Friday, December 5, 2008

Still waiting...

Well, we are still waiting on the results of that "good news" I mentioned! Please keep praying about this! I'm just going to go ahead and throw this out there for all of you to read and I may have written about this before but it's just eating me up!

Yesterday, I made a trip to the Department of Archives and History and found two newspaper articles on this case. In the newspaper, an officer at the time is quoted as saying "the murder is being investigated as domestic..."! Okay, here's my problem. First of all, the officer acknowledges this is a domestic situation because he knows. They all knew because they had been out and arrested Dari on many occasions. Secondly, the police (and this isn't the first time I've heard this from an officer) are already calling this a murder! This is one more instance of innocent until proven guilty NOT being alive and well in our country!

BUT not once during her trial was domestic issue or self defense ever mentioned! That really makes me MAD!!!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Let me just say we had an issue with the microwaves in the building she's in; the one that was working went out Friday so I called out there today and was told "well, you know, they tear them up and expect us to have a ready supply, they may just have to be without one for awhile until we can get one". I didn't get upset! I said okay! And I followed up with an e-mail to the Warden I spoke with and carbon copied the Superintendent (Margaret Bingham), the Commissioner (Mr. Epps), and Deputy Commissioner (Mr. Sparkman). I was on the phone with her this afternoon when the two new microwaves arrived. You should have heard those women in there; they were so excited to have working microwaves. I know that's a minor thing but to them it really isn't.

Now, the really exciting thing; we have some things happening with her case! I'm trying not to get toooo excited but at the same time keep my faith. I know that we've been praying for this breakthrough for a long time so, all I can say is keep praying, He hears us because little things have been happening here and there and a BIG thing happened in the last 24 hours. Her spirits are really good right now; going into the holiday's, she sounds upbeat and hopeful. She's claiming her freedom and so am I! Stay tuned!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Mississippi Project

I am so excited about this recent development and I've been really working hard to get this going. There is an organization called The Mississippi Project that profiles cases of individuals in the State of Mississippi who are wrongfully incarcerated and/or innocent and they've agreed to publish a link and host the site for Thalia's story. This is AWESOME news and I'm truly excited about it! I am going to publish a link to the site in the side bar as well as here in this post. The link is: The Mississippi Project - Thalia's Story.

Please check the site for updates and to post your messages to Thalia. I hope we will have the comments page up and going for her soon! Also, take some time to read the other cases profiled at this site. This problem in Mississippi is unbelievable!

I will be updating on this site as usual but I have to say that this has kept me really busy for the last few weeks; things are happening in her case that are very exciting. Please keep praying; God knows the need! He hears all the prayers and He is answering them! Thank you to each one of you who follows and posts and I promise to keep things updated!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Update on Attorney visit

Well, things went well! Attorney says he can help and there are things she can do; just one hurdle to overcome; retainer fee! If anyone has any suggestions, I am open! I have a few ideas and things going on in my mind but can always use help. He is "appalled" that this has happened and I only shared with him a little bit of the information that has happened. But again, he says that this can be done; it's going to take time, money and commitment! He asked me and the other person helping me for our commitment to be there and involved every step of the way which we both assured him we would be. So, we are still back at the retainer! Prayer, prayer, prayer! Thanks for the encouragement AND please keep this on your heart and mind!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Please send postive thoughts this way!

The meeting with the attorney is tomorrow! Please send good thoughts this way for Thalia and her children. There has been so much happening with the kids that it's been difficult to keep things updated here but just a little bit of information for those who are watching!

Saturday, November 1, there was an emergency with Thalia's children so I called CMCF to get a message to her. The first time I called, I was transferred to the Chaplain and got voice mail. I hung up and called back and explained I needed to get this message to her immediately and was told that I would have to leave a message on the voice mail and wait for the Chaplain to contact me. Guess when the Chaplain called me! Yesterday afternoon! Of course, by that time I had spoken with Thalia and we were about 4 or 5 steps down the road from that urgent situation and into the next. I did inquire about hours and availability of the Chaplain to inmates and was told that there is NOT a Chaplain there 24/7; their hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It kind of makes you wonder!

Friday, October 31, 2008

The Agitator

The Agitator » Blog Archive » Dirty Tricks in Mississippi

Encouraging!

Appointment to meet with the attorney is next week. Please keep this in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare to talk with him!

I didn't get to see Thalia Sunday due to a death in the family but a friend did go and see her. She is doing well and I talk with her almost daily. The issue with the children is about to be resolved hopefully over the weekend or first of next week anyway!

One thing I do have to report is I made a call to the local police department to follow up on the request for those police reports. Those should be a matter of public record but I'm told they've been pulled and are waiting on a subpoena. So, what is the big deal here? Why will they not release these reports? I have her POA and I did leave a copy of it with the PD. These reports are supposed to be a matter of public record; it just doesn't make sense except that someone must have something to hide! Anybody have an opinion on this?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Finally, some good news

I have an attorney willing to sit down and talk to me; he already knows a little about the case, did indicate there is some things to be done and said with all the information, just need to come into his office with what I've got to determine what can be done! He comes highly recommended AND first visit is consult so no charge! From there, I don't know! Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer that (a) there is something he will be able to help with and (b) he will help pro-bono (with me assisting, of course)! I am perfectly capable of typing motions and doing the research, etc.! And I will do it, I just need the guidance on what to do!

Will keep you updated on that; appointment is not for a a couple of weeks!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Innocent on Oprah

Wow, I am watching Oprah today; the quotes from the Private Investigator who helped this man "the DA's office will not admit a mistake or even look at it" says it all! The sad thing is one has to wonder how many more "Marty's" are there? I know that my friends situation is a little bit different in that there was no confession but there was/is a huge cover up. The "officials" don't want to let the truth out!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Innocence Project Forum and update on Situation with Thalia

Well, I served on a 3 day forum with the Innocence Project just as a participant answering questions and offering my input. I have a great deal of admiration for this organization. They have undertaken quite a task and need lots of support. So please check out the website(s). The National organization, of course, the Mississippi Innocence Project and you can check on the National organization's website to see if they have an organization within your state. It truly is one of those worthwhile causes that needs lots of support! Links to the sites are on the sidebar.

With that said, I got some news yesterday that I was not happy about. The attorney I was hoping would be interested in Thalia's case isn't going to be able to help. It's a setback but it will be okay. I had to have a little down time to get through that as I was so hopeful with this. But, I continue to trust that something is going to come through and we continue to pray for guidance. I know that we don't have a lot of followers yet on this site but hopefully that will pick up soon!

Thalia was in pretty good spirits when I spoke with her today (I haven't told her yet about the e-mail from the attorney). She is truly spiritual and I know that is something she is praying for so I am believing that God will hear her and the attorney will contact me indicating he has changed his mind. One can hope, right?

Things should continue to get interesting from here! She is still trying to see the chaplain regarding the issue with her children and staff continues to put her off. I see that as a violation of her rights; there is so much going on with her kids, she needs that guidance. I can hear it in her voice when I talk to her! Hopefully, I will be able to add more to her story (also linked on the sidebar) this week while I'm working. I know I want to get it all out there so anyone who wants to see the TRUTH will have access to it! Stay tuned!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Great Visit with Thalia today!

We had a great visit today! She looked good and was upbeat and hopeful based on some recent developments! It was a very relaxing visit, no stressors; just awesome! She is still very worried about her kids; we are working on that! Some things are about to come down the pipe on her case so stay tuned for those updates! Can't really go into detail just yet but will as soon as I can! Exciting things are about to happen; I just know it! Stay tuned!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Okay, so corruption runs rampant within MDOC and CMCF

Okay, well here we go! This has been an eventful week. To start with, Thalia's visitation list was scheduled to be updated. I know this because I called in August to check on it due to family recently returning to the area and wanting to come see her. Well, her case manager calls her in; advises I have called; gives her update forms for her to send out. We received those forms (I received mine, her aunt and uncle received theirs). We, myself and 2 friends complete our forms and put them in the same envelope and return them to the facility; they are dated 9/6/08. Her aunt and uncle complete theirs (I know this because I explain to them to be sure and return the form to the address listed on the back of the form, not Thalia, and to be sure that everything is completed). Theirs is mailed out about the same time ours were. Interestingly enough, as of Tuesday of this week, September 30th, the forms have NOT been received by the facility. Not just my (our) forms but aunt and uncles forms either. Now, in case you don't know this, I live right here in the same city where CMCF is; in fact, their post office box where they get their mail is the same post office I use. Hmmmm, wonder what has happened here! At least two different mailings for her visitation are not received at the facility. Well, hold on, cause it gets deeper.

Last week, in fact, I called to check on the status to be sure they had received the forms and was told the lady who handles that was out; the man I spoke with checked the computer and the new forms had not been loaded and he couldn't tell me if the forms were there because he didn't have access to her office. Call back next week. Okay, I can do that! So, Monday I call and I speak with someone who is taking care of this because apparently the person who normally does this is out on leave or whatever, who knows! She indicates she has a lot of them to enter, doesn't know if the forms are there, please call back Thursday. I expressed my concern as visitation is coming up this weekend (Sunday, October 5), Thalia has family who wants to come visit, she's had no blood family visit in the entire 10 year time she's been incarcerated (they've lived in Ohio) and could she please just be on the lookout for the forms. We want to be sure they can visit this weekend. Also there are some things going on with her kids which she and I need to discuss ASAP. She is understanding and polite (not something that happens often when dealing with staff at CMCF) and I expressed my appreciation. She also then asked me to call her back that afternoon at 4:00 (I had a doctor's appointment so I called back on Tuesday; this gives her a little more time to get through all the forms she has, right?). Well, at this time she tells me not only has she not received the forms (any of them) BUT my visitation is expired and I won't be able to visit Sunday if the forms aren't received. I've been on Thalia's visitation list for YEARS. So, okay, what do we need to do to rectify this? Well, she has to have the forms (the original forms). No, a copy won't work it has to be an original. She transfers me to her supervisor, a warden at the facility. We have a pretty heated discussion because right out of the gate she comments on the type of people Thalia's family must be if they've not visited her in 10 years. In fact, after her "insinuation", she goes on to say something along the lines of that just shows the kind of person Thalia must be and/or the type of people they are and "well, I'm not even going to go there" comes out of her mouth. I am floored that this warden has just made these statements to me. Excuse me, she doesn't know these people (I don't either BUT I do know that they've lived in Ohio the entire time, she doesn't). She has no business making such unprofessional comments about people she doesn't know, especially considering her position within the facility. Once again, refer to title of this post... just another incident that shows the unprofessional behavior and underhanded things that the employees at this facility will do.

Do I think they have the forms? Yes, I do. Do I think they are sitting on them? Yes, I do. Why do I think this? Because they don't like me (someone who stays on top of things with Thalia). I actually expect them to do their job (which isn't usually successful but does keep the heat on and bring about questions asked by Commissioners and Superintendents of the Facility when necessary).

So, Wednesday I spoke with another Warden at the facility and after a lengthy conversation, she agreed to accept my scanned copies of the documentation if I could get it to the facility by Friday and original signature underneath the copied signature. Of course, even mailing from right here in the city can take a couple of days so I express mail, signature required upon picking up mail from right here at this local post office where their post office box is. According to the post office, they would have it in their box even that afternoon (since it's in the same building) but I went ahead a sent it express with a signature required. Documents were picked up Thursday, October 2 at 7:29 a.m. Great! Document was addressed to the Warden I spoke with but also had letter for person handling the actual entry of the information (covering bases). Upon speak with the Warden yesterday afternoon, she hadn't received the mail, hmmmm! I realize this is a prison facility but something sent express mail to a Warden at that facility, in my opinion, should have been on her desk by lunch but, okay! So, I will call back this morning to ensure that she has received it.

Now, let me drop back and let you know what has happened with Thalia. They moved her! Imagine that! Yep, they moved her to another building that doesn't get visitation this weekend. Wonder why they did that???? Any ideas????? Anybody?????? Thalia tells me, however, that in spite of that normally the inmate will still get their scheduled visitation that is coming up so soon. I agree with that. It's not her fault they decided to move her; it's not the fault of her family/friends that they decided to move her. So, why should she or her family/friends be penalized because somebody out there got a hair up their (well, you know the place)? So, when I called to verify that the forms had been received yesterday, I also followed up on her receiving the visit on Sunday due to move. I am told that is not the procedure unless the inmate has made arrangements prior to being moved. Hello; the inmate isn't notified they are being moved UNTIL they are told to pack their stuff. How do they pre-arrange that? There isn't a way for that to happen. Which leads me right back to yes, they do allow inmates to receive their upcoming visit if they are moved to a building that has visitation on a different day; but it's all about who you are, who you know and what you will do for the facility as an inmate. Will you snitch on another inmate? Do you set other inmates up to get in trouble? Do the guards like you? See, Thalia isn't a trouble inmate but she's also not a "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" with the guards. She minds her business and stays to herself (or tries to as much as they will let her).

Now, I'm not saying that all employees at CMCF are corrupt or show favoritism or just plain out do what they want to do; but it is my opinion based on my experience with that facility and employees of that facility that there are a greater number of those who are than who aren't.
I've personally heard a guard tell an inmate to just kill herself! That's just an example of what I've experienced so you come to your own conclusion on that. But, let me go ahead and tell you, if you call to discuss the issue with someone they will quickly tell you that you don't know the person you heard say that was a guard; after all the only word you have to go on is the person you were talking to on the phone at the time which would be an inmate of the facility and those people aren't credible because they are incarcerated. Yes, they will all but tell you that. And if you personally experience something such as my conversation with the Warden who made the statements about Thalia's family, you better have a witness because you will be told that you can't prove that was said. It's your word against that employee and they aren't going to believe you. You come and visit an inmate so you have to be a worthless individual. Your word means nothing either.

Well, on that note, I'm going to put this out there again! My opinions have changed greatly in the last several years on our judicial and prison system. I used to be one of those who believed the judicial system works and if you're in jail/prison, you obviously deserve to be there. Folks, that just isn't the case. I'm not saying everyone in prison is innocent BUT take a look at the number of people who are now being found innocent due to the advancement of technology. Come on! There is something terribly wrong with our system up to and including employees who work for the system. And I hate to say this but I live in Mississippi and everybody knows Mississippi is way behind the times. So, the number of people serving time in Mississippi who are factually innocent, in my opinion, is bound to be higher than most other states.

I do actually have something good to post. I spoke with one of our local House Representatives who is working on a Bill that would offer some guidelines on the ability of the Governor to pardon, parole or grant clemency (he, as I, am very upset over the recent release of Michael Graham -- I'm going to be sure I have a link on that posted on this site) who is interested in the things I'm going through and the information I have and what I have experienced. I told him about the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission (talked about in an earlier post) and he'd heard of it but was interested in knowing more so I am to mail him the information I have. We exchanged e-mails and plan to stay in contact. At this point, I am so thankful to have assistance and someone who actually listens to what is so obviously a HUGE problem in our state. So stay tuned on that! I hope it will lead to a break somewhere down the road not just for Thalia but for all the others who truly have a situation that is so very wrong.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Bills in Mississippi would work to limit paroles - NewsFlash - gulflive.com

Bills in Mississippi would work to limit paroles - NewsFlash - gulflive.com

Is there hope?

Well, since last post there have been some things going on with the kids that required immediate attention so I've not been able to do a whole lot; but I have done some. I am so thankful that Robert McDuff has taken the time to correspond with me via e-mail. Though at this time he's not in a position to take on this case he is offering me some help and for that I am eternally grateful!

I am still battling to see the Governor; you know his name, Haley Barbour. It absolutely amazes me that his staff tells me he won't meet with me about this but just today in the newspaper is an article addressing this very subject (direct quote: "Mississippi governors have the authority to pardon, commute or suspend sentences", see the link above this post). Some of our local house/senate members have proposed a bill that they are hoping to get passed in January that will limit the Governor's ability to exercise that authority without going through certain steps.

Oh and let me just go ahead and throw this out there for you! It's my understanding that in Mississippi, female inmates aren't given the same opportunity to work at the Governor's mansion because the State doesn't have the ability to house the male and the female inmates at the mansion and keep them separate. Therefore, females aren't given the same opportunity that males are given. I don't know about you but that sounds like a classic case of discrimination to me! Would be interested to know your thoughts on that particular subject! I think I will post that as my next poll!

I think we have a lead on a couple of people we are trying to track down. Not at liberty at this time to reveal who those people are but I can say that it will prove to be very interesting reading when I can update that. Stay tuned for that information, hopefully in the next week or two. Also, there is a road trip planned that will prove to be interesting; wonder how many laws the local government is going to break that day? Yep, I will keep you updated on that! As always, thank you for reading and please comment; show your support; show your non-support; but just show something. We've got to take a stand, one side of the fence of the other; straddling isn't working and to many people have paid a high price for us to sit back any longer and allow these horrendous things to happen!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Tucker Carrington, MS Innocence Project, Governor Barbour and the Mississippi Judicial System

Well, here I am again! I spoke with the Governor's office and they continue to tell me that the Governor will not meet with me on this issue. Again, I ask, isn't the Governor the one who has the authority to grant pardons, paroles, etc? Isn't that what he did a few weeks ago when he paroled Michael Graham? Yet I can't get a meeting with him to discuss information I have regarding what appears to be a "cover up" from the good 'ole boys in North Mississippi. I continue to read about people getting exonerated after serving years in prison because there was evidence "covered" up by the local government during the trial period and what kind of compensation are we (the State, the tax payers) giving these citizens for all intents and purposes taking away from them something they can NEVER get back. As far as I can tell, in Mississippi, there is no type of compensation. Number 1, no amount of money in the world will ever be able to give back to these people what has been taken from them. And number 2, why aren't we prosecuting some of these folks who have deliberately withheld evidence "just to get a conviction"?

Thalia applied in November of last year to the Mississippi Innocence Project for her case to be reviewed and I did get confirmation that it has been received. I got another e-mail today advising me that they do have the application and it will be looked at in the order that it was received. Hey, I understand that. But come on, give me a time frame! Are we talking months, years, decades? I know for some people it has taken years but somebody at least tell me they are working on it. And still, as a tax paying citizen of this state, I am supposed to accept that my Governor will not meet with me to discuss a very important issue. Mississippi has got some serious problems and sooner or later that is going to come out and it's going to be so ugly!

I know that I mentioned Tucker Carrington in the title; let me just say that I have spoken with Mr. Carrington on the phone and he seems to be a very nice man trying to do something good for this state. I admire him and the others who have gone to such great efforts to get the Innocence Project started in Mississippi!

Monday I mailed about 30 letters out requesting assistance from attorneys. Some have responded; mostly with "don't do pro-bono work"; one who says they won't even look at it unless I pay them $1,000.00. And then one organization that I spoke with today, once again, tells me I need "new" evidence for anything to be done. Well, you know, let's talk about that for a second. I get a response today from an attorney who tells me he will take $1,000.00 to look at it and tell me what, if anything, can be done and then I get another organization who is straight up and tells me pretty much that nothing can be done without new evidence. Now, who do you think is honest here?

One of the attorney's I contacted is Robert McDuff. He seems to be a very good attorney and very well known for his civil rights stance. I am so hopeful that he will see something here and find it in his heart to take this case! Please keep your fingers crossed. As always I have been e-mailing and writing and calling people almost every day; but I am still in the same place. I am still waiting to see the Governor and still praying for legal assistance. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on all this!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Mississippi Legal System NOT doing any better!

Well, it's been a long time since I updated this! Please don't think that just because I haven't posted that I haven't been doing anything. I certainly have; time is just crazy! And if you're reading this, I hope you've heard about the allegations made against Mississippi's "expert" pathologist, Steven Hayne. If not, be sure and google that topic; it's quite interesting. And, yes, Dr. Hayne did autopsy and testify in Ms. Outlaw's case. I'm happy to say that Dr. Hayne is no longer being used by the State of Mississippi as of approximately two weeks ago, I believe.

I am still struggling to get some help but fighting every day with everything I have in me to do it. I am worn out with our legal system. Our Governor recently released a man on "parole" who killed his wife in cold blood (shot her in the face) because this man worked at the Governor's mansion and the Governor felt he deserved a second chance but here I am years down the road still trying to get a meeting with the Governor to discuss the information I have that would show innocence of a female serving the rest of her life in prison for a crime she didn't commit. In fact, in 2008 our Governor has paroled 5 MALE inmates and (if I remember correctly) 4 of those 5 were men convicted in domestic issues. And they wonder why our prisons are overcrowded? The people who need to be in there are getting out and the ones who should be getting their "second" chance have extremely harsh punishments!


I have gotten some really good feedback from a couple of different sources and am working on contacting potential attorney's to look at this case. We are still waiting to hear from the Innocence Network in Mississippi; the application was filed almost a year ago so hopefully something will come of that soon. I guess mostly what I've been working on is trying to make sure that within the facility (CMCF) Thalia is at least treated as fairly as possible and if you know anything about that process that's more than a full time job.

I have to comment that from all the posts and blogs that I have read there sure does seem to be a lot wrong with our system; I just wonder when somebody who has the knowledge and ability is going to have the gonads to do something about it. Well, there's a lot more but I'm tired; it's been a long day. I did visit with Thalia today; she was upset when I first got there this morning; worried about her children (as any mother would and should be). But after we visited, I'm hopeful that she is feeling better! I promise to do better about updating.