Life The Death Penalty - Page 11

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

Ceej · 08-07-2008, 11:38 AM

This thread needs more cowbell.

**Baby Lee** · 08-07-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markk

I agree. No doubt really that he's guilty, people are just asking for the state not to impose the sentence that the judge imposed?

I have no doubt that his attitude is different now that the day of reckoning for what he's done is approaching. But people like this don't deserve an exception to be made for them. He can't complain about the hand he dealt himself.

FTR, this appears to be a jury imposed sentence.

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 11:40 AM

I watched Alpha Dog the other day. This situation reminds me of that in a way. Even though I like the Frankie character (and I guess the real person if this were similar to how he was in real life), but he deserved whatever punishment he ended up getting. The guy knew what was about to happen and didn't do anything to stop them from killing an innocent kid.

RJ · 08-07-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

I tend to agree with Mic. I've sort of come full circle on this issue over the last 10 years. I'd rather the guy rotted in prison.

As an aside, if he is given the chair, I'm not going to shed a tear for him.

I can see a good argument for abolishing the death penalty and if that ever happened I'd be ok with the decision. But having said that, as long as it exists this is the sort of case it exists for.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

I had an . . . acquaintence, wouldn't call him a friend, interacted with him more than most, but everybody bagged on him [he was a Claythan type, not that I'm suggesting Claythan has this guy's bad qualities, but he was the doughy boy who reveled in being picked on]. When I was in college, he and a buddy of his called upon a guy who had advertised a car for sale, test drove the car with the guy, killed him and took off in the car.

THAT is just plain sick...wow! It is scary to think that people think so little of people's lives...

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsFan4Life

Animals do have the ability to reason, just not to the extent of humans

Nice try though

So, let me make sure I've got this straight.
Animals can't reason like Humans do, but Humans and Animals are equal?
Gotcha...

Midnight_Vulture · 08-07-2008, 11:43 AM

Liberals have already pussified this great country of ours enough.

The death penalty needs to stay. In fact they need to go back to firing squad or something more painful than lethal injection.

Seriously, strike some fear into these murderers. Dont give them a painless death.

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

So, let me make sure I've got this straight.
Animals can't reason like Humans do, but Humans and Animals are equal?
Gotcha...

I never said they are equal and I don't believe that but you are sitting here telling people "who are we to judge the value of a life" and in the same breath can say without doubt that animals lives are different than human lives.

So I am wondering where you get the ability to selectively judge life?

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyChiefFan

THAT is just plain sick...wow! It is scary to think that people think so little of people's lives...

That is exactly why we need the death penalty. And more of it, IMO. I think a lot of these scumbags know that the punishment won't be as severe as death and so they don't think of the consequences as much.

**Skip Towne** · 08-07-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

The Justice System is flawed.
And innocent people have been put to death.
This can be argued both ways.

Tell that to Luther Plant. Oh, wait, you can't. Agofsky stomped him to death.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsFan4Life

I never said they are equal and I don't believe that but you are sitting here telling people "who are we to judge the value of a life" and in the same breath can say without doubt that animals lives are different than human lives.

So I am wondering where you get the ability to selectively judge life?

Human life Albert. Human life.
You're not going to make an argument that Human life and Animal life are comparable. That's just a lame attempt at making me look like a hypocrite. It won't work. Because you've already conceded that Human life is much more sacred.

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight_Vulture

Liberals have already pussified this great country of ours enough.

The death penalty needs to stay. In fact they need to go back to firing squad or something more painful than lethal injection.

Seriously, strike some fear into these murderers. Dont give them a painless death.

Honestly, I'd love it if in this world they gave the victim's families a specified time alone in the room with the guilty party to do whatever they please

I know if someone did something to any of my family members I would love to be able to slowly and painfully torture them

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight_Vulture

Liberals have already pussified this great country of ours enough.

The death penalty needs to stay. In fact they need to go back to firing squad or something more painful than lethal injection.

Seriously, strike some fear into these murderers. Dont give them a painless death.

I don't really like you from the bike thread, but your last 2 posts actually made me question my original impressions.

ChiefsFan4Life · 08-07-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Human life Albert. Human life.
You're not going to make an argument that Human life and Animal life are comparable. That's just a lame attempt at making me look like a hypocrite. It won't work. Because you've already conceded that Human life is much more sacred.

Don't get mad because you are talking in circles and not making sense and people are calling you out on it, Nancy.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight_Vulture

Liberals have already pussified this great country of ours enough.

The death penalty needs to stay. In fact they need to go back to firing squad or something more painful than lethal injection.

Seriously, strike some fear into these murderers. Dont give them a painless death.

Yeah, to Hell with compassion.
Let's get back to original American ideas like Slavery and Land-Stealing.

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, 11:38 AM	#151
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $6535541	This thread needs more cowbell. Attached Thumbnails
Posts: 19,231

08-07-2008, 11:40 AM	#153
Lzen Banded Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Oz Casino cash: $-709308	I watched Alpha Dog the other day. This situation reminds me of that in a way. Even though I like the Frankie character (and I guess the real person if this were similar to how he was in real life), but he deserved whatever punishment he ended up getting. The guy knew what was about to happen and didn't do anything to stop them from killing an innocent kid. __________________ Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.
Posts: 42,485

08-07-2008, 11:43 AM	#157
Midnight_Vulture Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Liberals have already pussified this great country of ours enough. The death penalty needs to stay. In fact they need to go back to firing squad or something more painful than lethal injection. Seriously, strike some fear into these murderers. Dont give them a painless death.
Posts: 622