Letters of Support (Redacted)

Correspondence
June 2, 1991 - June 25, 1991

Letters of Support (Redacted) preview

45 pages

Contains assorted correspondence expressing support for Warren McCleskey to the Wayne Snow at the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, reflecting organizing efforts by ACLU director Katie Shellman.

Cite this item

  • Case Files, McCleskey Background Materials. Letters of Support (Redacted), 1991. d3644e72-acce-ef11-b8e8-7c1e520b5bae. LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute. https://ldfrecollection.org/archives/archives-search/archives-item/b6ca157f-5f2b-424c-9cda-e422f61ca945/letters-of-support-redacted. Accessed May 16, 2025.

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Sent at the request of Sister Kateri Mielnicki, sof, Vicar for®* 

Social Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Savannah. 

copy of letter sent to all prison ministry volunteers 

copy of letter sent to Board of Pardons and Paroles. 

 



  

June 21, 1991 

I am writing to ask for your support in advocacy for 
Warren McCleskey, who is a death-row inmate accused of 
killing an Atlanta police officer. 

Please read the enclosed material regarding his case, 
and also Bishop Lessard's statement regarding the Death 
Penalty. 

The situation is urgent, and we are supporting a request 
for a Clemency Hearing.. We are asking that you read 
the material carefully and follow up with a letter on 
behalf of Warren McCleskey, to the Georgia Board of 
Pardons and Paroles, asking that his life be spared. 

Thank you for your assistance. 

Sincerely, 

Sister Kateri Mielnicki, osf 
Vicar for Social Ministry 

SKM/gb 

 



   

© Diocese of Savaunal 
OFFICE OF SOCIAL MINISTRY 

    

    

CATHOLIC PASTORAL CENTER 

801 EAST LIBERTY STREET 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31401-5196 

  

PHONE (912) 238-2320 

June 21, 11991 

State Board of Pardons and Paroles 

Floyd Building, Fifth Floor, East 

2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, S.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 

Re: Warren McCleskey   

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen: 

On behalf of Bishop Raymond W. Lessard, Bishop of 

the Catholic Diocese of Savannah, I am writing to ask for 
clemency for Warren McCleskey, who is on Georgia's death 

row for the 1978 killing of an Atlanta Police Officer. 

Having consulted with Bill and Lora Shain, of the 

New Hope House in Griffin, Ga, I have reached the 
conclusion that McCleskey shows evidence of a genuine 

change in attitude and a desire to be an asset to 
society. 

In asking for clemency, I am taking into account 

the position of the United States Catholic Bishops, who 

have taken a stand against the death penalty. 

Frequently, according to the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 
it 1s the social, political or racial climate, rather 
than the seriousness of the crime, that determines which 
cases will be tried as capital crimes. 

From information we have received concerning 

McCleskey, he has been exposed to crime and poverty 

since childhood, and racial discrimination seems to have 

affected his case. 

The bishops have also pointed out that the death 

penalty is irreversible, and involves the possibility of 

error. Conflicting testimony is the McCleskey case 

makes jit very possible that an error has been made. 

There is very serious doubt that McCleskey was, in fact, 

the triggerman. 

The finality of the death penalty is another point 
emphasized by the Catholic Bishops in their statement. 
Execution cuts off the possibility of a new beginning and 
moral growth in a human life that has been seriously 

 



  

deformed. Prison records show that McCleskey has been 
a model inmate, who has caused no discipline problems. 
His counselors have noted that his attitude has been 
exemplary. He has been described as a "peace maker" 
and one who has a "positive influence" on others in the 
cell block. : 

McCleskey, in a recent letter to Bishop Raymond W. 

Lessard, admitted his involvement in the robbery which 

Jed to the killing of a police officer. He denies, 
however, that he was the killer. Testimony against him 
appears to have come from unreliable sources. 

Taking into consideration all the information we have 
received, I believe that commutation of his sentence 
would be the appropriate and just approach. I urge you 
to grant McCleskey clemency and to change his sentence 
from death to life imprisonment. 

Sincerely, 

Sister Kateri Mielnicki, osf 
Vicar for Social Ministry 

SKM/GB 

 



  
  

Biorese of Savannal; 
CATHOLIC PASTORAL CENTER 

601 EAST LIBERTY STREET 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31401-5196 

Katie Shellman, 
Interim Direetor, ACLU 
233 Mitchell Street 3.W. 

Suite 200 

Atlnnta, GA. 30303. 

  
mn TN TN A 

 



  

Ms. Katie Shellman 
ACLU 

233 Mitchell Street, S. W. 
Suite 200 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303 

Dean Ms. Shellman: 

June 20, 1991 

Enclosed is my copy of the Letter 1 wrote to the State Board 
of Pardons & Paroles in behalf of Warren MceCleskey. 1 sent a 
copy Lo each Board member. 
hope 50. 

PLease keep me informed. 1 would Like to attend the hearing 4 
have one. 14 I can be of help in any other way, please Let me 
know. 

Hopefully £t will help ... 1 certainly 

4 they 

Sincerely, 

Grite Albani 
Paula B. Albanese 

 



  

June 20, 1997 

State Board of Pardons & Paroles 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
5th Floor - East Tower 
Z Martin Luther King, Jn. Drive, S.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 

Re: (WARREN MCCLESKEY 

Dean 

[ am wilting to ask that you spare the Life of Warren McCleskey. 1 
believe him fo be innocent of killing Officer Frank Schlatt, however, 
guilty of the armed robbery. There is evidence pointing to another 
person as the "triggerman) not Waren MeCleskey. 

I also feel that his rial was full of neglect, injustices and many 
constitutional errors. ALL the facts were not shared with the jury which 
dmposed the death penalty sentence on they would have voted differently. 
A professional State-paid snitch Lied to save his own skin and Zhere Ais 
definately more than reasonable doubt as to Mr. McCLeskey's being guilty 
of killing a police officen. 

While these facts exist and are reason enough for the State Board of 
Pardons & Paroles to exercise mercy and Spare the Life of Warren McClLeskey, 
there is one other reason 1 would ask that you consider. In January o4 
1983 Warren McCleskey gave his Life to Chriist and became a "new creation" 
(17 Corn. 5:17). He 48 no Longer the person who robbed the Dixie Fuwniture 
Company. God's Word states in Ezekiel 18:21-22, 25-28, and 32: 

"But if a wicked man twws away from all the sins he has 
committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is 
just and night, he will surely Live; he will not die. 
None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered 
agains him. Because of the righteous things he has done, 
he will Live. Yet you say "the way of the Lond is not 
just." Hear, 0 house of Israel: 1s my way unjust? 1 
a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, 
he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he 
wcll die. But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness 
he has committed and does what is fust and night, he will 
save his Life. Because he considers all the offenses he has 
committed and turns away from them, he will surely Live; he 
will not die. For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone 
declares the Sovereign Lord." 

There 48 a judge we all must face some day. 1 truly hope that he will say 
To you "well done" in the decision you make regarding Warren McCleskey's 
Lige. 

I have personally known Warren MeCLeskey since 1987 and have visited him on 
several occasions at Jackson. 1 respectfully ask that you please consider 
all these facts in making your decision. 

Sincerely, 

 



Prag 
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a RTI ase 
Ras 

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FREED Eee 

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Fatie Shellman | Spring Valley Brudevhoo 
Interim Director Fte 381 NM. 
ACLU Georgia Farmington Fa 15437-9506 
233 Mitchell Street 5.W., Suite 200 
Atlanta GA 320303 June 22,3933 

Dear Eatie Shellman 

Thank you very much for your letter of June 4 1991 with the VETY 
full account of Warren MoCleskey's case over the past years. It 
arly confirms that there are many inconsistencies and quest ional] e 
evidence used against him and that there is a high probability 
that he is innocent of the killing of the Folice Officer. 

I have been in close touch with Jack Bodger who advised waiting 
with letters to the Board of Paroles and Pardons until every legal 
avenue had been exhausted. That is why I have not written until 
My. 

It seems that moment has come. I enclose a copy of my letter. 4 
have made my plea more on personal grounds and on the basis of 
Warren's character because I feel I know him through nearly eight 
years of correspondence. 

I have encouraged members of our six Bruderhof communities in the 
U.S. to write and I believe many will. I have also written to all 
the readers of our PLOUGH MAGAZINE who are residents of the State 
of Georgia inviting them to write. I enclose a copy. 

let us hope the Board will have an CPEn Ear. 

Thank you again for writing to me and for all you do to stand up 
for the victims of injustice 

Sincerely 

H2reh Urol 
Derek Wardle 

encl: co of letter to Board of Paroles and Fardons 
te of letter to Georgia readers of the PLOUGH. 

 



  

Spring Valley Bruderhof 
Fte 381 MN. 

Farmington FA 15437-9506 

Jung 21., 193) 

Dear Feader of the FLOUGH 
I am writing to you on behalf of WARREN McCLESKEY D-003935 

Box 3377 8-100 68,.0,0.0. 
Jackson GA 30133 

Warren has been on Death Row for 132 1/2 YEAY E. I have been 
corresponding with him for 7 1/2 years. 
His case came to the Supreme Court three years ago on the basis of racial 
discrimination. The case was rejected. He came within 3 days of execution. 
His Attorneys found a flaw in his trial and fought it all the way up to the 
Supreme Court again this year. An informer had been planted in the jail and 
testified against him. Again the Supreme Court rejected the case. It seems 
all legal channels are exhausted. Warren will probably be given an execution 
date within the first two weeks of July. 

Warren admits taking part in an armed robbery, he denies killing the 
Folice Officer. He accepts imprisonment as a rightful punishment. There is 
enaugh that is questionable in the legal proceedings for it to be possible 
that an innocent man will be executed. His co-defendants. got off very 
lightly, 

In 1981 he became a Christian. He has been a model prisoner, has 
conducted Bible Study with other prisoners, has been steadfast in faith and 
without bitterness through all the tensions of these years. He looks beyond 
himself in concern for his fellow prisoners and in correspondence he always 

and respect their parents. His life has a positive influence within and 
beyond the prison. Why should such a life be ended, also when there are 
reasons to question his guilt? 

Letters appealing for clemency and commuting of his sentence to life 
could be written tos State Board of Fardons and Appeal s 

Chairman, Wayne Snow Jr. 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
Sth Floor, East Tower 
Zy Martin Luther Eing Jr. Dr. B.E. 
Atlanta GA 30334 

If you would feel to write, both I and Warren would appreciate it 
areatly. 

I greet you from FLOUGH which is now based in Spring Valley. We need to 
ask you for patience as we are needing to put all our energies into building 
up this new community and we will not manage another issue of the FPLOUGH 
perhaps until next vear. We are still very ready to sell you our books! 

With warm greetings 

Bewof [ord 
Derek Wardle 

 



  

Georgia State Board of Pardons and Appeals Spring Valley 
Chairman Wayne Snow Jr. Rte 381 N. 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Farmington PA 15437-9506 
5th Floor, East Tower 
2, Martin Luther King Jr.Dr.S.E. 
Atlanta GA 30334 June 22, 1991 

Dear Mr Snow and your Colleagues of the Board, 

I am writing to you in regard to the case of WARREN McCLESKEY D-003935 
who is on Death Row at G.D.C.C. in Jackson and who will probably have an execution date set within the next weeks. 

First let me say that I realise the heavy responsibility you carry in considering each case. You have to consider every aspect, and while 
I am sure you are open to pleas for clemency you will also not want 
to undermine the law of the land or let crime go unpunished. I respect this sense of responsibility with which you will also consider 
Warren's situation. 

I do not pretend to understand all the legal aspects of this case. 
It does seem to me however that there are at least some questionable aspects of the evidence brought against Warren, which make it possible 
that here a man would be executed for a crime he did not commit. 
Warren has always admitted his part in the armed robbery, and accepted 
his imprisonment as just punishment. He has consistently denied the charge of murder. His co-defendants got off lightly. 

However, it is on a personal level that I would plead with you to spare Warren's life. I have been in regular correpondence with Warren 
for the past 7 1/2 years. I have kept every one of his letters. They 
show a steadfastness, an outgoing concern for others, a complete absence of bitterness and complaint at his lot which is a challenge to those of us who live in freedom. He became a Christian in 1981 and the genuineness of his faith shows in the way he has conducted himself 
in prison. I believe he is a model prisoner. More than that, he has concerned himself with his fellow prisoners, has regularly held Bible Study with them, and sought to encourage them. 

In his letters to me he has shown the same concern for others. He has 
prayed for members of our community who were dying from cancer, he has written to our children, encouraging them to learn and respect their 
parents. 

Warren's life has exerted a positive influence within the prison and 
far beyond its walls. Should not such a life be spared, also when there are reasons to question his guilt? 

Dear Mr. Snow and Members of the Board, I ask you most respectfully 
to exercise you powers of clemency and commute Warren's death sentence 
to ‘life. 

Yours very sincerely 

Derek Wardle B.A. / 

 



  
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The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 
— Sixth Episcopal District - 

JOSEPH C. COLES, JR., Presiding Bishop 
2001 M. L. King, Jr., Drive, S.W. 

  

Suite 423 CONFERENCES 
Atlanta, Georgia 30310 Georgia 

CHAIRMAN 404/752-7800 Central Georgia 
Faith and Order Commission RES.: 2780 Collier Drive, N.W. Southwest Georgia 

VICE CHAIRMAN Atlanta, Georgia 30318 : South Georgia 
General Connectional Board 404/794-0096 ; Jamaica 

June 7, 1991 

Mr. Wayne Snow, Jr., Chairman 
State Board of Pardons and Paroles 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
5th Floor, East Tower 
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 : 

Dear Members: 

It is on behalf of Warren McCleskey that I write this letter to request 
clemency for his sentence of execution. I make this appeal on the basis that 
it has been clearly established that Mr. McCleskey did not fire the shot that 
killed Officer Frank Robert Schlatt. Nor was he the master mind behind the 
robbery in which this killing was done. His conviction was based on testimony 
from a paid informer, which is considered illegal. Other defendents in the 
case were given lesser sentences. 

Mr. McCleskey has been described as a peace maker between guards and prison- 
ers on Death Row. This description shows evidence of the capacity to grow. To 
execute Mr. McCleskey will be a denial of the noblest human capacity, which is the 
capacity to grow. 

With deep appreciation of your consideration of my support for Mr. Warren 
McCleskey, I am 

Respectfully yours, 

. 

seph C.f Coles, Jr. / 

  

 



Jd ed= APE Wie lUIRUECRT Wo ubLLEN Tel HU: dud 21-1929 HI38 Pa2 SO t— 

  

June 19, 1991 

Wayne B8now, Jr., Chairman 
State Board of Pardons & Paroles 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
5th Floor, East Tower 
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, S.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30334   
Dear Mr. Snowt 

I am writing to you and to the other members of the Georgia 
Board of Pardons and Paroles to request that the Board 
commute the death sentence imposed upon Warren McClesakey to 
one of life imprisonment. 

I believa that serious and troubling questions remain 
regarding the appropriateness of the death penalty in Warren 
McCleakey’s case. As I understand the facts, the jury in 
this case relied heavily upon the testimony of a police 
informant, but was never told that this witness wag working 
for the police, with an understanding of favorable treatment 
if he cooperated. Moreover, that informant’s testimony has 
since been found to be unreliable by United States District 
Court Judge J. Owen Forrester. Two jurors have given sworn 
statements indicating that they would not have voted to 
impose the death penalty if these facts had been known to 
then. 

Substantial questions also exist regarding the identity of 
the triggerman, and the comparative culpability of the 
various co-defendants charged with the crime. Only 
circumstantial evidence existed with respect to the identity of the triggerman, and substantial evidence pointed to one of the other co-defendants, who received only a 20-year 
sentence. 

In light of these very troubling facts, I ask the Board of 
Pardons and Paroles to commute the sentence of death to one of life imprisonment. 

I appreciate very much your consideration of these points in 
your deliberations. 

vty 

John Lewis 

 



a.    

  

TAY AY ES ET QULL: bdo UU4 PAUL WELLSIUNE oo2 

Rnited States Senate 

Jume 27, 1991 

Mr. Wayne Snow, Jr., Esquire, Chairman 
State Board of Pardons and Paroles 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
5th Floor East Tower 
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.E. 
Atlanta, GA 30334 

Dear Mr. Snow: 

I have been contacted by a constituent of mine, Ms. XKafi Cosectte- 
Sanday, about Mr. Warren McCleskey’'s application to the Georgia Board 
of Pardons and Paroles for commitation of his death sentence. 

From the information I received, it appears that many material 
elements in the case against Mr. McCleskey are subject to miltiple 
interpretations. Same of the information I have seen suggests that he 
may not have been the actual "triggerman" of the atrocious murder of 

. officer Frank Schlatt. The existence of such substantial doubt argues 
very strongly for a complete hearing and an extensive review of this 
evidence by the Board of Pardons and Parvles. 

I urge you to grant Mr. Warren McCleskey a hearing before the State 
Board of Pardons and Paroles and consider commiting his death sentence 
to life in prison. While the mmder of officer Frank Schlatt was a 
terrible, unforgivable crime, an execution based on unclear evidence 
would be a calculated mistake and a failure of the American judicial 
system. 

PDW/dps :mxg 

 



  

    Mark Fenn, 
2 Shoreham Court, 

The Close, 

) Shoreham—-by-Sea, 
West Sussex, 

ENGLAND, 
BN4ZE SAR. 

  

katie Shellman, 

Interim Director, 

fi. 0 1. Lia, 
PEE Mitchell Street, 5S. W., 

Suite 200, 

Atlanta, 

GEORGIA, 3Z0QI03, 
Li. SB. A. 

1Zth June 1991. 

Dear Eatie, 

Please find enclosed a copy of my appeal on behalf of Warren 

McCleskey. This is on it's way to the board of Fardons and 

Faroles. 

Thank you for vour efforts in attempting to save Warren's lite, 

for his sake and for justice, I hope that we are successful. 

Yours sincerely, 

| ow, ne 
MARE FENN 

 



     
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TIMoThY Jones 

Dear members 0h The GEorqian Board q Pardons: 
Thank Vou fo¢ TANG TYME Foam Your busy Schedule To road Thus le Her, 
Let me beqin by frst Suing That 1 m snddened | and angered © hut in & Society nn Which acvtal | senseless murder 1s 5¢ prevalent. Each 0p when \ read amuT such Tragedy 
IR Tne DAPES HT Wont TU Sevotm out son Frostumhin olor tapit. 5 tre: Po Something “ less Than a month a0 The sister of 4 very Doar Faend § mine was shoT m DeaTw By her Drunken, estranged bowfnend Who Then killed himself with Ne same hand aun. : 
I Consider myself 0 be one of The mat in an ou 

Viokence To stop Now |! ied also Gmvined The 
Taged public who went The 

Has proven Twins. 
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aot Folvhently J \ Y wt The COUvhge TO Seek A Mole effective, 
Pepultn end T™ The piood Shed. 

ellen bein 4 written specifealy Concerning THE Chae df WARREN McCloskey Qa (rndemned OviSoma (n 660M Who Was uot had ts final agpeed (¢lochod bey The SuPpneime Court R The umited stutes. 

Having read a Summary 7} The facts in The Mmclleskeq Cale (mi §uike Certain Tv an also aware 4 These So | went jhemive my ATG men 1s) ! Aelieuwr 
TWAT There is See DOYYT Cred ked Concerning The velinailiiy @ a Witnesses Strteimen fs , a0 wid! a0 alleged polit + prosecuting misconduct alse, Gicording 1 The Summarq sent 0 me by The AcLy ¢) éeorg a, TWO Juels Who mune later polled inpicated That They wuld niT have veTed for Tw voarh, 
2 na (dy had They Knauer aborT Te abowe mented witness , and allesed 
MISCmpuc +. THES Wad alme | in my mind, aw an 1abicechon foi 
MEYCo) , Lol Thay © fll me mone Thing, And, Tis Covld be Te botfr 
Ling . JF Four people mene involued tw Can The state of Goorsa Just) fq 
Killing only pu of Tho?! 

Aan, My Sincerest Thanks for reed ng This, and my God Grue sou ™e 
WIiSDown 7% Solomon Nn making ygur Pecisrone mcerning whe mellege. 
Sincerely 

Pap Lemp ee 

PON 
Br 8 

CLARE N
e
e
 

EE
N 

 



   

Uhe 13, (941 
Aclou q beorqGia 
233 witch st. sw sue am 
Alendd, Cn 303073 

Dea Sir a madi 

Thank yoo fee wailing me (nfrmuahion abou T The Cine (omCeuvnming WHR 
MeClesley, | Hawe been Correspmding with waren Av Sme hme , ol thegin 

| had noT heard Ths [adegt Sud news. 

Please Keeyd me advised 2 ny Qovelopmem £3 and Jo4 me kEnnd 

If Thonn 6 thing I Can do To hep” 

Caclond na Copy of The lollee ¢ wrote mn Te board 7 
f irdins lon yur refusot Obviously 1d like To Know ha 

The ard leg mee Te cute 5ebs That fin 

Gain, 1d bein, much like To Keg Aware 2 any 

Deelgpian to AND Tha nes fog (oth ne re help ( 

Siuserely, 
os pn, 

 



  

WV 
June 11, 1001 ar 

State Board of Paroles and Pardons 

FloY< Veterans l'emorial Bldg. 

5th ™oor East Tower 

Martin Iuvther Jr. Drive 8.Z. 

tlanta, GA 30334 

Honorable Rozrd: 

Pe: VIARDTN NelT TSEEY 

BE Vi Aird dee i 

This is an urgent avpezl that the life of WARREN 

I’cCIESKEEY be spared. I base this request on severzl consid- 

=IRST. From my personal knowledge gzined through cor- 

respondence over the past zpproximately five vears, I know 

WARREN FeCLESKIY to be a2 rerson who has accepted his in- 

carceration without complaint toward either the Government or 

rrison officials and policies. This exemplary behaviour, to 

my mind, deserves reward, not the ultimate degree of punish- 

ment. 

I know him to be a stabilizing influence among fellow 

inmates. 

SECOND. It is to his credit that WARREN NcCLESKEY has 

never mentioned to me any of the details of his crime record, 

though our friendship has grown steadily. From facts I have 

learned from non-family members, I seriously question that 

WARREN LNcCLESKEY was the "trigger man" as alledged. Why 

should BEN WRIGET, JR. be given a lesser sentence when his 

"leadership in the crime has been substantiated? 

 



  

e and Pardons 

THIRD. Granted that mistakes may be made, even in the 

Justice System. That is no reason for perpetuating the 

wrongdoing in connection with the McCLESKEY trial, the: 

details of which are well known. 

FOURTH. TI believe substantial weight should be given 

to the word of certain members of the jury in Mr, KellLESYTY'S 
trial v¥hO : Cah 
truzks wgr stated that had they been informed of all the 

facts, they would have voted for a life sentence. 

My interest in this prisoner came through contact with 

Prison Fellowship, an organization dedicated to working with 

prison officials, for the benefit of zl11 concerned. I am an 

editor and teacher with deep concern for individuals like 

WARREN lMcELESKEY who have suffered because of a background 

of poverty and violence. 

I do not at 211 condone his wrongdoing. But I azppezl to 

vou on his behalf for a lessening of the sentence, appro- 

priate to his thirteen years of good behaviour and his 

consistent attitude of cooperation with authorities and 

helpfulness to his peers. 

Thank you for your re-evaluation of this case in the 

interest of fairness. 

Very truly yours, 

Mildred M. Cook 

 



  

JUNE 9, 1991 

STATE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES 

FLOYD VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING 

5TH FLOOR EAST TOWER 

2 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DRIVE S.E, 

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334 

DEAR BOARD MEMBERS: 

I AM WRITING THIS LETTER ON BEHALF OF WARREN MCCLESKEY. 

I HAVE CLOSELY FOLLOWED THE TRIAL OF MCCLESKEY AND CONSIDERING THE EVIDENCE THAT WAS 
PRESENTED DURING THE TIME OF THE TRIAL DOES NOT WARRANT THE SENTENCE THAT WAS GIVEN HIM. 

THROUGH OUT THE TRIAL THERE WERE NUMEROUS UNCONSTITUTIONAL ERRORS. THE PROSECUTION DID 
NOT PRESENT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE THAT THE CRIME WAS COMMITTED BY MCCLESKEY. ALL THE EVI- 
DENCE WAS NOT PRESENTED DURING THE TRIAL AT THE PROPER TIME, WHICH RESULTED IN AT LEAST 
TWO JURORS VOTING A DIFFERENT WAY THAN THEY WOULD HAVE, HAD ALL THE EVIDENCE BEEN PRE- 
SENTED IN A TIMELY MANNER. MCCLESKEY'S SENTENCE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ANY' DIFFERENT THAN THE 
OTHERS THAT WERE INVOLVED, 

OVER THE LAST THIRTEEN YEARS SINCE HIS INCARCERATION MCCLESKEY'S PRISON RECORD INDICATE 
THAT HE HAS HAD NO DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS AND ARE NOW KNOWN AS A "PEACE MAKER" AMONG 
OTHER PRISONERS. 

I PRAY THAT YOU CONSIDER ALL OF THE EVIDENCE IN MCCLESKEY'S CASE. THIS MAN'S LIFE IS IN 
YOUR HANDS. TO SENTENCE HIM TO DIE WOULD BE A TERRIBLE INJUSTICE. 

THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING THIS ON HIS BEHALF, 

RESPECTFULLY ITTED, 

re ati. ot 
MARTHA BLOUNT 

 



  

June 6, 1991 

Mr Wayne Snow, Chairman 
State Board of Pardons and Paroles Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Jth Floor East Tower 
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.E. Atlanta, GA 30334 

Dear Mr Snow: 

I am writing you and the Pardons and Paroles Board on behalf of Mr. Warren McCleskey's planned execution. 

I am a business man here in the Marietta area, a community where Mr. McCleskey grew up. I appeal to you to commute the death sentence of Mr. McCleskey and I feel thatjcan speak for the hundreds of friends and patrons I serve through my business associations. 

My appeal to the Board of Pardons and Paroles to commute Mr. McCleskey's death sentence is staunchly Supported by hundreds in our community. 

Mr. McCleskey's conviction and death sentence is not the sole issue, jit is is, however, only a small sample of the wrong, evils and injustices committed by "man against man" jn our society today. As a Christian man, my position, along with that of my church and our entire congregation is that capital punishment is wrong, and it serves no purpose other than to further demonstrate the inhumanities to men that jit js Proposed to curtail or eliminate. : 

It is not for me to determine the guilt or innocence of anyone committing a crime, (I trust that the justice System will do this and do it fairly), nor to justify crimes against persons by 

(Next Page) 

 



  

Mr. Wayne Snow, Jr., Chairman 

State Pardons and Paroles Board 

State of Georgia 
June 6, 1991 
Page #2 

Additionally, after having followed Mr. McCleskey's case over the 

past thirteen (13) years, the following points seem to leave some 

degree of doubt about his guilt: 

Oo There is serious doubt whether Mr. McCleskey was the 

"triggerman". Much of the evidence points to Ben Wright, 

Jr., who got a lessor sentence. 

Oo I ask that your board consider the overwhelming police and 

Prosecution misconduct that was apparent in this case, as 

I see it as no more than a "mockery". No one should be put 

to death from a trial with this many constitutional errors. 

Oo What about the two members of Mr. McCleskey's jury who after 

hearing all the evidence have now said they would have given 

McCleskey life had they heard the evidence at the trial that 

the Police and Prosecution covered up. With the vote of 

just one of these jurors, life would have been imposed. 

Finally, an exhaustive examination of Mr. McCleskey's prison 

records over the last thirteen (13) years shows that he has been 

a model inmate who has caused no disciplinary problems, possesses 

and maintains a "good attitude". Mr. McCleskey has been a 

"peacemaker" between prison guards and other death row inmates. 

I feel that any person committing a crime against another person 

should be punished. It's the capital punishment that I am so 

much against. As a Christian I have been praying as much for 

the family of Officer Schlatt as 1 have been for Mr. McCleskey. 

In summary, should we execute another person who committed a 

crime who had no idea or intentions of taking a life, better yet, 

when this person appears to be the wrong person directly 

responsible for the death of the person in question? 

Pease consider my appeal to you to spare this mans life. 

Thanks in advance for your consideration. 

Respectfully Yours, 

7 

Wout Jdllodt Tol. # 
Winston Strickland uz) %32 2 
C: Pardons and Paroles Board Members 

 



Rr 

5 iran Fiore Baptist Conch 
3 165 LEMON STREET 

MARIETTA, GEORGIA 30060 

PHONE 427-8749 

  

REV. R.L. JOHNSON 

PASTOR 755-1452 (KH) 

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS: June 6, 1931 
REV. HARRIS TRAVIS 

REV. JAMES HOLLOWAY 
REV. J.F. HAM 

REV. CHARLES LYONS 
REV. ALPHONSO JOHNSON Mr Wayne Snow, Chairman 
Re¥ LARRY Fitnvia State Board of Pardons and Paroles 
une Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
REV. CLARENCE ELEBEE 5th Floor East Tower 

BOME OF TRUSTEES: : 2 Martin Luther Ring, Je. Drive, S.E. 
DEA. ALBERT MAYES, SR. Atlanta y GA 30334 
CHAIRMAN 

DEA. JAMES EVERGIN 

VICE-CHAIRMAN Dear Mr Snow: 
DEA. PRATHER HUNTER 

DEA. DANNY PALMER 

DEA. THOMAS NELSON I am writing you and the Pardons and Paroles Board on 
DEA. GEORGE WILLIAMS 

: behalf of Mr. Warren McCleskey's planned execution. 
BOARD OF DEACONS: 

DEA. GEORGE WILLIAMS 1 am the Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, in Marietta CHAIRMAN 

REA PRATHER HUNTER Georgia, a community where Mr. McCleskey grew up. My 
DEA. WILLIE HILL church has over 850 members in our congregation, and we 
Fneasunen touch thousands more through our ministries, to include DEA. DON JOMNSON o . SECRETARY the sister of Mr. McCleskey, who is an devoted member 

DA. Jor NeeLy.ah, of of our congregation. 
ASST. SECRETARY ; 

DEA. ERNEST BEDFORD ; 
DEA. JAMES EVERGIN My appeal to the Board of Pardons and Paroles to DEA. ALBERT MAYES, SR. I) ’ DEA. JOHN T. NELSON commute Mr. McCleskey's death sentence is staunchly 
DEA. DASNY PALME supported by each of my members and the hundreds of our DEA. WILLIE SADDLER 

DEA. WILLIE B. WILSON members, friends and supporters. 
DEA. MARION J. WOODS 

Mr. McCleskey's conviction and death sentence is not 
the sole issue, it is is, however, only a small sample 
of the wrong, evils and injustices committed by "man 
against man" in our society today. As a minister, my 
position, along with that of the church I pastor and 
the entire Georgia Missionary Baptist Convention which 
represents over 300,000 members, is that capital 
punishment is wrong, and it serves no purpose other 
than to further demonstrate the inhumanities to men 
that it is proposed to curtail or eliminate. 

While we are not in the business of determining the 
guilt or innocence of anyone, nor justifying the crimes 
against persons, we are very concerned about the number 
of black men on death row and what appears to be an 
unfair balance of them that are given death sentences 
and thusly executed. 

(Next Page) 

A of ontion of out 125 nniveriary % 

1866-7597 

i . i , ‘in, * . “ ay LL RE , : : ‘ . ‘ . ¥ Hg wiry Ce, oT Yi : rit i ; Sasa aty, ‘i, fates, ive : X ee ; ‘ x SH he “ Shiai 
RFE SE Sg, TP a A eR ER ET Re le od Ben dite 2a do dosniin a. men B0rthace ah ch PRR RTS OY mes iss ath aout 

  

  

 



Jy 

Mr. Wayne Snow, Jr., Chairman 
State Pardons and Paroles Board 
State of Georgia 
June 6, 1991 
Page #2 

  

Additionally, after. having followed Mr. McCleskey's case over the past thirteen (13) years, the following points seem to leave some degree of doubt about his guilt: 

-O There is serious doubt whether Mr. McCleskey was the "triggerman". Much of the evidence points to Ben Wright, Jr., who got a lessor sentence. 

(0) We ask that your board consider the overwhelming police and Prosecution misconduct that was apparent in this case, as we see it as no more than a "mockery". No one should be put to death. from a trial with this many constitutional errors. 

(0) What about the two members of Mr. McCleskey's jury who after hearing all the evidence have now said they would have given McCleskey life had they heard the evidence at the trial that the Police and Prosecution covered up. With the vote of just one of these jurors, life would have been imposed. 

Finally, an exhaustive examination of Mr. McCleskey's prison records over the last thirteen (13) years shows that he has been a model inmate who has caused no disciplinary problems, possesses and maintains a "good attitude". Mr. McCleskey has been a "peacemaker" between prison guards and other death row inmates. 

In summary, should we execute another person who committed a crime who had no idea or intentions of taking a life, better yet, when this person appears to be the wrong person directly responsible for the death of the person in question. 

We feel that any person committing a crime against another person should be punished. It's the capital punishment that we are so much against. We as a church have been praying as much for the family of Officer Schlatt as we have been for Mr. McCleskey. 

We now hope and pray that your board corrects the apparent injustice against Mr. McCleskey and not be led by the "Old Testament" where an "Eye for an Eye" was the way, but better yet, consider that God sent his son Jesus Christ to die for all of our sins and "New Testament" was written to show us that we all will have to answer to God for our sins (any sin) and it's his law that will ultimately vindicate us all. 

(Next page) 

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eT 1 J, ~rdma LLL ew las cease oe Be ano... . - .--- 

 



» > 

  

Mr. Wayne Show, Jr., Chairman 
State Pardons and Paroles Board 
State of Georgia 
June 6, 1991 
Page 3 

Yours in Christ, 

Rev. Robert L. ohnson 

Pastor 

oF Pardons and Paroles Board Members 

  
  

i; . 

4 ame od adn Sb cbalbonsbon .. . a 

 



  

June 4, 1991 

Effie Holt 

Dear Mr. Snow and Committee, 

I have been following the trial of Mr. Warren McCleskey. In a few days you and 

the Parole Board will be making a very important decision about another man's 

life and as the so call evidence have been stated, it was in my opinion not proven 

beyond a shadow of doubt as the Law states in the Constitution of the United 

States of America. 

I am pleading to you and the Board before you make your final decision to spare 

Mr. McCleskey's life. I do regret that the officer's 1ife was taken and I have 

sympathy for Mr. Schlatt's family, but, from the circumstantial evidence that was 

presented throughout the trial and the State with held vital information about 

facts concerning this case of Mr. McCleskey. This I do believe the State wanted 

someone to pay whether guilty or not. 

This has been accomplished by sentences that were handed down to the other three 

(3) accomplices. Therefore, since it has not fully been established who the actual 

triggerman was, it is only fair that all parties involved receive comparable 

sentences. 

Thank you for your considerations. 

  

Erie Holt 

 



  

June 6, 1991 

Roy E. Myers, IV 

Dear Mr. Snow, 

I'm writing on behalf of Mr. Warren McCleskey. I am concern about how a man can 
be killed on this evidence that was presented and some vital information with held 
from the Jurors, if you and the Board do not intervene on his behalf. I am 

pleading with you to spare Warren's life. 

I would like to bring too your attention that two (2) juror said, they would have 
voted differently if they had been aware of some pertinent information and only 
one vote as you know would have imposed life sentence. Also, more evidence points 
to Ben Wright, Jr. who got a lesser sentence and all the others involved. 

Is this justice to take another person life just so someone will pay for a crime? 

I believe Warren Constitutional Rights were abused so badly that he will pay for it 
with his life if you don't stop it. 

I've heard that Warren has not given guards any trouble and he is more a "Peacemaker". 
The Bible states, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children 
of God." 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

lhe 
  

Rog E. Myers, IV 

 



  

June 4, 1991 

Mable Myers 

To Whom It May Concern: 

You and your committee now have the awesome task of making a decision about the 
life of Mr. Warren McCleskey. 

I am pleading with you and the Committee to spare the life of Mr. McCleskey. As 
I would like to bring to your attention that his three (3) co-defendants were 
given lesser sentences. In my opinion Mr. McCleskey, was not given a fair and 
unbias trial by the State, withholding information and the Jurors not hearing all 
important evidence. Which two (2) of the jurors have stated they would have 
given Warren life and with one juror vote life sentence would have been imposed. 

As records have shown Warren has been a "Peacemaker" between prison guards and 
other death row inmates over the thirteen (13) years, he has been a model inmate. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

  
ade 2 yno 

Mable Myers 

 



  

6/6/91 

Dear Wayne, 

I want to thank you for your efforts to help WARREN MCCLESKEY, 

I've been going day and night writing letters lately. I feel like a 

combat vet, with all the D/P stuff, I haven't much time to write, but 

I wanted you and the Board to know your appreciated, 

I saw my brother after a PILGRIMAGE FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE 

DEATH PENALTY, from Starke, Florida to Atlanta, Ga. for the first 

time and I wondered if it would be the last. This asshole LAW the 

death penalty, is the most inhumane cruelty you can ever imaginel I 

write to 21 on the row. And about fifty longtimers. I also walked 

from Huntsville, Tx. to Austin totaling 340 miles, to protest the 

death penalty. And I testified at the hearing to reinstate the D/P 

in Maine. Thank God, it wasn't voted in! I've wanted to join ACLU 

but I am unemployed. I had to charge two flights and am 15008080 

fight the death penalty. I don't even have electricity, I live a mile 

in the woods so communication 1s a real problem. Please keep me informe 

ed about Warren. Also larry Lonchar, he's my friend. 

I have another one who I think is innocent. Keep your eyes on 

James Armando Card, Sr. He's at Starke. 

Gotta go. Please let me know what 1s going on. I have four of them 

that would really UPSET me, if I lost them! Not that they all are pain- 

fully less, but they'd kill innocent men rather than admit they are 

wrong, re: courts, 

Sincerely, 

Pajame Lagy 

 



  

  

STATE BOARD OF PARDONS & PAROLES: 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN; 

I never had a brother and I "adopted" Warren McCleskey to be my 

brother, since he agreed. So we've had a brother/sister relationship 

for several years, and I feel he 1s no less than he fell from my mother's 

womb. I love him, 

I was prepared to accept him as such, thinking he had killed a 

police officer and knowing that all brothers are not winners. But 

Warren has maintained that he was not the "triggerman" who shot Officer 

Frank Schlatt. He admitted that he was at the Dixie Furniture Store 

and that he grieves but he maintains that Ben Wright, Jr. is the man 

who murdered Officer Frank Schlatts 

Offle Evans, had much to gain by his testimony against Warren, 

for the prosecution and police He had charges pending against him, 

After he testified against Warren, his charges were subsequently drop=- 

ped. 

Ben Wright testified against Warren, because he had "even more" 

to gain—his LIFE! In exchange for his lies, he got twenty years. My 

brother got a death sentence. 

I believe attorneys made some bad mistakes and decisions concerns 

ing this case’, But there her also been negligence on the part of the 

court, concealing information from the jury, I believe this to be une 

constltlonal on the part of the court. Two Jurors, J11l1 Darmer and 

 



} 

  

Robert Burnette would not have agreeded to a death sentence, if they 

knew Offie was a pald snitch and had all the facts. But also. the 

fact that Warren's case introduced statistics proving that the death 

penalty 1s racially applied, yet the death penalty is still being used 

and abused by the random and racist application of it, definately appears 

to be unconstitutional to me, 

Warren has been abused the greater part of his life. But through 

thls horrible experience, he has blossomed into a wonderful person, 

a very moral person. He has a great sense of remorse for his part 

in a robbery for which he grieves, and has that burden for the rest 

of hls life, He is a Christian and humanitarian. He would be an asset 

in the community. To torture to death a man who has known abuse most 

of hls llfe but who managed on death row, to rehabilitate himself with 

hls appllcation of a Christian attitude, would be a violation of his 

rights to life, 

Let me ask you a question. If the police are allowed to use a 

snitch, to convict a man; however illegal, why won't they use a snitch 

to prove a man is telling the truth? 

And where is Mary Jenkins? Why wasn't she ever tried on any 

charges? Another deal? 

The clock is ticking away and my brother's time is running out. 

One innocent man already died, Officer Frank Schlatt., Please don't 

repeat the crime by killing another innocent man, Warren McCleskey. 

That would be premeditated murder. And you would make me a victim, 

I've already beed a victim twice, thank yous, 
Prayerfully Submitted, 

 



  

  

June 5, 1991 

To Whom It May Concern: 

I was a fellow classmate of Mr. Warren McCleskey. I'm writing to ask you and the 
Board to consider lesser punishment that what he has been given. I have notice 
that his accomplices all recieved lighter sentences and Mr. McCleskey in my opin- 
ion do not deserves to die in the electric chair from evidence that was given. 
It was not beyond the shadow of doubt he was the triggerman. I feel Warren was 
the scapegoat. 

I must say, my heart goes out to the Schlatt family, but what will it gain to take 
another man's life if he is not guilty. This would 'be two terrible mistakes made 
one by criminals and the other by the Law. 

It was ruled that some important evidence was gotten from a "State-paid Snitch" 
(Evans), but the court denied Mr. McCleskey an appeal because it wasn't done 
‘earlier. Now, I wonder how can it ever be too late for the truth, especially when 
a man's life is on the line for a horrible death date. 

As I understand Mr. McCleskey has been a model inmate and a change has taken place 
in his heart. 

I thank you for your consideration on this matter. 

A Concern Friend 

 



  

  
  

June 8, 1991 

Mr, Wayne Snow, Jr, 

State Board of Pardons and Paroles 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
5th Floor East Tower 

2 Martin Luther Xing, Jr. Drive, S.E, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 

Dear Sirs 

I am writing this letter on behalf of Warren McCleskey, currently 
under sentence of death in the state of Georgia, 

As you know, there remain some highly controversial issues in 
Warren McCleskey's case, First, it has never been proven beyond 

doubt that Warren fired the gun which killed Officer George 
Schlatt, In spite of this, of the four defendants involved in 
the robbery of the Dixie Furniture Store and the subsequent murder 
of Officer Schlatt, only Warren McCleskey received a death sentence, 
Second, testimony used to convict Warren was grossly unreliable, in 

the instance of Ben Wright, and fabricated, in the instance of Offie 
Evans, Third, suppression by the prosecution of the fact that Offie 
Evans was a "planted" police informant was reprehensible, PFurther- 
more, two trial jurors have now stated that they never would have 
imposed the death penalty had they been informed of the "testimony 
for freedom" arrangement between Offie Evans and the police. 

It has been my privilege to know Warren McCleskey for two years, 

He consistently conducts himself in a gentlemanly, courteous manner 

and in a manner which reflects strong Christian character, 

Therefore, based on the numerous blatant inconsistencies and injustices 

centered in Warren's case and because of his sincere efforts to remodel 
his life while incarcerated, I implore you to commute Warren McCleskey's 
death sentence to life imprisonment, 

Thank you very much, 

Sincerely yours, 

ESS AIS 

Xaren Luderer 

 



Betty's Creek Road 
P.O. Box 129 

Dillard, Ga. 30537 
404-746-2134 

  

June 5, 1991 

State Board of Pardons and Paroles 

Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 

5th Floor East Tower 

2 Martin Luther king, Jr. Drive, SE 

Atlanta, GA 30334 

Attn: Wayne Snow, Jr. 

Dear Mr. Snow: 

The buck has been passed. A case that has attracted 

National attention is before the Georgia Pardons and Paroles 

Board. It is now in your hands whether Warren McCleskey will 

receive Justice that has been denied to him through the 

Courts in our land. I am indeed grateful that our system has 

so many checks and balances because if one errs, surely 

another will look closely at the facts in hand before an 

innocent man is wrongfully executed for a murder he did not 

commit. 

I have been corresponding with Warren as a Prison Pen- 

Pal for about four years. In that time, I have come to care 

deeply for this gentle brother who shares his concerns in an 

humble and God-directed way. When I first started writing to 

him, he told me whv he was in prison, and, while he did not 

deny his involvement in the robbery, he was most adamant that 

he did not kill the policeman. In that same letter, he spoke 

of the remorse he felt for hurting his family by landing in 

prison, of the sorrow for the policeman's family, and of his 

own predicament in serving a sentence for a murder he did not 

commit. 

At that time, he was hopeful that the courts would let 

him have a new trial. I have followed the news and watched 
in dismay as one court after another has refused to look at 
the careful evidence that Warren and his lawyer have put 

together. Now, I have had a chance to look at the facts even 

further, and I am simply ashamed of the Court System of the 

United States. 

I sincerely hope that the Georgia Pardons and Parole 

Board will look with fresh, clear eyes at this case. It does 

not take a jury to see that there is serious doubt whether 
Warren killed Officer Schlatt. The circumstantial evidence 

 



  

levied against him by the probable perpetrator, Ben Wright, 
Jr., the questionable tactics of using a police informant, 
swaying the jury based on the less-than-truthful account of a 
man who testified for personal gain, letting another who was 
just as involved in the robbery go scot free, all this points 
to a trial whose aim was to "fry" a black man, any black man, 
for killing a white cop. 

The sad part is that Warren kept putting the pieces of 

his own defense together AFTER the trial, but that no one 

bothered to look at the facts. The Supreme Court used a 

technical point to dismiss Warren's case without even 

bothering, it would seem, to look at the merits of the case 
at all. When he presented his case the first time, he did 

not know that Offie Evans was a "State-paid snitch", which 

makes the very testimony that helped convict him illegal. 

Now we all know that Evans was used by the prosecution, and 

that the State purposely hid this information from the 

McCleskey defense until it was too late. 

The jurors were not privy to this information either, 

and at least two who have now heard the full story have said 

that they would have given a life sentence, rather than 

impose the death penalty if the full facts had been 

presented. It would have only taken one juror to speak out, 

and Warren would not now find his life in the hands of a 

five-member Board. 

One other thing that should be considered is Warren's 

prison record. When I first started writing to him, I 

wondered just how sincere a born-again prison conversion was. 

Over the four years, I have had plenty of time to get to know 

Warren through his letters. When you share multi-page 

letters with someone you've never actually met in person, 

that sharing can be more intimate than mere superficial 

acquaintance. His peace-making reputation is no accident. 
It comes from the deep serenity of one who knows that his 

fate is in God's hand. 

If you decide to pull the switch, Warren will peacefully 

submit as did another 2,000 years ago crucified by the powers 

in charge. History has proven that justice was not served 
then, and it won't be served now. The buck stops at your 
doorstep. I just hope that you have the courage not to wash 
your hands of the whole affair and bow to political 
expediency instead of personal integrity. 

Most sincerely yours, 

Rebecca B. Cope 

 



  

cc Fe 

Fe rtons 

Georgia State Board of Pardons and Appeals 
Chairman Wayne Snow Jr. 
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 
5th Floor, East Tower 
2, Martin Luther King Jr.Dr.S.E. 
Atlanta GA 30334 June 22, 1991 

Dear Mr Snow and your Colleagues of the Board, 

I am writing to you in regard to the case of WARREN McCLESKEY D-003935 
who is on Death Row at G.D.C.C. in Jackson and who will probably have 
an execution date set within the next weeks. 

First let me say that I realise the heavy responsibility you carry in 
considering each case. You have to consider every aspect, and while 
I am sure you are open to pleas for clemency you will also not want 
to undermine the law of the land or let crime go unpunished. I 
respect this sense of responsibility with which you will also consider 
Warren's situation. 

I do not pretend to understand all the legal aspects of this case. 
It does seem to me however that there are at least some questionable 
aspects of the evidence brought against Warren, which make it possible 
that here a man would be executed for a crime he did not commit. 
Warren has always admitted his part in the armed robbery, and accepted 
his imprisonment as just punishment. He has consistently denied the 
charge of murder. His co-defendants got off lightly. 

However, it is on a personal level that I would plead with you to 
spare Warren's life. I have been in regular correpondence with Warren 
for the past 7 1/2 years. I have kept every one of his letters. They 
show a steadfastness, an outgoing concern for others, a complete 
absence of bitterness and complaint at his lot which is a challenge 
to those of us who live in freedom. He became a Christian in 1981 and 
the genuineness of his faith shows in the way he has conducted himself 
in prison. I believe he is a model prisoner. More than that, he has 
concerned himself with his fellow prisoners, has regularly held Bible 
Study with them, and sought to encourage them. 

In his letters to me he has shown the same concern for others. He has 
prayed for members of our community who were dying from cancer, he has 
written to our children, encouraging them to learn and respect their 
parents. 

Warren's life has exerted a positive influence within the prison and 
far beyond its walls. Should not such a life be spared, also when 
there are reasons to question his guilt? 

Dear Mr. Snow and Members of the Board, I ask you most respectfully 
to exercise you powers of clemency and commute Warren's death sentence 
to life. 

Yours very sincerely 

Derek Wardle B.A. 

 



     4 

PUERSE FRX To Jerrets S.V, ce Jue hk FPrdyer 

Hutterian Brethren in New York, Inc. FAX(214)339-6685 
PLEASANT VIEW BRUDERHOF 300 ROSENTHAL LANE ULSTER PARK NY 12487 TEL(914)339-6680 
  

June 25, 1991 

Ba roles 
State Board of Pardons an 

Chairman, Wayne Snow Jr. 
5th floor , Bast Tower 
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive S.E. 
ATLANTA GA 3033¢ 
Dear Mr, Snow, 

I am writing on behalf of WARREN McCLESKEY D-003935, 

I am from a Christian Church-Community in New York State. Warren has known and been 
in correspondence with some of our members for over 7 years, We feel that there have been enough 

questions concerning the lengthy legal proceedings, that we fear the possibility of an innocent man 
being executed. 

I understand that to date Warren admits taking part in a robbery but denies the killing of a 
police officer. As in all of our lives God knows the truth and will be the final judge. Recognizing 
our (and the State's) position of limited knowledge we urge that Warren be spared from the death 

penalty. 
Our feeling is strengthened by our experience with many examples of Warren's good charac- 

ter. In 1981 he became a Christian, He has been a model prisoner, has conducted Bible study with 
other prisoners, has been steadfast in faith and without bitterness through all the tensions of these 
years. He looks beyond himself in his concern for his fellow prisoners and in his correspondence 

with us he always carries the needs of our Church- Communities, the sick, the children, He writes to 
the 1st graders in our school here, letters encouraging them to learn and to respect their parents, His 
life has a positive influence within and beyond the prison. 

I plead with you that such a life not be ended,

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