Life The Death Penalty - Page 15

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

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

It wouldn't change my respect for human life.
I get the sentimentality card. You want to play on my emotions.
But even personal tragedy doesn't change how sacred life is for me.

You really think you can predict how you'd react standing over the bloody, violated corpse of a loved one? Yeah, right.

Now, if you have had a loved one killed tragically, and you stood over this person's body and thought, "darn, that's unfortunate, the guy who did this should probably get locked up for a couple of years," then I'll believe your statement. If not, you are full of shit, because our reactions to sudden, horrible events cannot be predicted.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

If they hadn't proceeded to kill MORE people he would not have gotten the DP.

Either way... The Supreme Court limits the application of the death penalty in cases like these. Where the victim fell at the hands of another person altogether.

Being put to death for simply being an accomplice is rare.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

You really think you can predict how you'd react standing over the bloody, violated corpse of a loved one? Yeah, right.

Absolutely not, but I don't think I'd be the most rational, fair person in that event either. And the law is not subject to my emotions.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

So the death penalty should only be applied to people who kill in cold blood?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that rule this guy out?
I thought he didn't do the killings himself?

Were these deaths accidental? No, they were not. I never said that the DP should ONLY be applied to those who killed in cold blood.

So that makes it ok, that he didn't kill them but watched and did nothing, then ran across the country? and killed more people?

**Dartgod** · 08-07-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

You really think you can predict how you'd react standing over the bloody, violated corpse of a loved one? Yeah, right.

Now, if you have had a loved one killed tragically, and you stood over this person's body and thought, "darn, that's unfortunate, the guy who did this should probably get locked up for a couple of years," then I'll believe your statement. If not, you are full of shit, because our reactions to sudden, horrible events cannot be predicted.

To be fair, neither would you. Although, I feel I can make a pretty good "educated" guess.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

Were these deaths accidental? No, they were not. I never said that the DP should ONLY be applied to those who killed in cold blood.

So that makes it ok, that he didn't kill them but watched and did nothing, then ran across the country? and killed more people?

Come on Philly... I've already said that the man should spend the rest of his life in prison. Why do you keep pretending that I'm arguing for him to be set free?

little jacob · 08-07-2008, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Come on Philly... I've already said that the man should spend the rest of his life in prison. Why do you keep pretending that I'm arguing for him to be set free?

you think he should get a break for some reason when legally he is getting what is coming to him IMO.

he doesnt deserve a break any more than he deserves to be set free

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little jacob

you think he should get a break for some reason when legally he is getting what is coming to him IMO.

he doesnt deserve a break any more than he deserves to be set free

You consider spending life in prison a break?
It'd be simpler to just be put to death.
Serving a life sentence would be much more difficult.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 12:27 PM

That is true, I appreciate your stance. I just believe differently. I know you don't want him to be set free, I guess I would just want a harsher sentence. I don't think that people like him, should have the privlege of life.

Not that he would enjoy it...

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 12:27 PM

My feelings on capital punishment are this:

Human life is neither precious, nor sacred, nor automatically worthy and valued. Human life is whatever the human makes of it. And if that human chooses to spend his life murdering, raping and otherwise fucking with his fellow human beings, then his life isn't worth jack shit. We are not an endangered species, and there is no logical reason to waste resources on some irredeemable scumbag who will never contribute anything to society except pain and grief. While I have no problem with retribution and justice, I think the larger issue is simply efficient pest control.

As a society, we were much better off when capital punishment was liberally, and publicly, applied. Our current society of endless encarceration and legal wrangling is a long, pathetic exercise in failure.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

That is true, I appreciate your stance. I just believe differently. I know you don't want him to be set free, I guess I would just want a harsher sentence. I don't think that people like him, should have the privlege of life.

Not that he would enjoy it...

Serving a life sentence is much more harsh than simply being put to death.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 12:28 PM

hence me saying...

Not that he would enjoy it.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Human life is neither precious, nor sacred, nor automatically worthy and valued.

Do you have children?

**Dartgod** · 08-07-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Serving a life sentence is much more harsh than simply being put to death.

Are you sure? Do you believe in Heaven and Hell?

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 12:30 PM

really? do you know how many people are going to jump all over you for that one??

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, 12:27 PM	#219
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	That is true, I appreciate your stance. I just believe differently. I know you don't want him to be set free, I guess I would just want a harsher sentence. I don't think that people like him, should have the privlege of life. Not that he would enjoy it...
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 12:27 PM	#220
Frazod Did you hear what I said? Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $-886615	My feelings on capital punishment are this: Human life is neither precious, nor sacred, nor automatically worthy and valued. Human life is whatever the human makes of it. And if that human chooses to spend his life murdering, raping and otherwise fucking with his fellow human beings, then his life isn't worth jack shit. We are not an endangered species, and there is no logical reason to waste resources on some irredeemable scumbag who will never contribute anything to society except pain and grief. While I have no problem with retribution and justice, I think the larger issue is simply efficient pest control. As a society, we were much better off when capital punishment was liberally, and publicly, applied. Our current society of endless encarceration and legal wrangling is a long, pathetic exercise in failure.
Posts: 121,810

08-07-2008, 12:28 PM	#222
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	hence me saying... Not that he would enjoy it.
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 12:30 PM	#225
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	really? do you know how many people are going to jump all over you for that one??
Posts: 3,407