NCADP - The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

Jeffrey Lundgren, OH, October 24

Do Not Execute Jeffrey Lundgren

October 24, 2006

Ohio

The state of Ohio plans to execute Jeffrey Lundgren on Oct. 24, 2006, for the murder of the Avery family. On April 10, 1989, Lundgren, a self-proclaimed prophet, led his cult in planning and executing murders of the Avery family in order to bring about a prophecy he interpreted from the Old Testament. The Avery family had belonged to Lundgren’s cult, and he lured them into a barn where he systematically executed each member of the family and buried them behind the barn.

Although there is no question that Lundgren participated in these murders, his trial does not reflect a sound judicial system. On two separate occasions, the judge gave the trial jury incorrect directions on how come to an agreement on sentencing. Also, the judge nullified all mitigating evidence. This was a jury trial, where the judge should have allowed all evidence and mitigating factors to be presented to the jury for that jury to decide whether the aggravating circumstances overwhelm the mitigating factors. Finally, his defense failed to present an insanity plea during the guilt phase of Lundgren’s trial.

Neighbors from Lundgren’s childhood home recall that he was abused as a child, and his actions demonstrate those of someone who is not mentally sound. Lundgren is awaiting the courts to approve an independent psychiatric evaluation. Do not allow the state of Ohio to execute Jeffrey Lundgren.

Please write to Gov. Bob Taft on behalf of Jeffrey Lundgren.

September 02, 2010

Subject:

I wish to appeal to you on behalf of JEFFREY LUNDGREN, who is due to be executed on October 24, 2006. My sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the Avery family, and I agree this was a very tragic event that cannot go unpunished. However, the death penalty—which only serves to create more victims and perpetuate a cycle of violence—is not the right punishment for JEFFREY LUNDGREN. Lundgren, a self-proclaimed prophet, led the Avery family into the woods in Ohio where he killed them. While he clearly participated in the crimes, Lundgren's trial does not represent a sound criminal justice system. On two separate occasions, the judge gave the jury incorrect directions on how to come to a sentencing agreement. This same judge also nullified all mitigating evidence, a decision which should have been left to the jury. Finally, Lundgren's lawyers failed to present an insanity plea. Executing JEFFREY LUNDGREN would violate the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and constitute the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. Please find it in your heart to spare the life of this human being. Thank you for your time and consideration in this important and urgent matter.
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