Life The Death Penalty - Page 2

Mama Hip Rockets · 08-07-2008, 09:48 AM

A friend of my parents is sentenced to be executed in a couple of weeks for being an accomplice in a murder in 1994. You can read the details of the incident below (written by his wife), and sign the petition if you feel inclined to do so. We are petitioning for his sentence to be changed to life in prison without parole, rather than death.

On Friday, despite the fact that we have two issues before the court, the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date of Aug. 27. For those of you who would like to do anything to help try to prevent this state from killing my husband, your help is welcome and there are some fairly simple things you can do. For those who are not aware of the facts of the case, here are some main points:Allen Nicklasson, the man who shot and killed Richard Drummond in Aug. 1994 did so on his own after leaving Dennis behind in the stolen car. Allen has been consistent in telling the truth since day one - with his friends and close acquaintances, as well as with law enforcement - that Dennis had absolutely no idea that when Allen walked Drummond into the woods, Allen was going to shoot him. Allen had planned to tie Drummond up so that by the time Drummond could free himself and walk into town to all police, Allen, Dennis and Tim DeGraffenreid would be back in Blue Springs, hiding out.Instead, Allen decided to kill Drummond. His statements to police have been consistent and truthful, but the state successfully kept Allen from testifying in trial. The jury never heard the truth and thus convicted Dennis for first-degree murder as an accomplice. Allen has tried through the years to be heard in court, but the appellate courts denied him that right as well. We are still trying to get the Supreme Court to look at Allen's statements. Dennis is not an innocent victim, but he is innocent of first-degree murder. We are not asking that he be freed. We believe the sentence of death is excessive in this case, and that society would be safe and justice would be served through clemency, which means we want the governor to change Dennis' sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.In addition, Dennis has been actively involved in restorative justice even before the program was established at Potosi Correctional Center. He is the editor of Compassion, a publication written and edited by death row inmates across the country who have raised more than $34,000 in college scholarships for family members of murdered victims. This scholarship goes to family members regardless of their stance on the death penalty. For example, Zach Osbourne, one of the recipients, supports the death penalty openly and is going to school to become a police officer. Dennis compiled a book, "Today's Choices Affect Tomorrow's Dreams," that is distributed for free to juvenile centers around the country. The book has been so popular, he has been asked to do another. That book is currently being compiled.Dennis is chairman of the prison's Hospice group and has cared for many dying prison patients through the years. He is a co-founder of 4-H LIFE, a family strengthening program that teaches inmates to be better parents and includes a family 4-H meeting each month inside the prison. As a former president and officer of 4-H, Dennis has led fundraisers to send money to children's programs in the state and to send 4-H LIFE members to summer camp and state leadership programs. 4-H LIFE has won several awards and is now active in several other prisons.Dennis has actively worked to build bridges between the Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Islamic and Native American religious groups at the prison. He is a founder of the Charity Carnival - in its second year - that raises money inside the prison for charitable organizations. The carnival is today, but he is locked up and cannot carry out his responsibilities for that event.Dennis speaks to university student groups on a regular basis to give them insight into the death penalty and prison life. He is, and remains, a positive spokesman and positive role models for other prisoners.He is a leader in the Set Free Ministry, a prison ministry that works with thousands of inmates in Missouri and Illinois to help them in their Christian walk. The Ministry has grown from an office of three to an office of around 20 inmates at PCC and a second office in Charleston's prison. The Ministry continues to expand in prisons in the two states as well as into jails.All of this is documented, not the exaggerated account of a wife desperate to save her husband.For those of you who have asked, I am terrified, but determined to fight for justice for my family. Murdering my husband is not justice - it is harming me, my son, Dennis' sisters, brother, nephews, aunts uncles, friends, etc. He is my soulmate, for those of you who understand what that means. A date is an extremely serious situation, but we have issues to pursue and this does not mean we're done. Please do not assume that this is inevitable, even though we have a very, very difficult fight in the next 32 days.I appreciate your support in any way. Should you want to write letters, file amicus briefs (friend of the court) with your church or other organization, let me know and I'll give you more info. If you choose to pray, please ask God to intervene and see that Dennis receives a lesser sentence.Thanks.

You can sign the petition at the link below. Thanks.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-dennis-skillicorn

**Dartgod** · 08-07-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

He then followed the same guy, who killed Mr Drummond to another state, where they became stuck in the sand, and another man stopped to help them. To thank HIM, they shot and killed him, before committing more crimes prior to killing a waitress. He had plenty of opportunity to get out of that situation and didn't. Ride the Lightening.

I knew a guy executed in Missouri in the 90s via a relative, and he deserved it too.

There's more to the story...

Quote:

Following this murder, Skillicorn and Nicklasson dropped DeGraffenreid off in Blue Springs, Missouri, and then fled the state. While on the run, in Arizona, Nicklasson shot and killed a man under circumstances similar to the Drummond murder — the man tried to help them retrieve their car from where it was stuck in the sand. After killing this good Samaritan, the two went back to his house and Nicklasson killed the man's wife as well. Nicklasson and Skillicorn then absconded across California, stealing a purse from a woman in a supermarket and committing armed robbery along the way. They eventually made it to Mexico, where, according to Skillicorn, Nicklasson killed a waitress at a diner.

http://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/...5.05-3729.html

Radar Chief · 08-07-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

There's more to the story...

Wow.

**Scorp** · 08-07-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

According to Skillicorn's statement to the FBI, as Nicklasson helda gun to Drummond's head, Skillicorn asked Drummond questions ostensibly in orderto calm him down, but included in the questioning whether Drummond's "old lady"would miss him.

Sorry.... I have no sympathy for this P.O.S

beach tribe · 08-07-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

There's more to the story...

I no longer feel bad about my post.

Fry his ass.

eazyb81 · 08-07-2008, 10:30 AM

Classy bunch your parents hang with.

In all seriousness, I'm surprised you have the audacity to ask for people to help this guy.

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2008, 10:31 AM

Good Grief, I missed that.

He sure sounds like a top shelf soul mate and friend.

There is surely are 2 people more deserving of the carbon footprint these two are wasting.

beach tribe · 08-07-2008, 10:32 AM

Yeah, the guy who condemns drinking, and reefer.

"Let's save a murderer"

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2008, 10:36 AM

Maybe while he's walking the green mile, one of the guards will ask him questions to calm his nerves....maybe throw in "do you think your old lady will miss you" for good measure.

I'm sure this is a difficult thing for his family to go through and I feel bad for his wife and family, knowing what looms. Its all on him and not the state.

This petition does NOT accurately reflect the true nature of this crime.

**Rain Man** · 08-07-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us

Holy cow.

Sorry, thurman. I'm not a huge fan of the death penalty, but I don't see any reason to place myself in his camp.

Do your parents know the whole story? This guy is indefensible. If this dude is the wife's "soulmate", I think I'd be distancing myself from the wife, too.

**petegz28** · 08-07-2008, 10:44 AM

Yeah I am sorry it is hard to have sypmpathy after so many innocent people lost their lives.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 10:46 AM

I'm against the death penalty.

This man may well be deserving of death, but who are equally fallible human beings to decide that?

JBucc · 08-07-2008, 10:49 AM

I don't think we should waste the $$$ for electricity on him. Baseball bats and Crowbars are much cheaper.

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I'm against the death penalty.

This man may well be deserving of death, but who are equally fallible human beings to decide that?

People who resent our fellow citizens being led off into the woods and murdered after they dared to offer aid to strangers. That's who.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 10:51 AM

I can not sign it as well.

I understand that sometimes things happen so quickly that you don't have time to think things over before it is done, but honestly this guy ran for a while and killed 3 more people (or at least assisted in killing). He knew what he was doing the whole time, and they killed innocent people who tried to help him. I am sorry for the wife for what she has to go through.

RJ · 08-07-2008, 10:52 AM

That guy is getting the punishment he deserves. I think the death penalty should be reserved for the worst of the worst of crimes and this is one of them. Doesn't matter whether he ever actually pulled the trigger on any of the victims, he was equally responsible for their deaths.

08-07-2008, 09:48 AM
Mama Hip Rockets You don't faze me, Gobble. Join Date: Dec 2005 Casino cash: $9915644	The Death Penalty A friend of my parents is sentenced to be executed in a couple of weeks for being an accomplice in a murder in 1994. You can read the details of the incident below (written by his wife), and sign the petition if you feel inclined to do so. We are petitioning for his sentence to be changed to life in prison without parole, rather than death. On Friday, despite the fact that we have two issues before the court, the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date of Aug. 27. For those of you who would like to do anything to help try to prevent this state from killing my husband, your help is welcome and there are some fairly simple things you can do. For those who are not aware of the facts of the case, here are some main points:Allen Nicklasson, the man who shot and killed Richard Drummond in Aug. 1994 did so on his own after leaving Dennis behind in the stolen car. Allen has been consistent in telling the truth since day one - with his friends and close acquaintances, as well as with law enforcement - that Dennis had absolutely no idea that when Allen walked Drummond into the woods, Allen was going to shoot him. Allen had planned to tie Drummond up so that by the time Drummond could free himself and walk into town to all police, Allen, Dennis and Tim DeGraffenreid would be back in Blue Springs, hiding out.Instead, Allen decided to kill Drummond. His statements to police have been consistent and truthful, but the state successfully kept Allen from testifying in trial. The jury never heard the truth and thus convicted Dennis for first-degree murder as an accomplice. Allen has tried through the years to be heard in court, but the appellate courts denied him that right as well. We are still trying to get the Supreme Court to look at Allen's statements. Dennis is not an innocent victim, but he is innocent of first-degree murder. We are not asking that he be freed. We believe the sentence of death is excessive in this case, and that society would be safe and justice would be served through clemency, which means we want the governor to change Dennis' sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.In addition, Dennis has been actively involved in restorative justice even before the program was established at Potosi Correctional Center. He is the editor of Compassion, a publication written and edited by death row inmates across the country who have raised more than $34,000 in college scholarships for family members of murdered victims. This scholarship goes to family members regardless of their stance on the death penalty. For example, Zach Osbourne, one of the recipients, supports the death penalty openly and is going to school to become a police officer. Dennis compiled a book, "Today's Choices Affect Tomorrow's Dreams," that is distributed for free to juvenile centers around the country. The book has been so popular, he has been asked to do another. That book is currently being compiled.Dennis is chairman of the prison's Hospice group and has cared for many dying prison patients through the years. He is a co-founder of 4-H LIFE, a family strengthening program that teaches inmates to be better parents and includes a family 4-H meeting each month inside the prison. As a former president and officer of 4-H, Dennis has led fundraisers to send money to children's programs in the state and to send 4-H LIFE members to summer camp and state leadership programs. 4-H LIFE has won several awards and is now active in several other prisons.Dennis has actively worked to build bridges between the Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Islamic and Native American religious groups at the prison. He is a founder of the Charity Carnival - in its second year - that raises money inside the prison for charitable organizations. The carnival is today, but he is locked up and cannot carry out his responsibilities for that event.Dennis speaks to university student groups on a regular basis to give them insight into the death penalty and prison life. He is, and remains, a positive spokesman and positive role models for other prisoners.He is a leader in the Set Free Ministry, a prison ministry that works with thousands of inmates in Missouri and Illinois to help them in their Christian walk. The Ministry has grown from an office of three to an office of around 20 inmates at PCC and a second office in Charleston's prison. The Ministry continues to expand in prisons in the two states as well as into jails.All of this is documented, not the exaggerated account of a wife desperate to save her husband.For those of you who have asked, I am terrified, but determined to fight for justice for my family. Murdering my husband is not justice - it is harming me, my son, Dennis' sisters, brother, nephews, aunts uncles, friends, etc. He is my soulmate, for those of you who understand what that means. A date is an extremely serious situation, but we have issues to pursue and this does not mean we're done. Please do not assume that this is inevitable, even though we have a very, very difficult fight in the next 32 days.I appreciate your support in any way. Should you want to write letters, file amicus briefs (friend of the court) with your church or other organization, let me know and I'll give you more info. If you choose to pray, please ask God to intervene and see that Dennis receives a lesser sentence.Thanks. You can sign the petition at the link below. Thanks. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-dennis-skillicorn
Posts: 13,675

08-07-2008, 10:30 AM	#20
eazyb81 The Illuminati Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: the road less traveled Casino cash: $9984900	Classy bunch your parents hang with. In all seriousness, I'm surprised you have the audacity to ask for people to help this guy.
Posts: 12,033

08-07-2008, 10:31 AM	#21
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1668454	Good Grief, I missed that. He sure sounds like a top shelf soul mate and friend. There is surely are 2 people more deserving of the carbon footprint these two are wasting.
Posts: 62,945

08-07-2008, 10:32 AM	#22
beach tribe Keep doubting J MFing Houston Join Date: May 2007 Location: ft.lauderdale Casino cash: $3898036	Yeah, the guy who condemns drinking, and reefer. "Let's save a murderer"
Posts: 21,429

08-07-2008, 10:36 AM	#23
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1668454	Maybe while he's walking the green mile, one of the guards will ask him questions to calm his nerves....maybe throw in "do you think your old lady will miss you" for good measure. I'm sure this is a difficult thing for his family to go through and I feel bad for his wife and family, knowing what looms. Its all on him and not the state. This petition does NOT accurately reflect the true nature of this crime. Last edited by Iowanian; 08-07-2008 at 10:49 AM..
Posts: 62,945

08-07-2008, 10:44 AM	#25
petegz28 Supporter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Olathe, Ks Casino cash: $-1115873	Yeah I am sorry it is hard to have sypmpathy after so many innocent people lost their lives.
Posts: 132,504

08-07-2008, 10:46 AM	#26
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	I'm against the death penalty. This man may well be deserving of death, but who are equally fallible human beings to decide that?
Posts: 15,344

08-07-2008, 10:49 AM	#27
JBucc MVP Join Date: Oct 2005 Casino cash: $10004952	I don't think we should waste the $$$ for electricity on him. Baseball bats and Crowbars are much cheaper.
Posts: 12,016

08-07-2008, 10:51 AM	#29
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3161139	I can not sign it as well. I understand that sometimes things happen so quickly that you don't have time to think things over before it is done, but honestly this guy ran for a while and killed 3 more people (or at least assisted in killing). He knew what he was doing the whole time, and they killed innocent people who tried to help him. I am sorry for the wife for what she has to go through.
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 10:52 AM	#30
RJ Supporter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In a shotgun shack Casino cash: $9895202	That guy is getting the punishment he deserves. I think the death penalty should be reserved for the worst of the worst of crimes and this is one of them. Doesn't matter whether he ever actually pulled the trigger on any of the victims, he was equally responsible for their deaths.
Posts: 14,940