Thursday, February 11, 2010

 

Advocates Speak Out for Gaile Owens


Channel 5 News featured a story last night about the status of Gaile Owens' case and the increasing number people who support the commutation of her sentence. Owens, who is facing execution for the 1985 murder of her husband, was convicted and sentenced to death though the jury never heard testimony about the abuse she suffered or that she was willing to plead guilty for a life sentence. Because her attorneys believed that she would plead guilty, they spent only 2 hours preparing for her trial.

As more people are becoming familiar with the problems in this case, more people are speaking out for clemency. In particular, advocates for victims of domestic violence are publicly commenting on Gaile's situation, noting the lack of resources and help available for abused women at the time of her husband's murder.

It may be three or four weeks before the Tennessee Supreme Court rules on her case. At that time, either the Court will set an execution date or commute her sentence. The Governor has said that he will not get involved until the courts have completed their process.

TADP will keep you informed of the latest developments and provide you with actions to take once the Court rules.

See the Channel 5 story here.
Comments :
By hiring someone, she ruined another life--you guys need to consider that in your calculus.

By the way, guys, what do these six animals deserve?

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10043/1035428-100.stm#ixzz0fNY4GAei
 
My dad was actually the foreman of the jury in this trial, and if he was still living he would be glad to see that justice was carried out by her being put to death!!
 
No one is disputing that this was a terrible crime and that great pain and hurt has been the result of Gaile Owens' actions, not even Gaile Owens who was willing to go to prison for life for what she did. However, I don't understand how anyone serving on a jury in which someone's life hangs in the balance would not want or need all the necessary facts before making that kind of decision. It seems unfair that any juror would be denied key evidence that might result in a sentence of less than death. Sadly, the jury in this case did not have all of the facts. Of course, I cannot speak for any juror, but if we are a society that believe in fairness and due process, the lack of critical information in any case strikes me as great cause for concern. Additionally, the fact that in nine similar Tennessee cases over the past 25 years, not one of the women received a death sentence, except Gaile Owens, is problematic. Six of the defendants in these cases received full probation or early parole and the others are eligible for parole. If the death penalty is not to be arbitrary or disproportional, then there a big problem in the case of Gaile Owens.
 
If the foreman on the jury would be happy a death was carried out after finding out that the jury made a decision without key facts I would have to question his morals, ethics and ability to properly serve as a foreman.
 
Yeah...the jury foreman was a punk ass biattch..that got his own death sentence
 
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