As the entire world watched, you put the needle in Troy Davis’ vein. As candlelight vigils were held in London, Paris and New York, you ignored the outcries and decided it was more important to be right than protect justice. As Davis refused his last meal and last words, you continued to reject every last minute plea.

This particular case is not even about whether the death penalty is right or wrong. This case is not about Troy’s guilt or innocence. It is well beyond all that. This case proves our criminal justice and legal system are beyond repair. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that people from low socioeconomic status or minorities are far more likely to be convicted than rich white people.

Not only convicted, but likely will have longer sentences or death. Does that seem fair? Furthermore, the burden of proof during the original trial rests with the prosecution. However, for every other appeal, the defendant must prove his innocence. You, dear Georgia, completely botched this case from the beginning.

Witnesses were tainted, the jurors were tainted and the police never even considered any other suspects. The trial should have been moved to a different location after you flashed Davis’ picture on the news with the words “Cop Killer.” You should not have had all the “witnesses” together to reenact the crime.

Any two-bit police department in the nation knows this. What is your excuse for acting so unprofessionally on this case? Without any evidence of Troy’s guilt, how can he prove he is innocent? Yet, that is what the courts have expected of Davis.

I cry tonight as your state murders a man. I think that maybe this will open up the eyes of the nation of the problems with the death penalty. However, that won’t bring Troy Davis back. He has spent most of his life in jail only to be killed by your state to teach him killing is wrong. I wonder if the victim was not a cop or not white if the outcome would be different?

I already know the answer to that. A police officer’s life is worth more than other people. I hope everybody feels good down there for this state-sponsored lynching. Please know that I will never spend another moment in your state again. I would hate to be wrongly accused of a crime in your backwards ass state.

Yours truly,
Erin

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About the author

Erin Chavez
Erin Whitney-Chavez has been writing professionally since 2009. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure University and received a Master of Arts in mental-health counseling from Argosy University. Erin Whitney-Chavez is a licensed mental health counselor and has worked in the mental-health field for more than 10 years.

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