Life The Death Penalty - Page 4

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

**Rain Man** · 08-07-2008, 10:58 AM

It's interesting to me that his defense was focused on "he has a low IQ and was a follower" and now the argument to prevent execution is that he's a magazine editor and author doing great work.

I feel sorry for thurman if he's got any personal investment in this issue, because this thread is going to be a beatdown of the murderer.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I'm not an unflawed human...But having never been a party to a crime spree that included the murder of 4 innocent people, at different times, i'm ok feeling superior to that scumbag.

What does that sense of superiority really amount to though?

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I feel sorry for thurman if he's got any personal investment in this issue, because this thread is going to be a beatdown of the murderer.

I can't feel sorry for him

What did he think would happen besides this? I haven't seen a single person defend the guy's actions

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

At the end of the day those people are just as flawed and have no moral authority to make a decision on that man's life.

BS. Go hug a tree.

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

At the end of the day those people are just as flawed and have no moral authority to make a decision on that man's life.

BULLSHIT.

You really think that the jurors who deliberated on that sentence are as flawed as a pack of doped-out thugs on an interstate killing spree?

Are we just supposed to lay spread eagle for the scum of the earth and take whatever evil they decide to inflict upon us because we aren't gods?

Jesus can turn the other cheek. I want justice.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eazyb81

So everyone goes around murdering innocent people?

That's a strawman argument. Obviously I'm not licensing the killing of innocent people. I'm simply saying that if we value life we can't arbitrarily determine which lives are important.

Redrum_69 · 08-07-2008, 11:00 AM

this just spawned a thread....in the DC forum...where this thread should be.

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Do these types of stories give you pause about continuing to do this?

I've had pause....but more when considering picking up a hitch hiker. I've usually got something within reach that will assist in my safety though.

If I have the family with me, I'll not put them in that danger, but if I'm alone and have any time, I'll help.

I'm not in a city....I am in a rural area, and we're taught to help others. My grandpa did it, when I was a kid I watched my dad do it, and I always have. I've posted a thank you because some decent men stopped and helped my mother last year, so I intend to be the guy, that will help when I can.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

BS. Go hug a tree.

Eloquent. You win.

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

At the end of the day those people are just as flawed and have no moral authority to make a decision on that man's life.

Are you not included in "those people"? So how do YOU have the moral authority to say he DOESN'T deserve it?

Seems like a double standard

eazyb81 · 08-07-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

That's a strawman argument. Obviously I'm not licensing the killing of innocent people. I'm simply saying that if we value life we can't arbitrarily determine which lives are important.

No it's not. You're saying everyone is equally fallible, and obviously that is completely incorrect because everyone doesn't go around murdering people.

Sorry, but you look like a fool arguing this point.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

If that was a Biblical reference...
The dispensation of grace took precedence over the Old Testament way.
That would help my argument if anything.

Thou shalt not commit murder Exodus 20:13

If anyone has a stone in his hand that could kill, and he strikes someone that he shall die, he is a murderer, the murderer shall be put to death Numbers 35:18

Do not accept ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. He must surely be put to death Numbers 35:30

**DeezNutz** · 08-07-2008, 11:02 AM

I'm interested in the "soulmate" aspect of this. I love my wife, but if she were ever to be involved in murder, let alone multiple such crimes, she would neither see nor hear from me again.

What say you Planet?

**Rain Man** · 08-07-2008, 11:02 AM

For the record, I think MicJones' stance is fine if his philosophy is no death penalty for anyone, regardless of crime. While I don't necessarily agree with it, I think it's a valid position for signing such a petition.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

You really think that the jurors who deliberated on that sentence are as flawed as a pack of doped-out thugs on an interstate killing spree?

In a grand sense? Absolutely.
Obviously, I've never taken another human being's life, but my view of the world makes me every bit as fallible as the next man. And since I'm finite and only capable of so much cognitively... I'm not qualified to make a decision on another human being's life.

Quote:

Jesus can turn the other cheek. I want justice.

Not putting the man to death is hardly overlooking the crime altogether.
There are other ways to achieve retribution.

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, 10:58 AM	#46
Rain Man Seize life. Be an ermine. Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $-732449 VARSITY	It's interesting to me that his defense was focused on "he has a low IQ and was a follower" and now the argument to prevent execution is that he's a magazine editor and author doing great work. I feel sorry for thurman if he's got any personal investment in this issue, because this thread is going to be a beatdown of the murderer. __________________ Active fan of the greatest team in NFL history.
Posts: 145,562

08-07-2008, 11:00 AM	#52
Redrum_69 Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: your nightmares Casino cash: $10004900	this just spawned a thread....in the DC forum...where this thread should be.
Posts: 6,358

08-07-2008, 11:02 AM	#59
Rain Man Seize life. Be an ermine. Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $-732449 VARSITY	For the record, I think MicJones' stance is fine if his philosophy is no death penalty for anyone, regardless of crime. While I don't necessarily agree with it, I think it's a valid position for signing such a petition. __________________ Active fan of the greatest team in NFL history.
Posts: 145,562