Life The Death Penalty - Page 17

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

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 12:40 PM

If anything the fact that I have children (or anyone for that matter), would only strengthen my belief.

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

This place is like a black hole.......

Racist!!

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

How so? What if this man had killed one of your children?

I believe YOUR view might be different.

Philly if anyone ever laid a finger on my son I would likely want to go out and put a bullet in that person's head. That hardly makes that action fair or the right thing to do according to the law. Or even morally for that matter.

You keep playing that card... And it isn't helping your argument.

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I figured as much.

I think your view might be different with children of your own.

You are no more qualified to dole out advice on how I might react to having children than you are to offer predictions of reaction to unknown events. If anything, I would think raising a child in this world of complete and utter shit would only intensify my feelings. I certainly worry about the world my 17 year old Goddaughter (who, coincidently, was molested at age 14 by the father of one of her friends) is heading into.

Ask me how I feel about child molestors. Especially those who get off with a slap on the wrist because they're well-connected.

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

them Amish did it when there kids got wiped out by that madman.

That they did. They are amazing people. They are also pathetic sheep completely dependent upon the charity of others.

Midnight_Vulture · 08-07-2008, 12:56 PM

Libs like Micjones make me sick to my stomach.

Yeah, lets have soooo much compassion for these murdering scumbags. Nevermind they killed innocent lives. Lets give them a nice cell where they can just live out the rest of their important lives.

Riiiiight.

Oh to the thread starter, I hope he burns in hell. Cheers!

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

You are no more qualified to dole out advice on how I might react to having children than you are to offer predictions of reaction to unknown events. If anything, I would think raising a child in this world of complete and utter shit would only intensify my feelings. I certainly worry about the world my 17 year old Goddaughter (who, coincidently, was molested at age 14 by the father of one of her friends) is heading into.

Ask me how I feel about child molestors. Especially those who get off with a slap on the wrist because they're well-connected.

I am sorry about your Goddaughter. That is terrible. What, if you don't mind, did happen, to him? Anything?!?!

**Buehler445** · 08-07-2008, 12:57 PM

Hey Fraz, how do you feel about child molestors? Especially ones that get a slap on the hands because they are well connected? Posted via Mobile Device

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I figured as much.

I think your view might be different with children of your own.

That's surprising. I have 3 children and my view on this is very similar to frazod's. So, I take it that you have children. Do you believe in the belt? Or do you just smile and say "that was a bad thing you did, little Johnny....please don't do it again"?

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight_Vulture

Libs like Micjones make me sick to my stomach.

And people who think they own a monopoly on what America is and should be make me sick at mine.

Quote:

Yeah, lets have soooo much compassion for these murdering scumbags. Nevermind they killed innocent lives. Lets give them a nice cell where they can just live out the rest of their important lives.

I could've sworn the man in question was only an accomplice.

tooge · 08-07-2008, 01:04 PM

I am truly sorry for your family's tragedy. I am sorry for Mr. Drummonds family tragedy as well. Although I do believe in second chances, it seems as though he had quite a few and just couldn't find the straight and narrow. If he has now come clean and has repented as you say, then all will be well with the big man when it is all over. I'm sorry, I can't sign your petition. Our system is too crowded with 4 time losers as it is. Like I said, if god forgives him, then that is all that really matters. Sorry.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

That's surprising. I have 3 children and my view on this is very similar to frazod's. So, I take it that you have children. Do you believe in the belt? Or do you just smile and say "that was a bad thing you did, little Johnny....please don't do it again"?

I spank my son when it's necessary.
I don't spare the rod.

Redrum_69 · 08-07-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Hey Fraz, how do you feel about child molestors? Especially ones that get a slap on the hands because they are well connected? Posted via Mobile Device

this thread keeps going down the path of wrongness

theres no exits

no traffic signs

wheres the cops when you need em

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

I am sorry about your Goddaughter. That is terrible. What, if you don't mind, did happen, to him? Anything?!?!

The molestation was bad enough, but it wasn't as bad as you may be thinking; basically, she was sleeping on the couch and woke up to find this creep on top of her with his hands down her pants. The guy got arrested, but he was a city official and knew people. Now, it utimately cost him his job and his marriage, but his sentence, after pleading guilty is - I shit you not - six months in jail, TO BE SERVED ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS. The fucker walked out of the courtroom uncuffed - my goddaughter didn't even get the satisfaction of seeing him led off in cuffs.

Meanwhile, this prick's kids closed ranks around daddy and painted my goddaughter as a lying whore, basically ruining her reputation just as she was starting high school in a small town. Now she's sullen and withdrawn, her grades and attitude are shit, and she (quite understandably) has zero faith in much of anything.

little jacob · 08-07-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

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.

so why is he afraid?

if death is better then why wouldn't he welcome that instead of asking to rot in prison the rest of his life?

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, 12:40 PM	#241
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	If anything the fact that I have children (or anyone for that matter), would only strengthen my belief.
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 12:56 PM	#246
Midnight_Vulture Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Libs like Micjones make me sick to my stomach. Yeah, lets have soooo much compassion for these murdering scumbags. Nevermind they killed innocent lives. Lets give them a nice cell where they can just live out the rest of their important lives. Riiiiight. Oh to the thread starter, I hope he burns in hell. Cheers!
Posts: 622

08-07-2008, 12:57 PM	#248
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1705266	Hey Fraz, how do you feel about child molestors? Especially ones that get a slap on the hands because they are well connected? Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 60,053

08-07-2008, 01:04 PM	#251
tooge MVP Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Liberty, MO Casino cash: $514112	I am truly sorry for your family's tragedy. I am sorry for Mr. Drummonds family tragedy as well. Although I do believe in second chances, it seems as though he had quite a few and just couldn't find the straight and narrow. If he has now come clean and has repented as you say, then all will be well with the big man when it is all over. I'm sorry, I can't sign your petition. Our system is too crowded with 4 time losers as it is. Like I said, if god forgives him, then that is all that really matters. Sorry.
Posts: 17,284