American Death Row Prisoners

I have been writing to prisoners on Death Row in American for just over 10 years.

My pen friend was and remains a poor Mexican man who is in fact innocent of the crime for which he has been convicted. He had a statement from his work colleagues stating he was at work at the time of the crime. However, this was ruled inadmissible evidence by the prosecution. He has been on Death Row for 11 years. During this last year he has had his death sentence commuted to ‘25 to life’, which means he will serve at least 25 years and may even serve the rest of his life in prison. He could still die in prison – not bad for an innocent man!

My second pen friend is a black African American Vietnam veteran – he returned from Vietnam addicted to ‘speed’. This substance was actively encouraged during the war because it kept the soldiers awake and able to fight for days on end without sleep. No support, counselling or help was given to the soldiers returning from the war. Many resorted to crime to feed their habits. He has been on Death Row for 19 years.

Writing to people on Death Row is a very heavy commitment – it is literally for Life – either until they are executed or they, or you, die of natural causes. To get fed up writing every 3 weeks or so and give up on them is being just someone else who deems them not worth bothering with. Whatever they have done – they are still human beings in God’s eyes. He loves them as much as He loves YOU.

My guys are both Christians – both coming to faith in prison. I count myself truly blessed to be part of their lives. They share in my family, my activities and wherever I go I take photos to send to them. They don’t see blue skies, white clouds, sunshine or people with smiles. Very few have people on the outside who care anything about them. OK you may say they killed or raped someone which is why they have been found guilty of a capital crime – some people on Death Row are under the age of 18, some have mental health problems and most have histories you and I could not even imagine. Most are repentant – all have to live every day with the result of what they have done – it never goes away. Most, one day will be executed by the State – cause of death on the death certificate is always – Legalised homicide!!

ALL people on Death Row are poor – there is no such thing as a rich person on Death Row – money counts even on Death Row. Once arrested and charged a State Attorney is appointed – to be a State Attorney you have to be pro Death Penalty – the cost of defending a person arrested of a capital crime is about $100 (£70)!! - some defence.

I am aware of the isues around the victim’s families and have spoken to several people affected by the crimes of Death Row inmates – forgiveness is very high on the agenda!!

There are many more issues I could go into, but if you wish to know more then please contact me.

If I have sparked any interest in becoming a pen- friend to people on Death Row, please contact me. Thank you for reading this article – please pray!!

Mary Comber