|
EXECUTED -- OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THOSE WHO SURVIVE HIM
Reuters, McAlester, Okla. (Aug. 26): Oklahoma executed a man by lethal injection on Thursday for murdering a 2-year-old girl in 1987.
In a final statement while strapped to a gurney in the death chamber, Workman spoke to his two lawyers.
"Thanks for everything you've done," he said. "I appreciate it. Keep up the good fight. Understand what I'm saying? OK, let's go."
The full text of the original alert follows.
August 26, 2004
6 p.m. CST
The state of Oklahoma is scheduled to execute Windel Workman, a white man, August 26 for the 1985 murder of Amanda Hollman in Oklahoma City. Amanda, who was two years old at the time, was the daughter of Mr. Workman’s girlfriend and had injuries consistent with being hit with a hand or being thrown against a wall.
Amanda would have been 19 this year.
Four tenths of a single percent (0.4%) of all murders end in an execution. The category of people who fit into this statistic is broad. Many are mentally ill. Many are guilty. Most had ineffective lawyers. Most have experienced tragedy or abuse in their formative years. Beyond that, there is no rhyme or reason that explains the difference between those who end up with a life sentence and those who receive a death sentence.
There is further controversy surrounding Mr. Workman’s trial. The prosecution introduced two videotapes into evidence. One videotape was of Mr. Workman’s confession. The other tape showed officers sitting around and talking about the case. The officers repeatedly gave their personal opinions that the appellant was lying, speculated as to the reasons why the appellant beat the victim, detailed the anticipated testimony of the medical examiner and other witnesses, accused Mr. Workman of having abused in the past, and insinuated that he had a problem with abusing children.
None of this testimony should have been allowed at trial as it is considered hearsay evidence. However, the videotape was allowed and shown to the jury.
Mr. Workman has been in prison for 17 years. If he is executed this month, what crimes are being deterred? It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars more to send a defendant through the death penalty appellate process than to keep them in prison for life. Many death sentences are overturned and this money has been thrown away, chasing an execution. Where could the money be better spent?
Mr. Workman will be executed by the state of Oklahoma at 6 p.m. CST. Please keep him, his family, and the family of Amanda Hollman in your thoughts.
Please take a moment to contact Gov. Brad Henry and urge him to stop this execution.
As Gov. Henry does not have a public e-mail address, please select the fax option below.
|
