag drug dealers and low life’s decided to change their story years later. Facts are facts, this scumbag will finally get what he deserves tomorrow.
And some of you are absolutely idiotic, in that you most likely know nothing about this case, yet you seem to think you are aware of every aspect. Get a clue, and stop spouting off stuff you know nothing about. At least read the transcripts of the trial before you go off and yell foul at the justice system.
As for the naacp ( couldn’t care to capitalize a racist organization) why were they not there to rally for the Memphis 3? Or any other case that involved innocent white people? Because they are racist and only care about black people. So they automatically have no credit in anything with me.
John Lewis and Vincent Fort
September 20th, 2011
1:10 pm
John Lewis and Vincent Fort need to SHUT th HELL UP!!! Execute Troy Davis now and use the Electric Chair to do it!
T.
September 20th, 2011
1:11 pm
Deal shows what kind of person he really is, a all white parole board,did any one expect anything different?
Because he’s black he’s automatically not guilty?
Blacks don’t ever think Blacks are guilty. Not so of white’s. Theodore Bundy got what he deserved.
KPR
September 20th, 2011
1:12 pm
When does the term “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” make sense? Not an exact doubt, just reasonable? If there is any doubt, then you have to err on the side of Not Guilty or Clemency. If this execution is carried out and hard evidence comes out later that he indeed was telling the truth, do you just say “Oops, my Bad, If only I had known.” There are some decisions that can never be corrected and without taking sides either way, how can you honestly take a like for a life taken without being certain of the guilt? I feel for both families, but they need to ask themselves the question, if they were in each other shoes, how would you like to see this end?
reddog
September 20th, 2011
1:13 pm
Jerome Horowitz – what does this have to do with the police or DA? Research before you on what you don’t know.
Traian – if you prefer the criminal justice in Europe, move on over. Better yet, move on over the Alabama.
It is quite amazing how John Lewis speaks aloud when a black man is punished. I have never heard him step forward to defend a white man on death row. Quite ironic how he says we, as a state, have so much further to go to close the gap….and his statements and support for the convicted against the death of a police officer supports his argument.
Shame on all of you who know only what you have heard in the media about this case. I pray that it is never one of your children who is murdered while protecting the rest of us, regardless if white or black. I pray that an elected official never speak out in favor of the person who slaughters your child. Anyone who calls for work stoppage in a place that detains convicted criminals should be imprisoned. That simply makes no sense at all. Now, ask yourself, did you vote for any of these people?????
SAWB
September 20th, 2011
1:14 pm
These things drag out way to long which results in these situations. The strategy for death penalty opponents is to drag out the appeals process as long as possible and once they have exhausted ever option they claim the original trail was unfair. Since the process can take thirty years there is no way to fairly retry the case, so they hope the convicted murderer will have their sentence commuted to life. The legislature needs to look at ways to streamline this process and conduct executions within ten years of conviction.
The Snark
September 20th, 2011
1:15 pm
How many of the people offering opinions on the supposedly doubtful evidence have actually read every word on it? Or seen the witnesses testify first hand? Only the original jury, and the federal judge who conducted a trial on Davis’ claim to be innocent. Both came away convinced that he murdered a police officer.
CADMAN1
September 20th, 2011
1:16 pm
These are the same people who would have Osama Bin Laden in our court system where we tax payers would be forking over millions to defend if we had brought him back alive. EYE FOR AN EYE!
Thomas Armstrong (Atlanta, GA)
September 20th, 2011
1:17 pm
I’m a 58 yr old white male. My father was murdered here in GA back in 1976; case was never solved, so I/our family can most definitely relate to the slain officer’s family. Notwithstanding, just what IF Davis really didn’t do it??? Execution is final…there’s no going back. 7 out of 9 state’s witnesses have changed their stories (raising all kinds of questions regarding the veracity of the legal system…)
One other commenter said to call the White House. I just did. It took calling four times before getting through and then about 5-7 minutes on hold before talking to an “comment taker”. Sure, the President has many important things on his mind and agenda, but if the Pope has shown an interest in this case, certainly President Obama should. And unlike the Pope, the President is the ONLY one now that can do anything.
I’m NOT saying Troy Davis should be set free; rather, spared again until the entire matter (cold case investigation???) can be thoroughly re-examined. IF the McPhail family TRULY wants justice, then they too should be DEMANDING the truth—not just a “verdict”.
Centrist
September 20th, 2011
1:18 pm
SAWB posted “The legislature needs to look at ways to streamline this process and conduct executions within ten years of conviction.”
Granted that is much less than current reality – but it needs to be under 2 years of conviction.
seabeau
September 20th, 2011
1:18 pm
The Liberals Moral Dilemma, Murder the Innocents(Abortion),and Defend the Murders(Anti-Capital Punishment).
I'm just saying
September 20th, 2011
1:20 pm
Man am I TIRED of people using these blogs for their own personal agenda! This is NOT about you or your opinions about black vs. white or your feelings about the current presidency. This is about a man’s life and whether or not it should be spared. nothing else! I don’t think ANY of us where present during the crime. And for those of you who read the case file…aren’t you reading the same information that convicted him? Isn’t it possible that information is as wrong today as it was during the original trial? Have you ever heard of the phrase ‘being framed’? Whether you are black, white, yellow or purple, this is about a human life that may end and there is too much doubt cast on the evidence or at least the testimony for his life to end because of it. This has nothing to do with you being a republican, Democrat, Libetarian, Christian, Baptist, etc; but it does have to do with human decency. May none of us find ourselves in a similar situation as Troy Davis, his family or the victim’s family.
By the way, Mr. Fort your comment was reckless and you should be ashamed of yourself for stating it. The men & women who protect the jail have just as much right to protection on this day as any other. You should have found a different way to express your unhappiness with the board’s decision.
Facts Please
September 20th, 2011
1:21 pm
Many emotions here I know, but at least concede that the Jury was not an “all white lynch mob”. It was a majority-minority jury as is typical in Chatham County. And the state board of pardons and paroles: 2 black, 3 white. Majority white, yes; all white, no.
My sympathies to all involved, there are no winners here.
Buzzard
September 20th, 2011
1:21 pm
Davis is guilty. His “defense” is propoganda furthered by the anti DP groups. The shell casings match, he put himself at the scene. Let him die for his crimes. RIP MacPhail.
Dwayne
September 20th, 2011
1:22 pm
So . . . as a supporter of the death penalty, I have to ask this of those who are eager for Troy Anthony Davis to die:
Do you believe that if someone is violently murdered, “someone” must die for the crime? Or do you want “the perpetrator” to die for the crime? I’m in the latter camp, and as I look around, I shudder at the company I find myself in, with lights turned on.
It seems to me that the death penalty is just and warranted, but it must be applied judiciously and with the utmost care. There is no room whatsoever for “we’re probably right, so let’s execute him.” That is barbaric and unworthy of us.
And has anyone paused to think that if he didn’t do this, the real murderer – vermin, by anyone’s standards — is getting off scot free? Do we want justice for the murdered father and husband and patriot and public servant, or do we want the blood of someone — anyone will do?
What if the real murderer is consumed by guilt in five years, or ten, or on his deathbed, and confesses? What do we do then? Maybe we’ll be really, really, really, truly sorry, and maybe someone will resign or offer a heartfelt apology and return to his golf game? Will that matter one whit to Mr. Davis or his family, or to us as a state, or as a nation?
“Sorry” fixes some things, but doesn’t touch others.
troubled
September 20th, 2011
1:23 pm
You can also contact The Public Affairs Office at the Parole office, Phone: 404-657-9450. Tell them your opinion.
aj
September 20th, 2011
1:25 pm
For everyone who is so eagar to execute I wish you could wintess an exacution no its not cruel and painful as some idiot lawyers try to argue but to see a caring mother, father, brother or sister watch their loved one put down like a dog is gut wrenching. By all means the victim and family deserve justice and this guy should never roam the streets a free man again. I wish we could make prisons a living hell which would be better justice served!!
Independent voter
September 20th, 2011
1:27 pm
IT a sad day in Atlanta and across the world. Everybody is looking at Georgia as a racist state.
BOB FROM ACCOUNT TEMPS
September 20th, 2011
1:29 pm
PATRICK @12:49 – please cite ONE case in Georgia to back up your claim
Tom (Independent)
September 20th, 2011
1:30 pm
Some of you people’s posts make me sick!! Thank god, I am not an officer who would have to go help some of you in distress. Think about it for a moment, an armed gunman is breaking into your house, trying to rob you or rape your wife or daughter – what if the officer chose not to come to your aid because of the danger to him? You want him to protect you and your family but you refuse to support him(even when it costs him (his/her life). Oh yes, go ahead and call Amnesty International, ACLU, Fort and others like him and see if they come to your aid!!
R U Kidding Me?
September 20th, 2011
1:30 pm
Let me say right off, I am 100% pro capital punishment. But there seems to be some considerable doubt regarding this conviction. And obviously, the last thing that needs to happen is to kill a wrongly convicted person. Maybe life in prison for Davis protects everybody on both sides of this argument. Gov. Deal needs to show some leadership right now and commute this death sentence.
Here’s my biggest fear … Remember the deadly riots in London about a month ago? They started over some police shooting and seemed to catch everybody by surprize. The tensions in this country are a powder keg and it’s not going to take much to set off the same reaction here in the united States. People are frustrated over the economy, over being unemployed, over losing their homes. The pressure has been building for the past 4 years. I hope and pray that Wednesday night, Atlanta doesn’t wake up to the same thing that happened in London. These are very scary times and it won’t take much for people to vent their frustrations. Its time to ratchet down the “Let’s kill him” crowd and let cooler heads prevail. I hope Governor Deal has the backbone to extinguish this powderkeg.
Centrist
September 20th, 2011
1:38 pm
@ those how say there is “doubt”. Only via the liberal media which is avidly against capital punishment and has purposely colored the facts. There has been a trial, many appeals, and yesterday the Board of Pardons heard it all again (facts, not just biased feelings).
@ Independent voter who says Georgia is racist. You lie behind a false monicker.
Jerome Horwitz
September 20th, 2011
1:40 pm
reddog – I have read about this case. Point was that several of those who recanted their testimony stated that they were coerced by the prosecution (police and DA) into testifying against Davis. Based upon this evidence and the lack of physical evidence at the scene my opinion is another trial is warranted. If the state has such a strong case he will be convicted again.
If Davise truly shot the office I have no sympathy for him. However, let’s be absolutely certain.
aj
September 20th, 2011
1:45 pm
nobody wins here
Notin Myname
September 20th, 2011
1:47 pm
@ Holden Magroyne “A jury of his peers found him guilty and he was sentenced to death. That’s it! Case closed. Execute him as scheduled.”
Except that’s not it. At least 138 men and women have been released from death row nationally. They too were convicted by jurors who got it wrong. The wrongful execution of an innocent person is an injustice that can never be rectified.
Swingman912(Savannah Citizen)
September 20th, 2011
1:48 pm
It amazes me how all these “FACTS” are posted on here. None of you people were there. @Tom, please recant all of your information, because it is embarassingly false. Ever heard of a guy names Sylvester Coles? Didnt think so. Get facts, not google. If 78% of the people who say he did it and was there, recanted those statements, and implicated another man to be the shooter, a man who,in 2009, admitted he shot Officer MacPhail, then the doubt has nother to do with any picture the media painted. No, he is not a relative of mine, but i remember this case vividly, and once that “jury of peers” admitted to lying under oath due to police coersion, then i knew his whole trial was setup for him to fail….SMH @ ppl who dont know what they are talking about…
Ron Burgundy
September 20th, 2011
1:49 pm
This is obviously another case of racism. Lets open the prison doors now and let all the blacks out because they are all innocent.
John
September 20th, 2011
1:55 pm
We cannot say the decision by the appeals board was a racist decision because there were two blacks and two whites that made the decision on this. I did signed the petition against his execution, but do the 7 that withdrew their testimony make the two that upheld their testimony of no effect. We have to look at the fact that their are still two witnesses that stated they witness this guy as guilty of the crime. The 7 that recanted their testimony could of just had doubt that they were sure this was the right man.
A dad
September 20th, 2011
1:57 pm
Does no one else see the conundrum in all of this? Death penalty opponents don’t want Davis executed because of “doubt,” but oddly enough, none of them are calling for Davis to be set free? Hmm, if, as they argue, he didn’t kill McPhail, then why should he remain in jail any longer. If he is “innocent” as they say, he should be set free, no? But ah-ha! It’s not that’s he innocent of the crime. Opponents just say there isn’t enough evidence. But as was pointed out, there is plenty of physical evidence as to Davis’ guilt. Blood on clothes. Murder weapon in possession. But why wasn’t any of this brought out in Opponents argument? Perhaps that’s why none of them are calling for him to be set free. Shame on the media for not bringing this to light. Is there anyone out there who’s been told one then and then had the same person tell them something different later and not believed the second story? Why should this case be any different? Davis had his trial, was convicted and now has to pay the price. End of story.
Ron Burgundy
September 20th, 2011
2:00 pm
ITS OKAY EVERYBODY>>>>LET HM GO. THE GREAT JOHN LEWIS HAS SPOKEN!
Tom (Independent)
September 20th, 2011
2:01 pm
Swingman912 – You are out of your mind, the facts as I stated them are TRUE!! Bring all those who recanted their testimony in and polograph them and state the results!! Wonder why the defense, Amnesty International, NAACP, ACLU and others chose not to do that with an independent examiner to bolster their case? I guess you do not use your real name because Savannah law-abiding citizens and police officers would find you disguisting. Maybe they would not even go to your house if you had an emergency? I for one would not go!!
Ted
September 20th, 2011
2:01 pm
The decision of the Parole board is no surprise to me either. In fact, I’ll bet they already had their minds made up. Also no surprise that the prosecution got more time than the defense with the board.
It’s a shame that this LYNCHING is allowed to go forward, despite the serious holes in this case.
Does the Mc Phail family deserve justice. Absolutely! However, there is no justice for anyone if the wrong man is punished for the crime.
I guess the song “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” was meant for Troy Davis.
Angie B.
September 20th, 2011
2:03 pm
I understand a police officer lost his life, when I looked at the news this morning and listen to his daughter(?) speak.. I sympathize with the daughter loss, but come on… how old were you where he died? I know the son was 2 months old…
Did you need to be seen? and to the wife.. You should want JUSTICE! But, where is the JUSTICE in killing another person, what ‘d you teach your children ? EYE for an EYE, even if it can be wrong….
7out of 9 has RECANTED, I think ..Troy Anthony Davis is being used as an EXAMPLE..
How far has GA come?…I say NOT FAR… What is you’re demonstrating is…
Let’s just kill him, somebody gotta take the blame…even tho the 7out of 9 have recanted!!!
WOW!!! What a SHAME!!!
To the Georgia lawmakers YOU have DEFINATELY made a statement….
Even when there’s REASONABLE DOUBT…You will STILL be EXECUTED!!!
Stephen
September 20th, 2011
2:03 pm
For the record, I am white and I support the death penalty in some cases, but I believe it will be abolished in favor of life without parole, which I think is a worser fate than execution, in the next decade or so. Does anyone remember the Leo Frank case. Public anger convicted an innocent man and sentenced him to hang because he was a Jewish northerner and he was accused of murdering a young white girl. Fortunately the governor of Georgia at that time (I believe his name was Slayton) had the courage to commute the death sentence, even though it ended his political career. Unfortunately a lynch mob kidnapped Frank from the prision in Milledgeville, took him back to Marietta and hanged him from a tree. That is now viewed as one of the most disgraceful acts in Georgia history, as Frank was later pardoned and cleared of any responsibility in the murder he was accused of. We should be angry that a young police officer with a wife and children to support was killed in cold blood as he rushed to help a homeless man, who was being beaten by Davis and another man that some people say may be the real killer. For anyone who thinks Davis was an angel, please take note of this. However, we cannot take the chance of executing a man for something that there is now so much doubt about his guilt to atone for the officer’s death. I have a close friend, who is a police officer who supports the death penalty, that feels this way about this case. By commuting his sentence to life without parole, it allows the chance for Davis to produce evidence in the future to clear his name. If he is guilty, then he rots in prison for the rest of his life. Personally, even if I were innocent and wrongfully convicted, I would rather be put to death than spend the rest of my life in prison.
While the NAACP, Amnesty International, Jimmy Carter, and the anti-death penalty groups are liberal: Bob Barr (former Republican US Attorney and Congressman), William Sessions (the former Director of the FBI), and two former chief justices of the Georgia Supreme Court are not. They all are calling for a commutation of sentence, not necessarily because they believe Davis is innocent, but they don’t know that he is guilty either. I too, do not believe he is guilty or innocent, there is too much doubt, but why take the chance of executing an innocent man.
This reminds me of the story of the execution of annother innocent man. The trial was rigged and the governor who could have spared him was swayed from doing so by the public opinion of a group of conservatives. The innocent man was executed. The governor’s name was Pontius Pilate, and the innocent man was Jesus Christ. Don’t get me wrong, Troy Davis is not Jesus. Even if he is innocent, all agree that he was harassing and helping to beat the homless man, when the young officer came to help. Even if he is innocent of the murder, he would not be in this situation if he were not beating the homless man. However, to execute him is clearly wrong.
Nathan Deal is not in the same boat as Pontius Pilate, because he does not have the power to commute the death sentence, however the Pardons and Parole Board does, and they are in the same position as Pilate. There is another similarity too, when Pilate tried to let Jesus go, the crowd insisted on crucifying him, much the same way that some people are calling for Davis’ execution without regard to reason. Pilate washed his hands, and the people said let his blood be on us. If, and I empasize if Davis is innocent, and he dies for something he did not do, then his blood is on us.
RogerMalcom
September 20th, 2011
2:05 pm
The Parole Board is made up of two black members, so the decision is not based on racism, even though I’m sure they’ll be called ‘Uncle Toms’ before it’s said and done. Appears to me that the Parole Board and prosecutors know much more about the FACTS of the case as oppose to some liberal, biased jibberish being expoused by John Lewis, GABEO, and any other so called Amnesty group looking for their 15 minutes. Troy Davis has had his day – or days and days – in court and NOTHING has changed- nothing. Here’s a hint: stop killing people and you won’t have these problems. Plain and simple.
Justice for All
September 20th, 2011
2:05 pm
The Snark “How many of the people offering opinions on the supposedly doubtful evidence have actually read every word on it? Or seen the witnesses testify? Only the original jury/federal judge. Both came away convinced that he murdered a police officer.”
Actually, two jurors signed affidavits and one testified that they should have voted Not Guilty. There was no weapon or physical evidence. They relied on the state’s witnesses and 7 out of 9 have recanted. Of the 2 who didn’t, one (Red Coles) is the most likely suspect and confessed to several people that he shot McPhail. He’s the one who pointed the police in Troy’s direction. PS even when you execute the right person, the death penalty doesn’t deter crime. 80% of executions take place in the South & we have the highest regional murder rate.
Check my facts! Google NCADP or The Innocence Project.
Ron Burgundy
September 20th, 2011
2:06 pm
I am sure Angie B and ted are JUST as outraged when they think a white man has been unjustly tried. They probably both thought Casey Anthony deserved to be set free.
Ron Burgundy
September 20th, 2011
2:08 pm
Its good to see all these “youve got the wrong man” people out and about. I am sure they were all supporting casey Anthony a few months back.
Ted
September 20th, 2011
2:11 pm
“Glad for Justice”
I was elated when the West mephis 3 were released. I followed the case over the years and if there was a miscarriage of justice, their case was.
I don’t see how you can support them and not Troy Davis? What’s the problem?
Mike Hunt
September 20th, 2011
2:11 pm
Enough with the woulda coulda shoulda’s!!!! He was found gulity and sentenced to death. There is no race issue here. You can’t go back and try to overturn every single jury verdict. God Bless the USA!!! Execution 7PM Wednesday 9/21/11.
RogerMalcom
September 20th, 2011
2:12 pm
It’s George Bush’s fault! Blame him.
Ted
September 20th, 2011
2:13 pm
Ron..We should all be outraged when our so-called “justice” system fails. Please read my post regarding the WM3 before going on a tirade and drawing conclusions about me.
Justin
September 20th, 2011
2:13 pm
Republicans, including Gov. Nathan Deal, have remained largely quiet, preferring the system to run its course.
Of course Gov Deal is going to be mum on the issue. Does anyone believe he would dare step in and try to save the life of a black man? Just another N word to him
Tables turned
September 20th, 2011
2:14 pm
I’m so tired of this damn race card being pulled, for all you blacks and black orginazations, remember the O J trial, tons of evidence against him, and one jurist(black male) admitted that he would not vote guilty no matter what. This upset alot of people in this country, but the remarks from the blacks and black leaders was “hey the judcial system worked, he tried by a jury of his peers and found innocent” now get over it. Oh and to the poster that stated the parole board is an all white racist group, try knowing what you are talking about PAROLE BOARD MAKEUP IS TWO BLACKS 3 WHITE, guess that blows yor therory out the window.
Ron Burgundy
September 20th, 2011
2:16 pm
Tables turned – I am sure all these outraged murder defenders were just as outraged when they thought white peole where tried unfairly.
Firm but Fair
September 20th, 2011
2:21 pm
If I were one of those protestors I think I would take off my “I am Troy Davis” t-shirt come Wednesday! Probably not a good day to be Troy Davis…
jc
September 20th, 2011
2:22 pm
The mere fact that after decades of imprisonment hundreds of people have been freed through DNA testing and the Innocence Project is enough persuasion that just because one has been “convicted by a jurty of his/her peers” is not just cause to let the original punishment stand. Not a single one of us knows what truly happened with Officer MacPhail. However, if it were us… if 9 people said we committed a crime yet no physical evidence linked us to the crime, what would we want done for/to us? If, after imagining yourself in this scenario, you are still a strong proponent to let the next sequence of events to unfold as planned, I implore you to watch “Conviction”. My heart breaks for everyone who has been wrongfully accused and, worse, convicted of a crime they did not commit. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I will continue to pray to God that we, as a people, will objectively examine our ways and redirect our paths towards the common good.