Kansas is not immune to the problems that other states face within the justice system. The first Kansan exonerated through DNA evidence after serving time in a Kansas prison granted an exclusive look into the challenges he has faced since being punished for a crime for which he was innocent. Of the more than 270 people in the United States exonerated by DNA … [Read more...] about Lawrence Journal-World publishes in-depth account of Kansas felony exoneree
Kansas Cases
KCADP Statement on Kahler's Death Sentence
The Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty released the following statement after James Kraig Kahler was sentenced to death today: We regret the loss of the lives of Karen, Emily, and Lauren Kahler and Dorothy Wight. Sentencing Kraig Kahler to death will not restore their lives. It will not bring peace to the remaining family members or the traumatized local … [Read more...] about KCADP Statement on Kahler's Death Sentence
Gavin Scott Moves off Death Row
Gavin Scott, sentenced to death in a 1996 double homicide, has reached a plea agreement that drops the death penalty and sentences him instead to two consecutive life sentences. His original sentence was overturned by the Kansas Supreme Court in May 2008 and he has been awaiting re-sentencing since that date. Scott will not be eligible for parole for at least 85 years. … [Read more...] about Gavin Scott Moves off Death Row
State to Seek Death Penalty in Aguirre Case
On March 22, 2010, the state of Kansas announced that it would seek the death penalty against Luis Aguirre in the October 2009 deaths of 18-year-old Tanya Maldonado and their son, 25-month-old Juan Maldonado. Aguirre, who has entered a plea of not guilty, has been held in the Riley County Jail since last October. This is the first time the death penalty has been sought in a … [Read more...] about State to Seek Death Penalty in Aguirre Case
Cheatham to Get New Sentencing Hearing
On February 22, 2010, Shawnee County District Court Judge Mark Braun issued a decision that will give Phillip Cheatham a new sentencing hearing. His attorney, Dennis Hawver, had testified at an earlier hearing that he believed he provided ineffective counsel. Hawver, who had never tried a capital case, stated that he hadn't talked to other defense attorneys about trying … [Read more...] about Cheatham to Get New Sentencing Hearing