The death row case of Troy Davis : Too much doubt

Troy Davis was convicted in 1989 by a Savannah, GA jury for the murder of an off duty police officer named Mark MacPhail.

Despite inconsistent and inaccurate statements from witnesses, Davis received the death penalty.

Davis has been sitting on death row for 20 years. If all efforts to save his life doesn’t prevail, he will be executed on Wednesday September 21st.

But just like many others in this situation, Davis has maintained his innocence. However this time, there’s a reason to believe him. Too much doubt.

Troy Davis case

According to reports, in the early morning hours on August 19, 1989, several people including Troy Davis and Sylvester “Redd” Coles were hanging out in front a Burger King lot adjoined with a Grey Hound bus station.

Coles allegedly began arguing with a homeless man named Larry Young, who demanded that Young give him a beer. As Young walked away, he was pistol whipped in the head.

Police officer Mark MacPhail, serving off-duty as a security guard at the bus station, responded to a call for help.

As he came running to Young’s aid he was shot and killed reportedly by the same man who had attacked Young.

The day after the shooting, Coles went to the police station with his lawyer and said that Troy Davis was the shooter.

There was no gun was found, no DNA evidence, or blood evidence to implicate Davis. Many of the prosecution witnesses have recanted their stories leaving to question, was Troy Davis the real shooter?

Appeals

Countless appeals have been filed due  inconsistencies in the case. All of Davis’ appeals have been exhausted. Attorneys state there is little hope that his life will be spared. He escaped execution once, coming within hours of execution and having already eaten his last meal.

The only hope that he has is sitting before the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles, to fight for that chance. Tomorrow, he will sit in front of the committee of five men and women appointed by the governor.

Family, friends, and supporters are in a fight to see if hope is still alive. Nearly 100,000 people signed a petition sponsored by the NAACP, to support the bid to save Davis’ life. Even former President Jimmy Carter, Pope Benedict XVI and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu believe Davis is innocent.

Today, Davis’ sister, Kimberley Davis made a video letting supporters know how you can help her brother and her family.

Is there too much doubt? Is the state of Georgia getting ready to execute an innocent man.

Read more on the Troy Davis case