It's nice to live in a state that outlawed the death penalty in 1887. But it's dumbfounding that our nation still keeps company with China, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Sudan in carrying out the most executions worldwide.
I encourage everyone to read this absolutely chilling article on Cameron Todd Willingham in the September issue of The New Yorker magazine.
Willingham was convicted of first degree murder and executed in Texas for the deaths of his three daughters. All died in a house fire that only Willingham was able to escape.
Willingham always maintained he was innocent. Scientific evidence proves he was right.
Everything about was his conviction was wrong.
The arson investigation (which determined the fire was delibately set) was based on "folklore" about how fire spreads.
Willingham's court appointed attorney was woefully inept. The attorney even maintains to this day that Willingham did it.
The prosecution claimed that Willingham abused his wife and was obsessed with death (because he had a skull tattoo and an Iron Maiden poster).
It's absolutely terrifying how easily he was convicted on woeful evidence and hearsay.
Willingham's case is not just about the death penalty. It's a reminder how scary and broken our criminal justice system is.
It makes we wonder how many innocent people have accepted life in prison to avoid death sentences (an offer Willingham refused)? Why is it so easy to convince a jury to convict? Why are prosecutors so obsessed with getting a conviction and not with punishing the right person?
After reading The New Yorker article, watch The Thin Blue Line, a documentary by the amazing Errol Morris. It's eerily similar to what happened to Cameron Todd Willingham but with a happier ending.
