Florida
April 5, 2005
The state of Florida is scheduled to execute Glen Ocha, who has legally changed his name to Raven Raven, April 5, 2005 for the 1999 murder of Carol Skjerva in Osceola County.
Ocha met Skjerva at a bar while under the influence of alcohol and ecstasy. She drove him home and the two had consensual sex. Afterwards she made a disparaging comment which enraged him. He then strangled her and placed her detached head in his lap and began talking to her. He was arrested the following day for disorderly intoxication while in the possession of Skherva’s car. He confessed to the murder and told authorities where her body could be located.
Ocha plead guilty and waived his right to a trial by jury, as well as to the presentation of mitigating evidence. At the trial he refused to let a public defender present evidence to try and avoid an execution. Furthermore, he asked the trial judge to sentence him to death. He later wrote in a letter, “Sir, I wish for my execution to come swift and unhampered. Please understand my sincerest request! Its better for me, and everyone for me to face my punishment sooner than later.” He then fired an attorney who tried to help him appeal his death sentence.
At trial, two psychological experts stated they believed further testing on Ocha was necessary. One psychologist went so far as to suggest he undergo a neuro-psychiatric evaluation to rule out the possibility of a brain tumor which may have affected his behavior and thinking. Ocha did not receive any of the additional testing suggest by the mental health experts. If these tests had taken place they may have provided valuable information at the trial concerning his mental health and competency to stand trial.
Ocha had a history of suicidal thoughts and drug and alcohol abuse. He had previously suffered two severe head injuries which are often linked to violent disturbing behaviors. Ocha also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and a learning disability. Ocha suffered from a chaotic and violent childhood. He had a history of psychiatric disturbances and mental illness and may possibly have bipolar disorder. It is apparent that Ocha is not sane and needs medical help, a point that is further supported by his legal name change from Glen Ocha to Raven Raven.
The history of Ocha's suicidal tendencies are clearly documented. When previously arrested for an unrelated crime he asked the arresting officers to shoot him. In 1999 while incarcerated in Volusia County he was placed on suicide watch.
Five of the last eight executions in Florida have been of prisoners who have waived their appeals and volunteered to be put to death.
During Governor Bush’s tenure, 16 people on death row have been executed, seven of whom have dropped their appeals in order to expedite their own deaths.
The execution of those with mental illness is prohibited by international law as well as by most countries in the world. In April of 2000, The UN Commission on Human Rights urged that all states that do maintain the death penalty do not impose it on those who are suffering from any form of mental disorder. However, it is a common occurrence in the United States. There is clear evidence that Ocha is mentally ill and suicidal. By signing his death warrant Governor Jeb Bush is merely assisting in the suicide of a sick man and continuing the unjust practice of executing the mentally ill.
Please take a moment to urge Governor Bush to stop the suicide of Glen Ocha! You may use the form letter bellow. Hand written or personalized letters are encouraged!
