Life The Death Penalty - Page 8

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

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2008, 11:21 AM

Who knew that Truman Capote was among usth.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 11:21 AM

What would be your retribution? Nonsarcastic question by the way

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

What sort of evidence? He has admitted to being present at all of the murders.

This isn't a case where DNA is going to prove something different. What do you think would ever change?

Maybe nothing at all.
The point is, this action would be irrevocable.

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Murder hardly needs to become legal for new evidence to come available.

I must have missed the part where he claimed to have never been a part of anything

Demonpenz · 08-07-2008, 11:22 AM

We shouldn't kill to teach other people not to kill

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:22 AM

By the way, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the "prefix" for this thread being "Life"

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

What would be your retribution? Nonsarcastic question by the way

Life in prison.

I'm not sure how old this man is, but a 30 year sentence would certainly be retribution.

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2008, 11:24 AM

Would you feel that 30 years was enough if it was say, your father who had stopped to help these assholes?

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsFan4Life

I must have missed the part where he claimed to have never been a part of anything

He didn't kill the man. We know that much.

Maybe no new evidence comes available. The point is the corrective action would be irrevocable.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 11:24 AM

But three family's don't have a member of their families anymore. And we are going to put him up in prison and spend tax dollars on a man who killed 3 people. that is my point of view...by no means am I putting you down for your stance, this is a free country and you can believe what you want to believe.

I just look at it as, this man took 3 lives, destroyed 3 families...all for what? a broken down car and some drugs? There is no justification for what he did.

RJ · 08-07-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Maybe nothing at all.
The point is, this action would be irrevocable.

As were his actions.

I don't think the death penalty should be given out lightly. I'm ok with the fact that death penalty cases take years to go through the courts. But there are times when it is the right decision.

**Baby Lee** · 08-07-2008, 11:24 AM

I hope therman doesn't hold me responsible for the blowback. I objectively am, for posting the decision. But I consciously chose to post only the words of the Court of Appeals with no accompanying opinion of my own. I think that was a fair step using a credible source.

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

He didn't kill the man. We know that much.

Maybe no new evidence comes available. The point is the corrective action would be irrevocable.

Yeah, and the people that died as a part of all this will never had a chance at anything either, so tough shit, he should have thought about that before doing any of this shit

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

Would you feel that 30 years was enough if it was say, your father who had stopped to help these assholes?

I'm surprised it took this long for someone to play this card.
You invoke my sentiments with this analogy...
And I think we all know that when an individual's feelings are involved they don't always make the most rational decisions.

If taking lives is wrong. It must be wrong across the board.

MOhillbilly · 08-07-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

We shouldn't kill to teach other people not to kill

its what keeps me from killing people.

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, 11:21 AM	#106
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1638454	Who knew that Truman Capote was among usth.
Posts: 62,945

08-07-2008, 11:21 AM	#107
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	What would be your retribution? Nonsarcastic question by the way
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 11:22 AM	#110
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-453864	We shouldn't kill to teach other people not to kill __________________
Posts: 54,961

08-07-2008, 11:22 AM	#111
ChiefsFan4Life DT: HOF Class of 2009 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fenton, MO Casino cash: $9994900	By the way, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the "prefix" for this thread being "Life"
Posts: 2,032

08-07-2008, 11:24 AM	#113
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1638454	Would you feel that 30 years was enough if it was say, your father who had stopped to help these assholes?
Posts: 62,945

08-07-2008, 11:24 AM	#115
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	But three family's don't have a member of their families anymore. And we are going to put him up in prison and spend tax dollars on a man who killed 3 people. that is my point of view...by no means am I putting you down for your stance, this is a free country and you can believe what you want to believe. I just look at it as, this man took 3 lives, destroyed 3 families...all for what? a broken down car and some drugs? There is no justification for what he did.
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 11:24 AM	#117
Baby Lee Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $8028275	I hope therman doesn't hold me responsible for the blowback. I objectively am, for posting the decision. But I consciously chose to post only the words of the Court of Appeals with no accompanying opinion of my own. I think that was a fair step using a credible source. __________________ We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics - E.W.
Posts: 95,642