End of the Year Campaign Update

As 2014 comes to close, the Justice for Reggie Campaign observes its 9th year of dedicated effort to shine a spotlight on Reggie’s case as an example of the glaring flaws in the capital punishment system. Many of us have a track record from before 2005 of working on Reggie’s 1993 case, and will continue working until the end of the death penalty in Missouri.

We must double our efforts to abolish the death penalty. Here we are—months after the Special Master’s findings were submitted to the Missouri Supreme Court—and we still have no news about Reggie’s future. So, our work must continue.

Meanwhile, the State of Missouri hardly missed a beat with the execution of inmates this year. Herbert Smulls, Michael Taylor, Jeffrey Ferguson, William Rousan, John Winfield, John Middleton, Michael Worthington, Earl Ringo, Jr., Leon Taylor and Paul Goodwin all were executed in 2014. Only Russell Bucklew’s execution was stayed due to medical reasons. This is almost one execution per month—a sad state of affairs for Missouri. We lift up their names, a swe also remember their victims and their loved ones.

In the last several months, the St. Louis region has experienced an upsurge in justice-seeking citizens working towards a new vision that truly honors all life and human rights. Abolishment of the death penalty fits into their demand to end state-sanctioned killings. This movement is bigger than young Mike Brown.

Join us in re-committing our lives and resources to end the death penalty and loudly declare, “Enough is enough!”

Campaign update for week of August 25, 2014

Reggie has a birthday coming up on Saturday; he will be 43 years old. We ask that you wear green on August 30 (the color of the Campaign), a Reggie button or tee shirt to remind others that he is still on Death Row. For those who’d like to celebrate Reggie’s birthday with the Infrared Rockers band, you can join them at Reggae Nites on Saturday at the Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Avenue (63112). Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door.

Campaign update for week of July 14

Every so often, the Justice for Reggie Campaign has to remind his supporters that he is still on Missouri’s Death Row. Missouri is doing all it can to speed up executions for the list of 19 inmates that have been okayed by the Missouri Supreme Court; Reggie is on that list although he is getting a temporary reprieve pending a ruling from our state’s highest court on Judge Manner’s findings. That is why we must fight mightily to end the death penalty in this state–even while we wait for a decision in Reggie’s case. The J4R Campaign encourages you to oppose each and every execution that comes up.

John Middleton is scheduled to be executed tonite. His attorneys and death penalty opponents are calling for an Independent Board of Inquiry to review new evidence that has surfaced casting doubt on his murder conviction. If the execution is not halted, sadly we will assemble at 8 pm for a vigil at the St. Francis Xavier Church, Lindell Blvd. and Grand.

It is difficult to appeal to Gov. Nixon for this request since he was the attorney general that prosecuted the Middleton case to the MO Supreme Court. But the governor must still hear from us. Please call him at 573.751.3222 or email him here and tell him to slow the process down and allow for justice to lead the process.

Campaign update for week of June 16

Missouri Supreme Court Opinion on Reggie’s Case
We have been watching for the court’s ruling and so far there’s been no decision on Reggie’s case. Reggie remains cautiously optimistic as he counts away the days, weeks and years. He is very grateful for the longevity of support by the St. Louis Community and beyond.

Execution of John Winfield
As public opinion for the death penalty wanes, the determination of the state of Missouri to kill its citizens at all costs continues to persist.

Recently a federal judge stayed the execution of John Winfield, scheduled for execution on June 18. This case is rife with contradictions, perhaps the saddest one being between family members who are being torn apart by the execution. When prison officials intimidated a prison staffer who came forward to talk about Winfield’s rehab during his incarceration, the judge was compelled to look deeper into the situation.

There’s also other problems claimed by the defense such as a juror coming forward who now says she was pressured by the prosecution to vote for death in the Winfield case. And there’s still the lingering secrecy around the lethal injection drugs.

Your efforts do count–for Reggie and for others on Death Row. We are winning the war to abolish the death penalty but there are still scrimmages and battles to fight. Let’s stay vigilant in our resolve to bring an end to the death penalty in Missouri and in the U.S.

Campaign update for week of May 5

For those of you who have inquired about any word from the Missouri Supreme Court, we have no news on Reggie’s case. Judge Michael Manners presented his findings to the Court who then held oral arguments in February. We will definitely keep you posted.

The death penalty has ceased to be a hot issue that candidates campaign on but those who favor the practice are digging in their heels. Several botched executions, included the latest one in Oklahoma, have put lethal injection center stage. The stays of executions in other states until they can figure out next steps has not happened in Missouri. The execution is still on for Russell Bucklew for May 21. A vigil will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at 8 pm on the steps of St. Xavier Church, Grand and Lindell Blvd. Please make plans to attend.

Campaign update for week of March 17

The Year of Discovery
Each year, the Justice for Reggie Campaign has published a newsletter highlighting the activities and events of the previous year. We choose a thematic concept that captures the year and given the evidence that came to light in 2013, we dubbed it “The Year of Discovery.”

Those of you on the mailing list should be getting your copy of the newsletter very soon. For others, we will also upload it to our Facebook page.

Upcoming Execution
Without intervention from Gov. Nixon, Jeff Ferguson is scheduled to be executed on March 26 at 12:01 am. The St. Louis vigil will be Tuesday, March 25 from 8-9 pm. There is still much opposition to the secrecy surrounding the drugs used for lethal injection.

Ferguson was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1989 abduction, rape, and murder of teenager Kelli Hall. Due to an alcohol-induced blackout, he reports having no memory of his involvement. Ferguson has steadfastly expressed remorse and taken responsibility for Ms. Hall’s death. He has been a model prisoner for over 20 years and his supporters lift up that transformation.

Campaign Update for Week of Feb 23

No news from the Missouri Supreme Court on Reggie’s case.

Bad News
In spite of legal challenges to Missouri’s execution protocol, the State executed Michael Taylor at 12:01 am today. I recount the words of the father of Ann Harrison, the victim of the terrible crime by Michael Taylor and co-defendant, Roderick Nunley. Although he wanted justice for his daughter, Bob Harrison recognized the Taylor family as victims too. Harrison told the Kansas City Star, “They didn’t deserve this to happen to their family. “ Harrison went on to say he was not eager to see another man die.

Another execution has already been scheduled. Jeff Ferguson will die by lethal injection on March 25. We will keep you posted on the developments in this case.

Good News
Walter Weaver has been on Missouri’s Death Row for 25 years. His sentence was actually overturned in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court. At issue was an inflammatory statement made by then-prosecutor Buzz Westfall. Westfall made a reference in his closing arguments to a quotation by General Patton from the movie “Patton.” Legal wrangling in the case didn’t get resolved until last week when Weaver received life without parole.

Campaign update for week of Jan 27

Execution of Herbert Smulls
So far, the courts have not stayed Smulls’ execution which is scheduled a minute after midnight today. Please keep your ears and eyes open for any legal developments. Should the execution go forward, there’ll be a vigil on Tuesday, January 28th, St. Francis Xavier Church at the corner of Grand and Lindell Blvd. from 8-9 pm. I will be at the vigil if you’d like to pay for your bus seat.

Bus to Jeff City
We are mobilizing supporters to attend the Missouri Supreme Court’s oral arguments on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Jefferson City. he bus will leave New Life Worship Complex, 2922 N. Grand at 5 am on Feb 4 and return on that same day at approximately 5 pm.

The round trip cost of the bus trip is $20 cash only and due by Feb 1. If you are unable to attend but would like to donate towards a passenger seat, please let me know.

The bus fee can be paid at the church on the following days:
Wed. Jan 29 from 6-9 pm
Thurs. Jan 30 from 6-9 pm
Fri. Jan 31 from 6-9 pm
Sat. Feb 1 from Noon-6 pm

For any questions related to the bus trip, call 314.609.5766.

Campaign update for week of Jan 13

Reggie’s case is scheduled to go before the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 9:30 am. The Court will hear oral arguments from the State and from our legal defense team. This is an important day in our fight for justice for Reggie.

We are considering chartering a bus to go to Jefferson City that day. If you are interested in going with us, please let us know by Monday, Jan. 20.