Innocence in Mississippi

Mississippi has new medical examiner - WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS:

2011-03-15T03:56:00.001-05:00

I certainly hope that this works out! It's been nearly 3 years since there has been an official "licensed" Forensic Medical Examiner in the state and more than 10 years since there was someone in that position that was actually paid by the State. Allegedly, Dr. Hayne was not board certified in forensic pathology and the state has had a backlog of cases for years. Finally since the debacle of Stephen Hayne, I hope that this will be a step in the right direction for MS. For more information on what happened with Dr. Hayne and his friend, Dr. Michael West, read Radley Balko's article "CSI Mississippi" in a prior post. The question remains, however, how many innocent people are sitting in prison based on faulty testimony of these 2 individuals and what is the state going to do to look into this?

Mississippi has new medical examiner - WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS:

Eligible for a Pardon Application???

2011-03-07T14:11:00.005-06:00

No, not if you are still incarcerated, according to the staff at the Governor's mansion. I'm told for anyone to receive an application, they must be eligible and to be eligible they must not be incarcerated. They also need to be free for 7 years and no longer on parole. Well, that pretty well means that no one is eligible to be pardoned based on this Governor's, Haley Barbour, policy. How does that policy apply to the men he has pardoned who were working at the Governor's mansion when pardoned? It doesn't because the Governor can do what he wants to.

How does it affect the women who are incarcerated? Terribly because they don't get to work at the Governor's mansion.

To summarize, the Governor has broken his own policy by pardoning men (see the information here) who work at the Governor's mansion AND women are discriminated against because they aren't afforded the same opportunity to work at the Governor's mansion. Yes, he pardoned the Scott sister's but that in and of itself has many people wondering about his reasons for doing so. Hmmm, any thoughts on that?

Graduation at CMCF

2011-03-07T14:05:00.003-06:00

I attended a graduation Friday at CMCF and must admit I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was very friendly. The atmosphere was completely different than on visitation days. I'm grateful that MDOC gives this opportunity to the individuals who have chosen to further their education under these circumstances. We all know that continuing education can be hard anywhere but to do so in a prison where the noise would be overwhelming when trying to study is truly an accomplishment. I am very proud of all the graduates.

Free the Scott Sisters

2010-10-09T23:28:00.004-05:00

Please continue to contact the Governor and the Parole Board to support the Scott Sisters request for a pardon. Jamie and Gladys Scott were convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to double life sentences each for armed robbery of less than $11.

Jamie is in renal failure and requires dialysis 3 times a week. The dialysis machine stays broken and she misses dialysis a great deal. Please don't let this woman, who by accounts of those who were involved with this armed robbery, had nothing to do with it, die in this prison. Don't allow her sister to stay incarcerated either. There are too many innocent people in prison and we need to help those we can.

You can help. Send an e-mail or write Haley Barbour at the following addresses:

Governor Haley Barbour
P.O. Box 139
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150
Fax: 601-359-3741
(If you reach VM leave msgs, faxes, and please send letters)

Dorothy Kuykendall
Personal Assistant to Gov. Barbour
(601) 359-3150
DKuykendall@governor.state.ms.us
P. O Box 3150
Jackson, MS 39205

You can get more information about this case by joining the Scott sisters blog here.

Thank you for your help with this injustice; there are many more and I will be blogging about those as well in the near future!

Mississippi: Re-Open Trial Cases involving testimonies of Drs. Steven Hayne and Michael West Petition

2010-04-06T04:28:00.000-05:00

Mississippi: Re-Open Trial Cases involving testimonies of Drs. Steven Hayne and Michael West Petition

Cruel and Unusual HealthCare

2010-03-25T22:12:00.001-05:00

http://prisonmovement.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/cruel-and-unusual-health-care/

Women behind the Wall

2010-03-16T17:06:00.000-05:00

Women behind the Wall

Ailing Pearl Inmate Out of Hospital

2010-03-06T07:28:00.001-06:00

Ailing Pearl Inmate Out of Hospital

Posted using ShareThis

Inmate Advocacy Rally | JFP Events - Event Listings for Jackson, Mississippi

2010-02-18T12:44:00.000-06:00

Inmate Advocacy Rally JFP Events - Event Listings for Jackson, Mississippi

Mississippi: Re-Open Trial Cases involving testimonies of Drs. Steven Hayne and Michael West Petition

2009-11-13T11:14:00.000-06:00

Mississippi: Re-Open Trial Cases involving testimonies of Drs. Steven Hayne and Michael West Petition

Jackson Free Press: Jackson, Mississippi - Noise - Justice - State - Protestors Demand Epps Stop Inmate Abuse

2009-11-07T03:56:00.002-06:00

The information in this article is some of the same things I hear about at CMCF in Mississippi. Nothing surprises me with the DOC. Commissioner Epps is notorious for passing things off to others to handle and I find it quite interesting that he states he hopes Dr. Gillam (and the protestors) will bring "specific" complaints to him in a productive manner. It has been my experience that even when matters are presented in a "productive" manner, Commissioner Epps will "pass the buck", no one will be held accountable and inevitable our incarcerated loved one still pays the price. The "alleged" abuse that the protestors are speaking of is happening, the mistreatment of our loves ones does occur but it is up to us, the friends and family that they have on the outside to stay on top of that and make sure we make noise enough that the public knows people are being mistreated in the name of "justice". Good for Dr. Gillam and the others and I wish I had known that this was happening as I would like to have been involved.

Jackson Free Press: Jackson, Mississippi - Noise - Justice - State - Protestors Demand Epps Stop Inmate Abuse

The previous visit by this group was covered by WLBT in November of 2007. The link is:

Group Claims Inmates Treated Unfairly - WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS:

Blogtalk Radio tonight

2009-11-03T11:40:00.005-06:00

Tonight will feature another story of a woman incarcerated. I have learned of so many problems in this country in many states and heard personal stories; please join tonight and listen for yourself to hear of the horrible things that happen and can happen.

Thanks to Mary Ellen Digiacomo and Gloria Goodwin Killian who have both served time for crimes the didn't commit. These women have incredible stories to tell and give tirelessly of their time to bring about awareness of what our elected officials will do if we continue to allow it. Please, take a stand. Just listen for an hour!

http://blogtalkradio.com/4justicenow

Women behind the Wall

2009-10-27T09:33:00.001-05:00

Women behind the Wall

Join us tonight @ 5:00 p.m. CT to hear more stories of innocent people incarcerated all over this country. Listen live online, join the chat and or call in to ask questions. Thanks for your support!

Okay, so I've been away a while!

2009-10-25T14:56:00.002-05:00

I know I've got to do better about keeping things up to date here. We've actually gotten a Facebook page started for Thalia and I will be posting this link there as well. The ultimate goal, obviously, is to bring awareness to wrongful convictions in this country while freeing those who are serving time for crimes they aren't guilty of. Again, this is my blog; I don't do very well in updating it because frankly there's so much going on but I do try. I'm hoping I've found some tools that will help me keep things updated here and on the Facebook page as well. We'll see.

I will continue to report the total craziness inside MDOC and CMCF on this site. Stay tuned for more on that!

The Coroners Revolt by Radley Balko at Reason Magazine

2009-08-05T10:59:00.006-05:00

Please click the link to "The Coroners Revolt" to see the latest disgrace being brought to the state of Mississippi uncovered by Radley Balko. State Coroners are trying to bring Steven Hayne back. Please get involved by contacting your Senator and Representatives!

A Forensics Charlatan Gets Caught in the Act: Video from a defense attorney's sting exposes Mississippi bite-mark "expert" Michael West. - Reason Magazine

2009-05-18T14:13:00.000-05:00

A Forensics Charlatan Gets Caught in the Act: Video from a defense attorney's sting exposes Mississippi bite-mark "expert" Michael West. - Reason Magazine

Thank you Radley Balko for continuing to stay on this story!

Is Reasonable Doubt still what we expect in this Country and this State?

2009-05-18T04:25:00.006-05:00

"Thomas said the woman was saying that she would have to be 100 % certain about Bennett's actions before she could vote for the death penalty. Thomas said that was a higher standard than the law required to impose the death penalty."

Okay, folks, I take issue with this statement! I realize it's a couple of years old BUT this case is being reviewed and we need to let our concerns about this be heard!!!

Full article is here:
"http://www.demaction.org/dia/organizations/ncadp/news.jsp?key=2434&t=">NCADP - The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty">">

If I'm not mistaken, when a person is NOT 100% sure then that is called reasonable doubt and therefore based on our law a person can NOT be found guilty much less sentenced to a punishment of death! Just my opinion but here again is another example of what seems to be Injustice in Mississippi!

Again, who's accountable and when are we, the citizens of this state going to step up and do something? It starts with one person and I've been blogging about this issue, more specifically with regard to the problems in the prisons but I've come across so much that happens during the trial and before trial. I've made some contacts outside of Mississippi with people who are trying to bring this issue to light but why are there not more people who LIVE in our state not taking action. This is our state and we pay the salaries for these individuals who are not acting in the best interest of the citizens of this state; are we going to sit back and say this is okay?

Blogtalk Radio "Women in Prison"

2009-05-12T19:29:00.002-05:00

Once again, WHO is accountable?

2009-04-07T12:51:00.004-05:00

I've sent e-mails, made phone calls requesting information and I am so tired of hearing or receiving an e-mail that says "I'm forwarding your concerns to...."!!!! Can somebody, anybody, please tell me who at MDOC, CMCF or any other state prison facility is accountable to the state of Mississippi and more importantly, to the citizens that pay their salaries so they can have jobs? Who they are accountable to? Staff at CMCF is so rude, staff at MDOC is extremely rude and nobody wants to buck up and address concerns! Yet, they still have jobs and we still allow them to treat the citizens that pay their salaries and our loved ones like dirt on their feet. You see, I've come to the conclusion that DOC and staff don't just view inmates as "nothings", they view the family and friends of inmates as "nothings" too. Even head honcho, Mr. Epps himself passes the buck 99.9% of the time. Besides delegating, what exactly is his job? Who at DOC is willing to do their job? Aren't we entitled as taxpayers to see those job descriptions?

The Ice Machine is fixed!

2009-03-24T12:46:00.003-05:00

Well, after months of calling and e-mailing, finally the ice machine is fixed in the visitation area at CMCF. The alleged part that was on back-order since December arrived and I think it only took about a month to get it repaired. Yet another subject of irritation for me. Another issue that our tax dollars are paying that isn't getting done properly. You see, the maintenance for this equipment is contracted and my concern is under what contract is it acceptable for a part to be on back-order and a piece of equipment to be in a non-working capacity for 5 months. It is my opinion that this is completely unacceptable.

Still Pushing Forward

2009-03-24T12:31:00.003-05:00

Well, things continue to rock on here in "our" world. We keep making calls, keep digging and talking to people, and seeking assistance! The MDOC and CMCF never cease to amaze me with the policy of how they do things. Depending on what day you call and who you talk to determines the policy. And talk about passing the buck. I've gotten more responses to e-mails of "I'm passing this to...."; no one at that facility wants to do their job or anyone else's job; no one wants to hold those responsible (and I use that term loosely) accountable for doing their job. And yes, that is our tax dollars hard at work.

Information continues to emerge about Drs. Hayne and West. Sometimes I feel like I'm walking around in a haze of shock because I can't believe that this is really happening. Yet, I wake up each day and realize it is all very real. It is very real for Thalia, her 3 children, her friends, her family. And it is very real for so many other people who are wrongly convicted. Not only that, but even those who are serving time for crimes they committed, it is very real. The injustice of our so called "justice being served" is very real. The families that are impacted and the lack of concern for those families by our state and state employees is very real. The dis-respect shown to citizens of this state by employees paid by our tax dollars is very real. Again, it is all very shocking to me; my eyes are wide open now and sometimes I wish they weren't.

Had to delete Thalia's detailed story

2009-03-18T14:10:00.001-05:00

Sorry but the details had to be deleted off Thalia's blog due to the ongoing investigation.

Just a quick update on following Thalia's story

2009-02-20T03:35:00.004-06:00

I have updated on her blog a detailed from start to finish of the events that occurred to Thalia Outlaw which resulted in her life sentence in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. You can reach that blog on the side bar or by going to Thalia's story.

Hit & Run > Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Departs With an Anti-Death Penalty Flourish - Reason Magazine

2008-12-19T13:04:00.000-06:00

Hit & Run > Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Departs With an Anti-Death Penalty Flourish - Reason Magazine

Still waiting...

2008-12-05T11:50:00.003-06:00

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!!!!

NEW DEVELOPMENT

2008-11-24T17:31:00.003-06:00

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!

The Mississippi Project

2008-11-16T21:35:00.003-06:00

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!

Crucial Decisions being made about accoutability!!

2008-11-07T11:06:00.001-06:00

Today at the U.S. Supreme Court | Innocence Project

Update on Attorney visit

2008-11-06T19:53:00.003-06:00

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!

Please send postive thoughts this way!

2008-11-04T06:13:00.002-06:00

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!

Free Lionel Tate: For Immediate Release - Tyler Edmonds Finally Receives Justice

2008-11-03T08:57:00.000-06:00

Free Lionel Tate: For Immediate Release - Tyler Edmonds Finally Receives Justice

The Agitator

2008-10-31T11:56:00.000-05:00

The Agitator » Blog Archive » Dirty Tricks in Mississippi

Encouraging!

2008-10-31T11:34:00.004-05:00

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?

Finally, some good news

2008-10-21T13:25:00.002-05:00

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!

Innocent on Oprah

2008-10-20T16:42:00.005-05:00

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!

Innocence Project Forum and update on Situation with Thalia

2008-10-19T19:13:00.003-05:00

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!

WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Group Claims Inmates Treated Unfairly

2008-10-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Group Claims Inmates Treated Unfairly

Great Visit with Thalia today!

2008-10-12T22:01:00.002-05:00

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!

Okay, so corruption runs rampant within MDOC and CMCF

2008-10-03T06:11:00.005-05:00

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.

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

2008-09-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

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

Is there hope?

2008-09-28T21:46:00.005-05:00

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!

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

2008-09-16T19:14:00.002-05:00

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!

Mississippi Legal System NOT doing any better!

2008-09-07T21:39:00.004-05:00

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.

Update on Thalia Outlaw and the Mississippi Department of Corrections!

2007-12-28T09:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm sorry I haven't updated my post but with the holidays things have been wild. That is no excuse but I have been working on some things regarding Thalia's case. Her application has been sent to the Mississippi Innocence Network and is being reviewed. Please keep this in prayer. Also, I am still waiting (as I have been for the past year and a half, two years) for a meeting with Governor Barbour. I am told that it is in his "to read" file so I expect to hear back soon about this.

There is so much going on at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility that most people would be completely shocked to know. I know I am was and am! However, as yet I am not at liberty to go into a great detail about this. All I can say is that if you have a friend, family member serving time, please stay on top of it. Dig and find out the truth about the situation and you will be surprised. More later as I will be making some phone calls today and getting more information and will post updates this evening!

Thalia and the MDOC

2007-11-12T20:09:00.000-06:00

Well, finally got property returned to Thalia. I had to throw a fit and send e-mail to Governor Barbour, Senator Trent Lott, Sentor Thad Cochran and Representative Chip Pickering, as well as Commissioner Chrisopher Epps, Deputy Commissioner Emmit Sparkman, Superintendant Margaret Bingham, Warden Holman and the folks in internal affairs with MDOC but it got handled FINALLY. I probably haven't posted the information out here on that but it all boils down to harrassment by one officer and Thalia's personal property being taken. Property she is allowed to have, none the less. Anyway, it was 2 pair of earring studs (one of them very sentimental to her as they were her mother's) and the officers out there wanted to keep them for themselves.

I am here to tell you, those are some of the rudest most unprofessional people I have ever had to deal with in my life but I can also tell you they know I am not going to put up with it. We have another potential attorney looking into the matter about getting her back into court. She has received her application from the Mississippi Innocence Project and we are working on getting that filled out. We are also trying to get statements from people who know what happened and can tell the truth about it now!

North Carolina has a law that was recently passed called the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission and I was talking to one of our House members who, of course, before the election was all ears but told me to contact him after the election because he couldn't do anything unless he was re-elected. Well, he had asked me to call him back on election day but I thought better of it and waited to give him some down time and I called him today. Well, imagine his not wanting to hear about it. He said he would NOT introduce a Bill that would allow a murderer to go free.

First of all, that just shows me he wasn't listening to me the first time I talked to him and he didn't listen today.

Secondly, it's not like it's a Bill that automatically releases people; it's a bill that has a committee of 8 people that reviews cases of people who pled not guilty to the crime, were convicted and have exhausted all their appeals or done everything they know to do that will review their case to see if it merits being returned to Court. The statistics are actually shocking from a similar Bill in the United Kingdom where there were several thousand cases reviewed. 300 of those cases were referred back to Court and 220 were overturned. That's almost 75%. But, as usual Mississippi isn't interested in doing anything like that. No, our State would much rather spend more money to build more prisons and keep the ones who shouldn't be in prison locked up FOREVER and have the citizens foot that bill and let the ones out who should be there that did, in fact, pre-mediate and kill someone get out on parole or a slap on the wrist. See, this really sux too because depending on when you are sentenced, determines your time served. Example, a lady out there, very young, drugs involved, killed an ex, assaulted current girlfriend, robbed them first and was actually sentenced to death. Well, death sentence was overturned or commuted in 1984 (which I am thankful for) and she got life and two 25 year sentences. She is eligible for parole in February of '08. Thalia, however, who was only protecting herself and her unborn child is sentenced to life. And because her sentence occured in 1999, that means life. Only eligible for conditional release when she is 65. So we are talking two totally different situations, one out and out killing and stealing from someone, planned, etc. and the other self defense in a domestic situation with an unborn child being threatened. It just makes no sense whatsoever to me! And all the lawyers and PEOPLE who could do something say "she is out of time to do anything". I am sickkkk of hearing that. Because I will not give up until somebody hears me. Somebody is going to want to know about this. I am going to mail John Grisham a copy of her transcript from her trial. It will make an awesome book (full of mystery, corruption and coverup within the legal system). Right up his alley!

If I can figure out how to scan her transcript and put it out on here as a PDF file, I am going to. I think I will go work on that now. Have a great evening all and thanks for reading!

Update on Innocent in Mississippi

2007-11-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

Well, ups and downs! Good news and bad! Like riding a roller coaster. Just when I think we are getting somewhere, we take a few steps back. And then I/we move ahead a little bit and then back again. I guess all in all we are making progress.

Thalia is doing well. She is keeping her spirits up and her faith strong. She has her bad days but we all do. But she is a strong woman and her faith is strong. I had a day last week where I needed her and somehow she knew it because she called at a time when she normally wouldn't have (just before I was scheduled to work in the morning) and I had just gotten some news about her case that really upset me. I found out the attorney we were hoping and praying would take her case wasn't going to have time so I was really upset about it. I didn't know how I was going to tell her but she called right after I talked with their office and she knew something was wrong. Since I don't keep anything from her, I told her. I don't want to keep her hopes up so I don't mislead her about what is going on with her case. She stayed strong for me during that moment and I am so thankful for that. Of course, I pulled it together and towards the end of the call, I was optimistic again and telling her everything was going to work out. I firmly believe that and I know that God is going to provide a way. So when she called me later that day, of course, it was my turn to be the comforter. She had a bad day after getting that news and was sick most of the day but I told her it was going to be okay and this just wasn't the right attorney or not the time for him to do anything with her case but I know that God will show us when and who.

So now we are on to other things. She should be getting her application from the Mississippi Innocence Project any day. I spoke with Mr. Carrington the first of the week and he said he had received her request and that the application would be mailed out by mid-week. That is one good thing we can keep in our hearts and thoughts and prayers!

The other is I began calling our State Representatives (House and Senate members). I spoke with several who are attorneys and several who serve on the Corrections Committee. I even spoke with the Vice President of the Corrections Committee. He heard a little about what I was trying to do and asked me to contact him back after the elections on Tuesday. He is running for re-election and if he gets re-elected, he is going to sit down and meet with me. He told me that if he doesn't get re-elected, obviously he wouldn't be able to help with anything. So, I will call him back on Wednesday of next week. My proposal is some sort of bill that allows people who are incarcerated to continue to fight for their freedom without the restriction of a time constraint. Now I know some of you may say that is a waste of tax payers dollars but it really isn't. There are certain criteria in order that they be allowed to continue the fight. And once again, I will tell you how wonderful the Lord is because I told Thalia about this and that this was one of the things I really wanted to see happen not only for her but for any other person currently incarcerated who may be in a similar situation. This was about mid-week, I believe. Well, she called me the very next day and told me about a law she had heard about in the Prison Legal News that one of the other inmates gets that is very similar to what I am talking about. This law was passed in North Carolina and it is H/1323. I looked it up the next day and it is worded almost exactly the way I would like to see one for Mississippi worded. This law for North Carolina, to my understanding, is based on something the United Kingdom did and the results that came about were as follows:

8500 cases reviewed
300 were sent back to court.
220 of the 300 had the sentence reversed.

How's that for some statistics? That number blows my mind. 300 cases were sent back to court and 220 of those were reversed. That is almost 75% of the cases that were returned to Court. That is 220 people who were wrongfully convicted and had served time for crimes they didn't commit.

Our elections are Tuesday and I am still undecided on my vote for Governor. I know I am only one person and just a very small sprinkle in the bucket but I am still struggling. Our current Governor, Haley Barbour, has done a wonderful job, in my opinion as Governor. He handled the situation with our Coast very well during Katrina and we are well on the way to the rebuilding of the Coast. Both bridges (Gulfport/Bay St. Louis and Biloxi/Ocean Springs) have re-opened. I'm not happy that he didn't stay the execution of a man sentenced to death on October 30th based on the US Supreme Court investigation into the methods of the lethal injection. I feel all scheduled executions should be held until the US Supreme Court makes that determination. And quite honestly, I feel all who have a sentence of death should be commuted to Life without parole. I am against the death penalty because I know what the Bible says. And thankfully the US Supreme Court did step in and stay the execution about 19 minutes before he was to be executed. I hope that this will be a message to all states who have executions scheduled to hold off until a decision is made. And I pray that one day we will abolish the death penalty all together. Now, some of you may be thinking that is wrong but let me explain this to you. If Thalia's case was such that the death penalty could have been sentenced, it would have been. Only because it wasn't a crime where the death penalty could be imposed is she not sitting on death row. For that I'm thankful. But if she had received the death penalty AND she were executed for this, we as a State would have her blood on us. And I feel that we as a Country have the blood on us for any person who has ever been executed for a crime they didn't commit. And I believe there have been people executed who were innocent. Therefore, executions in any form should be halted completely. Our judicial system isn't perfect and until we can show that it is, no one should be taking another persons life. But this blog isn't about the death penalty. This blog is about Thalia and her freedom.

So, back to my original thought and that is my torn decision between our two opitions for Governor. Haley Barbour or John Eaves. I will say that when I contacted John Arthur Eaves campaign headquarters, I spoke with a very nice lady, his campaign manager, I believe and she was very forthcoming with information and helpful in answering my questions. Of course, as I know this is a campaign and the candidates are going to basically tell us what we want to hear (and that isn't to say that they don't have good intentions of doing what they say), I also know what the reality will be in the end. So I further questioned the Eaves Campaign about how he would make the time to meet with the average every day citizen of the State of Mississippi if he is elected. My original question was would he make time to meet with the average every day citizen and, of course, the answer was yes. But, again, I'm not stupid. I wanted to know how he would make the time to do that, what is his plan on that. His campaign office was very informative on the subject. I was told that he, in fact, had already discussed this with them and this is in his plan. Not only does he want to do that, he wants to have a time for the children of our state to come to the Governors mansion and visit with him, ask questions and see how it is to be in the Governors office. So I was very impressed with the further disclosure of something I didn't even inquire about. So do I believe that is something that he wants to do for our state? Absolutely!

And I already know how Governor Barbour handles meeting with the average every day citizen of the state. He doesn't. You see, I have gone through all the channels and departments that he put forth in his office/cabinet, whatever. I am told he is the next person that I need to meet with but he won't meet with me. I am told he doesn't get involved in these matters. Well, you see, the Governor is the one who ultimately makes the decision in these cases so I'm not quite sure WHY he refuses to meet with me. I know I am just one person but you know what, my vote counts. And before I was in the position I am currently in, knowing the things I know about this case, I never realized how important it is that we (the average every day normal citizen) have access to our local government. Certainly, go through those steps set forth but once that is done, then it is my opinion the Governor should make time to meet with a citizen on any issue when that citizen has followed the protocol. BUT AGAIN, I TELL YOU, OUR GOVERNOR WILL NOT MEET WITH ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE. So what is your opinion on this? Do you believe that the Governor of your state should be accesible to you if need be? Do you believe that he should make time to meet with you when you have followed his protocol for the matter you are trying to get handled (no matter what that is)?

I guess that is all for now. I will see Thalia tomorrow and update again on how things are going.

What's happening now!!

2007-10-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday I contacted the campaign headquarters for our current governor and the one who is running against him. I am/was a supporter of our current governor but since I requested a meeting with him about a year and a half ago and I am being told he IS NOT going to meet with me about this (in spite of the fact that I have gone through all of HIS department heads and am told he is the person I need to talk with). I am very concerned that the citizens of our state don't seem to have access to our local government. We elect them! Why won't they meet with us? I didn't ask for the meeting tomorrow. I asked for one over a year ago! So, I did contact the local news to see if I could get an answer about how this might change in his next 4 years if he is re-elected. This will be a big determination in my vote. I got a straight and direct answer (as well as an explanation on how that will be implemented) from the opposing candidate! Looking forward to hearing you you soon!

Update on the latest!

2007-10-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I attended a meeting this evening to hopefully get some information about some possible help with this case. It went well and I did, in fact, meet someone who can potentially help. I am supposed to get a call tomorrow about it. Please keep it in your thoughts and prayers! I am anxiously awaiting for something positive to happen in this case!

My Experience

2007-10-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

I am writing this blog in hopes that somewhere, someone can give some direction and support for this purpose. I have experienced so much frustration in trying to help someone who is serving time in one of our State Prisons. After much research on my own (and not just taking a person for what they say), I truly believe that we have people incarcerated who are innocent of the crime for which they were convicted or have been sentenced to time that does NOT equal the crime.

Let me tell you a little bit about what I have experienced and am working on and I hope to hear back from some of you who have either experienced the same or someone who can help.

Several years ago, my step sister was incarcerated on a drug charge. Through her I met another inmate who had been convicted of murder and sentenced to life. After hearing her story and really thinking, it didn't make sense why she was serving life for what in essence was self defense. So I got a copy of the transcript from her trial which led me to more questions of her "defense" which is certainly questionable at the very least! Upon further looking into the situation, I have found so many things that were done ineffectively on her behalf that I can't help but feel a sense of responsibility to try to help her.

Now the interesting part of all of this is that none of the abusive history between her and the deceased was ever entered into evidence during the trial. I have no idea why her attorney failed to bring this out other than based on the things I have heard about him. Despite her own injuries from the "assault" and the many, many discrepancies of testimony in the trial, she was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life. Remember, the jury never heard the previous history so self defense was not in their minds when they convicted. The people who testified against her basically lied. They told the same "very re-hearsed" (obviously by reading the transcript) story which by the way was different from the statements given the date of the incident. Once again, another avenue her attorney did not choose to pursue during trial. Within the last few weeks I have, in fact, spoken with one of the people who testified who still basically tells the same story, but not quite. There is a big part of the story that she now recounts differently than she did when she testified which was even different than the statement she gave on the date of the incident. This is just one of the MANY things wrong with this entire case.
So what have I done? Well, I have tried to get copies of the police reports that she had filed on him in the year prior to the incident. These reports do in fact exist. I have seen them myself on the computer AND have spoken with an officer who used to work the area and remembers the many calls they used to get. However, no one can seem to "find" them. Once her attorney filed her first appeal (which in and of itself leaves a lot to be desired), he then filed the Motion for Appointment of Attorney to Perfect an Appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court Due to Indigency and that she be appointed Counsel to help her perfect her appeal. The Judge granted the Motion for her to proceed as Indigent but denied her appointment of assistance to perfect the appeal. Yet another point of interest in my opinion! I am not a lawyer but how can someone who can't afford a lawyer and who has exhausted all of her funds paying for her defense (such as it was) not be given proper Counsel to assist her? So she has done all of her own appeals, PCR and Writ of Habeaus Corpus, all of which have been denied for various reasons including untimely filing (in spite of her not having the knowledge or availability to get the information to file it timely).

My personal experience in dealing with the people involved in this has not been very good. Of course, everyone is friendly and helpful UNTIL they find out what I want and then doors slam shut and nothing is available, etc. The few that I have talked to who have provided information have really done so, I believe, not really realizing they were giving me information (if that makes sense). For example, corroborating an event she had previously told me about (this is the Officer I am referring to) who indicates there was a police report filed. But, it doesn't seem to be there now. Or, maybe it is, it just depends on what day you call and who you ask. Literally, I have been given three different numbers with regard to the reports on file yet I know what I saw on the computer when I went to retrieve them myself and was told they would have to be pulled and sent to me. Of course, I never received anything and upon calling to check on the status was told there was only 1. NOT TRUE! I know what I saw on the computer. I have contacted several attorneys, different organizations and am in hopes of getting some help for her from the Mississippi Innocence Project (recently opened). There are a couple of attorneys I am hoping will take an interest in this as well because I have so much more information with regard to this case there is no possible way I can put it all out here in one sitting.

Now that I have given you a general idea of what I am doing and trying to help with, please feel free to ask me questions if you have any, share your story (if you have one) and please offer advice as to what I can do next. I am currently waiting to talk with several attorneys and she is waiting to hear back from the MS Innocence Project to see if they can help. But I am not going to quit pushing just because we have some "irons in the fire" because I can't. Those irons might not turn out "hot" and I need to have a backup plan or something else already in the works. This woman has been separated from her children for to long as it is. Did I mention she was pregnant when this incident occurred? Yes, she was and hasn't seen her children in almost 10 years.

I have never blogged before (as far as writing my own) so bear with me as I learn how to do this. But, I understand it is a place where you can write and people will express their opinions and offer advice back to you. I can assure you that this is not a waste of anyone's time and I do believe that when it all finally comes out, it is going to be a big mess.

Oh, and by the way, for those of you who are keeping up with the "expert" forensic issue currently going on in our State. Well, yep, you guessed it. Steven Hayne testified in her case as well. How's that for a kicker??

I look forward to your suggestions and comments and will try to post daily on what is happening because I do work on this daily even if I only make a little bit of progress -- it is more than I had the day before! If I have kept your attention this long, thanks for your time and please stay tuned because I am sure this is going to get very interesting before it is over with. Honestly this would make a great book (and I am considering writing one)!