April 23rd marks the 17th anniversary of the reinstatement of Kansas’ death penalty. Prior to 1994, Kansas had been a death penalty free state since the 1970s. Though Kansas has not executed an inmate under the current law, the same problems that led 16 other states to abolish the death penalty are gathering greater notice in Kansas. We already know that the Kansas death … [Read more...] about A Solemn Anniversary
Voices of Innocence: Juan Melendez
A Death Row Exoneration. Juan Melendez spent nearly 18 years on Florida’s death row for a crime he did not commit. Convicted of the brutal murder of Delbert Baker in 1984, Melendez was eventually exonerated in 2002. But how does an innocent man get convicted of murder? Barely able to understand English at the time of his arrest, Melendez unknowingly waived his … [Read more...] about Voices of Innocence: Juan Melendez
Voices of Innocence: Cameron Todd Willingham
Executed. Innocent. On December 23, 1991, Cameron Todd Willingham was at home with his three children. Willingham later recalled waking up to the cries of his 2 year-old daughter, and found his house filled with smoke and flames. Willingham remembered frantically trying to reach his daughters in their room, but he could not find them. During his search, his hair … [Read more...] about Voices of Innocence: Cameron Todd Willingham
KCADP Recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week
The National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which takes place April 10-16 this year, is an annual observance promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “Reshaping the future, Honoring the past,” and the week will be observed through a number of memorial ceremonies and … [Read more...] about KCADP Recognizes National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Death Row Defense Attorney Discusses Replacing the Death Penalty
Last Friday, NPR’s Fresh Air replayed an interview with Attorney David Dow, who has defended death row inmates in Texas for nearly two decades. Dow recently wrote a book, The Autobiography of an Execution, that discusses replacing the death penalty with life without parole. The book is now available in paperback. From NPR: “Attorney David Dow has made a career out of … [Read more...] about Death Row Defense Attorney Discusses Replacing the Death Penalty