Letters of Support (Redacted)
Correspondence
June 2, 1991 - June 25, 1991

45 pages
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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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(ase Hles: Mc( leskeey (63) 013) Ba clo UV Leminey Ke4q us F< Le Hee PA Jun | AF - * ip p T 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 od a RTI ase Ras 2 wl FREED Eee ET ETT 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. / 3S : % * he SE! AALS) FA A h i sf plein a 233 Mikehell Shalt SW. Sute 200 Uiip (2 Bose St + mar b PC Deon MM Wayne Sew, Gr 0. Games J. Pvuko Maro Bettye O HudeSumgo 77 Davi oom Jo thay () ENID, Lon bor may saeemcd Loddon Yau (em Lu YUL mg Wanna #¢ (lepkey. J Aa rad Ya cwmoara peg of far £0 Amel om Lota AGanctirg Ss ) [ roe ey J am choad: Ld do Lhink that host who are ul command #0 R208 eX armel ae wo al allotod 10 LDL Ch fA Df LAND coma l Lem Smutot EE of Jro pz iclopmenst ¢ of a FIAGGYD Lf 0. ft SILO CUAL [hat i. PA lrokey Fao a A. SAD LAS 2 ALIA NO bl LUT Aga mart Alm than. was prumtscl . 75. 7 (rok Sport 20 Cumumal aol cierto cpt fam AS igh A Aol - a Lz 0. Hoi gil 7) a 2% nn #0 GO SR aa j Ee LO GN.6 2p ‘iro od Sand Lf 5 I fiom oC a Life Sardine. 2 7 et “ i 5% Api Act a oy 9, 000 Ch. 7 EA? 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LLY “if a att of fet qin y Of 5 ond; 2 pra 4 tied ¢ Ly LLL 0 La P SHY 4s 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 Sousa 2020 ol 26068 Se or «3 i kp aw i ~ ed : . \ Lif Arif SY Nill ke Tg TY SY a TV wea y rad - (Zl ll rin A thas. beer enrolled for one year as a member of The Central Association ; of the Miraculous Medal A member shares ir 2,500 ) Hoty Masses offered each year and in all the pious works The Jord less, you and. keep. you! hd the Association. The Jord let Hes Jace shine whor, you, z g # JL -- be and be gracious lo you i, C C The Jord look wpory you hindly, : ons So - Zz Lh, AE Za 2c -% # and, gee you peace! Nambers 6-94-26 Ld i ) MY. waynd $nii IR, Chairman Ames T. morris : Bettye 0. dutdaing $ DAvio Evans) 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. UT Gapitad puaswment s NOT THe way Kt will Happen. History moceowtle, 1'wa motally 6pfosed 0 Two dogtin eLnal iy ©! VIEW The executor and The tmdemned Two 5,0¢ 7 THE sn The murd ere ao repr senhing d mE Coin. 1 will (mclude Ths cenerwlited statement Covcevnng ch po ty by mening you To fa 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) 3} ? ; Era CERO Ty ridin v H3, i, RY. LR 4 . ; ! Syl ey fh he he Dr Fa TL AY J yi i ig Wins yo py - (RVR A) . + | Ww a. % NPI Pw i. ar ta I TAL VV PY: A a TRE 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,