Life The Death Penalty - Page 18

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

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

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.

Damn, that's ****ed up and sad at the same time

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little jacob

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?

Excellent point

MOhillbilly · 08-07-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

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

charity of others how?

kstater · 08-07-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

During the penalty phase of trial, the defense sought to introduce the testimony
of a psychiatrist, Dr. Spiridigliozzi. Spiridigliozzi had examined Skillicorn and was
prepared to testify that Skillicorn had a lower IQ, and that his dependent personality
made him a "follower."

Looks like he's rightfully going to be "following" Nikklason to Hell.

Radar Chief · 08-07-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

charity of others how?

I was wondering the same thing. They’re self sufficient and want it that way.

teedubya · 08-07-2008, 01:22 PM

The guys KILLED a couple people who were HELPING them. Good Samaritans! WTF.

No wonder people don't help people anymore... shitty people like this dude who is about 'Ride the Lightning", as Iowanian said.

yeah, not signing this. **** that dude.

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

charity of others how?

Basic existence. They'll do fine in polite society, but what happens if that breaks down?

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

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.

My god, I'm sorry Fraz. Its bad enough for her that she was molested, but then his kids made HER out to be the bad guy in the situation. Just makes me so sick to think of scum like him. Her life is ruined, because he's a pervert.

**RockChalk** · 08-07-2008, 01:23 PM

If you can give me the link to a petition that makes the August 27th date change to a date of August 8th, I would gladly sign that.

beach tribe · 08-07-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little jacob

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?

People usually get religious when death is on the way.

He knows he will be judged for what he really did, and would like to delay that a little.

**Buehler445** · 08-07-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

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.

**** THAT! That is horrible dude. I don't even know what to say.
Posted via Mobile Device

tooge · 08-07-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

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.

Man that is horrific. For a 12 pack of Sam Adams if you give me the name of the guy and the kids, justice can be served.

little jacob · 08-07-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

My god, I'm sorry Fraz. Its bad enough for her that she was molested, but then his kids made HER out to be the bad guy in the situation. Just makes me so sick to think of scum like him. Her life is ruined, because he's a pervert.

makes you wish you really could go to don corleone for justice

Frazod · 08-07-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

**** THAT! That is horrible dude. I don't even know what to say.
Posted via Mobile Device

Her dad's shotgun has been in my closet for the past couple of years. He can't be trusted with it.

I can barely be trusted with it.

Her family is planning on moving out of state to give her a fresh start, but the damage is done.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 01:40 PM

Yea, I guess that is what I would have to do. But that is the bitch of it right there, they shouldn't have to, she did nothing wrong, and THEY have to change their lives, and he has to go to prison on holliday weekends?

Maybe the fresh start will help her? I hope so, for all of you.

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, 01:22 PM	#261
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $8993042	The guys KILLED a couple people who were HELPING them. Good Samaritans! WTF. No wonder people don't help people anymore... shitty people like this dude who is about 'Ride the Lightning", as Iowanian said. yeah, not signing this. **** that dude.
Posts: 36,832

08-07-2008, 01:23 PM	#264
RockChalk Dirty Bit Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake of the Woods Casino cash: $1226002	If you can give me the link to a petition that makes the August 27th date change to a date of August 8th, I would gladly sign that.
Posts: 7,034

08-07-2008, 01:40 PM	#270
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	Yea, I guess that is what I would have to do. But that is the bitch of it right there, they shouldn't have to, she did nothing wrong, and THEY have to change their lives, and he has to go to prison on holliday weekends? Maybe the fresh start will help her? I hope so, for all of you.
Posts: 3,407