[WCADP-list] EXECUTION ALERT--Connecticut set to kill man tomorrow morning under growing cloud of doubt

[wcadp-list at lists.drizzle.com]

Connecticut will execute Michael Bruce Ross at 6:00 a.m. (Pacific Time),
Monday, 31 January 2005:

  The Hon. M. Jodi Rell, Governor of Connecticut
  Toll Free: 800-406-1527
  TDD: 860-524-7397
  E-Mail:  Governor.Rell at po.state.ct.us

  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
  Phone:  860-808-5318
  Fax:  860-808-5387
  E-Mail:  attorney.general at po.state.ct.us

The execution of Michael Bruce Ross, the convicted serial killer who was
scheduled to be the first person put to death in Connecticut in 45 years,
was delayed hours after a conference call in which a federal judge
criticized his lawyer's handling of the case.

Mr. Ross’s own attorney, T. R. Paulding, has been working with him to
forgo all appeals and speed his execution.  However, recent evidence has
come to light that Mr. Ross does not want to die but has instead been
under steady pressure from health officials within the prison, and perhaps
his own attorney, to “do the right thing” and allow the system to run its
course.  Members of Ross’ own family have long contended that he
profoundly depressed and unable to make his own decisions.

The judge in the case, Robert N. Chatigny, has said he was troubled by a
letter from an inmate, Ramon A. Lopez, who said Mr. Ross had told him
"through the air vents" between their prison cells "that he did not want
to die." Mr. Lopez went on to accuse a psychologist and a mental-health
worker in the prison system of brainwashing Mr. Ross.

The time is now to call Gov. Rell and tell her to put an end to this
travesty.  She must stay this execution!  Connecticut has held its hand in
mercy for more than forty years.  Now is not the time to lose site of the
greater issues involved here – issues of justice and compassion.

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