DELAWARE
Brian Steckel
November 4, 2005
Brian Steckel, a white man, faces execution in Delaware on Nov. 4, 2005 for the Sept. 2, 1994 rape and murder of Sandra Lee Long. If executed, Steckel will be the first person executed in Delaware in four years.
There was one major problem with Steckel’s trial. The court had decided to admit an audio recording of Steckel’s interrogation on the condition that one question was taken out of the tape. Unfortunately that question was heard by the jury. The question was, “You told me yesterday that you killed others as well.” Although the trial judge then ruled the tape inadmissible and instructed the jury to disregard it, it is clear the effect that such a lapse could have on the jury. Trial counsel did not move for a mistrial at the time. Therefore, appellate courts ruled that they could not hear the new motion for retrial on appeal when the original court had not had the opportunity to rule on the motion.
Clearly such an admission as this warrants a mistrial regardless of when the claim is raised. Steckel was cooperative with authorities during interrogation. He suffers a history of alcohol and substance abuse. Steckel also suffered childhood sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse. According to psychiatrist testimony at trial, Steckel has both Attention Deficit Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Finally, Steckel is a valued member of a loving family.
Please write Gov. Ruth Ann Minner requesting that Brian Steckel’s sentence be commuted to life in prison without parole.
