The Alabama Supreme Court set September 22nd as the execution date for Alan Eugene Miller, a severely mentally disturbed man. Talking Points are posted on our website http://www.phadp.org/?q=alerts. The latest development in Alan Miller’s case is that he has signed a sworn affidavit stating that he had signed the form opting for nitrogen as his execution method and given it to an officer. A federal lawsuit has been filed by his attorneys which argues that Miller turned in a form selecting nitrogen, but that the state lost it. The attorneys are seeking to block the lethal injection from going forward.
Joe James’ botched execution continues to make headlines around the world with articles in various news sources. We would like to particularly lift up the article “Death by lethal injection: It is time for more transparency” by Advisory Board Member Dr. Joel Zivot, renowned physician in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine, who not only performed the private autopsy but who also made it all happen. We are so grateful to all involved also to Reprieve who financed the autopsy.
For those who have been with us for a while you are aware that we are a group member of Alabama Arise. You are also aware that each year Arise members vote on next year’s priorities at their annual meeting which this year is on September 24th. Each member group can designate up to six representatives to receive 7 votes each to vote on the group’s issue, for us the death penalty moratorium/criminal justice. If you are able to be one of our representatives, and the voting is on line, please contact me by September 12th so your names can be submitted to Arise.
You can look forward to a big surprise in the Wings of Hope. And yes, it is a good surprise!
In closing and as always, we continue to thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook. You encourage us and make all the difference. Stay safe!
Esther
