This is troubling news. Given the number of persons wrongfully convicted in the US it is very likely that a number of those facing execution may indeed be innocent. Unlike other forms of punishment one cannot reverse killing a person later found to be innocent. In my opinion the death penalty should be abolished.
What are your thoughts on capital punishment? END QUOTE.................
Well if they get the person (like one here a short while ago posted below.) in the crime at the time and facts are facts then yes let the jury decide. And if you check my local papers news today you will see a man confessed to killing his wife another about some other killing. Hey Kansas is like any other state. People are just taking the law and saying to hell with it and acting out without giving clear thoughts to their actions.
CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Homicide victim an 'innocent bystander' My local pape Home Page:
CJOnline
Homicide victim an 'innocent bystander'
Club owner blames gang violence; brother says family angry
By Ann Marie Bush
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The bullets that struck and killed 30-year-old Albert L. Conley this past weekend outside of Mahogany Lounge in central Topeka were meant for someone else, club owner Mario Wilkerson said Tuesday.
"He was an innocent bystander who was trying to break up a fight," said Wilkerson, who added that the altercation was related to gang violence.
Wilkerson said the fight had started at another club earlier Friday and some of the people involved ended up at Mahogany Lounge, 1307 S.W. Huntoon.
"Two people had a pushing match inside," Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson said he removed the people from his club early Saturday and called the police. Shortly afterward, shots rang out.
"Police were on the scene when shots were fired," the club owner said "This is gang related. This is not a club problem. This is a society problem."
He said the incident was caught on surveillance tape by Charlie's Retail Liquor, 1235 S.W. Huntoon. Police would neither confirm nor deny Wilkerson's claim about the tape.
Mahogany Lounge has been open for about nine months. Wilkerson said except for an incident in October when he was shot in the leg outside of his club, it is a pretty quiet place.
Nate Jackson, who is a DJ at the club on Fridays and Saturdays, said Conley, known as "Al" to friends and family members, knew one of the people involved in the fight.
"Commotion broke out and bam, his life was gone," Jackson said. "He was there about 20 minutes before his life was gone. This was a good guy. He was being a good Samaritan. It was a real tragic, horrific thing."
Conley's family is still reeling from the shock.
"I think it's stupid," said Mitch White, Conley's 36-year-old half brother. "The whole gun thing — it's stupid. We're hurt. We're mad at the boy, but we know we have to forgive him. We want to forgive him, but we're very angry at him."
Timothy D. Arterberry, 17, of Topeka, was arrested shortly after 2:15 a.m. Saturday. Police spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said police officers in the area heard gunshots and gave chase before they took him into custody. Arterberry was arrested in connection with murder and a weapons violation. He was booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center.
The investigation continues, Pankratz said.
White said his brother, who had been living with him, was a caring person.
"He had a little trouble with the law," he said. "But he was a changed person. He helped people out."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Wilkerson, along with family members and friends of Conley, are planning a march in his memory on May 1. He said Mahogany Lounge will be closed this weekend, and he will make a determination later as to whether the club will reopen.
White said Conley was struck by bullets three times — once in the shoulder, once in the neck and once in the cheek.
Conley had been working two jobs and was expecting a baby, White said.
"He was trying to better himself," he said. "He wanted to get his life together."
Bullets put an end to that, White said.
"Kids just don't understand," he said. "They pull the trigger, and that's the end of someone's life. These kids don't understand that gangs are a dead-end road."
Ann Marie Bush can be reached at (785) 295-1207 or
ann.bush@cjonline.com.
This guy was caught and another he shot died, so yes if given the death sentence do it. To bad he is just 17. But I am sure he will be tried a san adult. And get 7 to 15 years maybe 15 at least. But if I am right about what I said above he is toast already.
Supreme Court Allows Lethal Injection for Execution - New York Times
04-17-2008, 01:14 AM
But they want to clear the space and save on the costs
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