Troy Davis Execution 2011 Sparks Controversy!
Troy Davis was a convicted murderer who has maintained his innocence since his trial in 1991. In August of 1991 Davis was sent to death for the murder of Mark McPhail – a security guard at Burger King who intervened to defend a homeless man being assaulted in a nearby parking lot. McPhail was shot and killed and, after his trial, the jury believed that Davis was guilty of the crime. His execution took place last night at 11:08pm ET, despite a last ditch plea for clemency.
Wrongfully Convicted?
Since the verdict given in 1991, much evidence has come forth supporting Davis’s claims of innocence. Most notably, seven of the prosecutions nine witnesses had either retracted of backed off their original testimonies. Some affiants in June of 2010 came forward with statements revealing that they were coerced by police. Furthermore, other witnesses have come forward with sworn statements that another man by the name of Sylvester “Redd” Coles admitted that he was the one who pulled the trigger and killed McPhail.
Worldwide Support
Over the years, Troy has garnered support from people all over the world. Rallies and protests took place regularly to free Davis, who many believed wholeheartedly, was innocent of the crime. Nearly one million people signed petitions urging the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to grant Davis clemency.
Davis also received celebrity support from Kim Kardashian, Mia Farrow, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Kimora Lee Simmons, Busta Rhymes and more.
Final Words
Before the lethal injection, Troy had a chance to say his final words. This is what he said:
“I’d like to address the MacPhail family. Let you know, despite the situation you are in, I’m not the one who personally killed your son, your father, your brother. I am innocent. The incident that happened that night is not my fault. I did not have a gun. All I can ask … is that you look deeper into this case so that you really can finally see the truth. I ask my family and friends to continue to fight this fight. For those about to take my life, God have mercy on your souls. And may God bless your souls.”
You can read more about Troy’s life here.
Do you think Troy Davis was wrongfully convicted?
