The Troy Davis Saga

Nineteen years ago, Troy Davis was convicted of murdering an off-duty cop and sentenced to death. Last week, after Davis' latest appeal, a federal judge ruled that "the evidence presented by Davis' attorneys at a June hearing wasn't nearly strong enough to prove he's innocent." As reported before, the case is especially egregious because:

There was no physical evidence; the weapon was never recovered. The case rested entirely on eyewitness accounts. All but two of the witnesses have since recanted their testimony, some of whom say they were coerced by police. And one of the two witnesses who have not changed their story is the best alternate suspect.

Whether or not Troy Davis is innocent, there are at least serious doubts of his guilt. And the fact that the state of Georgia could be executing an innocent man is more than enough of a reason to severely restrict the application of the death penalty, if not abolish it altogether.

Save Troy Davis!

In 1991, Troy Davis was convicted of murdering police officer Mark Allen MacPhail and is scheduled to be executed on September 23. However, serious doubts regarding his guilt remain. There was no physical evidence; the weapon was never recovered. The case rested entirely on eyewitness accounts. All but two of the witnesses have since recanted their testimony, some of whom say they were coerced by police. And one of the two witnesses who have not changed their story is the best alternate suspect.

Last year, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles gave Davis a 90-day stay of execution, saying they would "not allow an execution to proceed in this State unless and until its members are convinced that there is no doubt as to the guilt of the accused." But last Friday, in spite of the above issues, the Board denied Davis clemency.

The Board can still reverse its decision. Take action! You can also find out more information here.