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EXECUTED -- OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THOSE WHO SURVIVE HIM
Associated Press, Huntsville, Texas (Aug. 26): An apologetic James Allridge, whose case attracted attention of celebrity capital punishment opponents, was executed Thursday evening for killing a Fort Worth convenience store clerk 19 years ago.
Speaking slowly and quietly with his voice halting at times, Allridge thanked his family and friends for loving him and expressed remorse.
"I am sorry, I really am," he said in a brief final statement. "I am sorry I destroyed y'all's life," he said looking at the family of his victim. "Thank you for forgiving me. To the moon and back, I love you all."
"I leave you all as I came -- in love," he said. Nine minutes later, at 6:22 p.m. CDT, he was pronounced dead.
The full text of the original alert follows.
August 26, 2004
6 p.m. CST
The state of Texas is scheduled to execute James Allridge III, a black man, August 26 for the 1985 murder of Brian Clendennen during a robbery in Tarrant County.
James Allridge is an example of something that is rarely talked about in death-penalty debates: rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is granted no place in the system. Men and women can grow up, become educated, develop job skills, get off drugs or alcohol, or find religion, and still there is no mercy. They, too, will be strapped to a gurney and injected full of poison.
In prison, Mr. Allridge has become an accomplished artist and poet. Those who have seen his art say that it is vibrant, moving, and full of life… considering that it was produced in a place where death is eminent and steel bars a constant reminder.
Mr. Allridge writes that “I concede that there is nothing with which I, or anyone else, could ever do to replace the life that was taken. However, my art allows me to contribute to the entire picture – the whole of humanity. My art allows me to give back something purposeful, productive, constructive, and meaningful. By giving back a small part of me with each piece of art I create, I am giving back to society.”
Mr. Allridge’s case is reminiscent of that of Karla Faye Tucker’s. She was also a woman who had been able to use prison as a source of positive change. In her clemency appeal to Governor George W Bush she said: “I do want to live and be able to continue being a part of the solution now to the problems we have in our world…I am helping save lives now instead of taking lives and hurting others.”
In an interview, Mr. Allridge quotes author Anne Rice who wrote, “there is no such thing as a soul who loves nothing.” Mr. Allridge serves as a symbol of the human spirit in death row. The death row population is so easily dehumanized, so easily are their names taken away and replaced by the label of “killer,” “monster,” and “murderer.” Because they are seen as the other, it is easier for many to rationalize their death.
However, as Mr. Allridge wrote in 2000, “We all have purpose and worth. We all have our own unique voice in the choir of humanity. Even a mute can sing.”
Mr. Allridge is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at 6 p.m. CST. Please keep him, his family, and the family of Brian Clendennen in your thoughts.
Please take a moment and contact Gov. Perry, urging him to stop the execution of James Allridge, III.
As Gov. Perry does not have a public e-mail address, please select the fax option below.
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