The Missouri case of Richard Skillicorn is getting attention, as well. In the Springfield News-Leader, Donna Walmsley has the OpEd, "Execution of Dennis Skillicorn will end good works."
After nearly three years of quiet in the state's death chambers, Missouri is again poised to execute one of her sons. After 12 years on death row, Dennis Skillicorn is scheduled to be executed on Aug. 27 for his part in the death of Richard Drummond. We, the citizens of Missouri, can now take this opportunity to examine Mr. Skillicorn's case to decide for ourselves if we should be taking responsibility for his death.
Richard Drummond was not killed by Dennis Skillicorn. Since the time of the murder, Dennis Skillicorn's associate has maintained that Dennis was a quarter of a mile away in a car when Mr. Drummond was murdered. His co-defendant has consistently said that Dennis did not participate in the murder and had no prior knowledge of what his partner intended.
While maintaining that he had no idea Richard Drummond was going to be murdered, Dennis regrets his involvement in a crime that led to Richard Drummond's death. His remorse and search for redemption has defined his time in prison. He now spends his time working for the good of others.
And:
If justice is about restoring a balance, then how can we claim such a balance results from executing Dennis Skillicorn? If his sentence were commuted to life imprisonment without parole, the common good of our citizens would be served by his continued work on behalf of so many needy individuals. We benefit from Dennis Skillicorn continuing to live. We are diminished if we take his life.
St. Joseph News-Press columnist Ken Newton writes, "Vigil for lingering question."
A majority of Americans may believe in the death penalty, but issues around it still swirl.
In the case of Mr. Skillicorn, there is an added nuance. While a prisoner, he has become, by some accounts, an agent of good.
He wrote a book aimed at helping young offenders. He edits a newsletter focusing on restorative justice. He has raised money for scholarships for survivors of murder victims.
The question arises: Is society better served by following the law to its letter and executing Mr. Skillicorn, or, with him locked away from society, should it allow him to remain on a redemptive path?
Sister Christine Martin asks these questions. She is helping organize a prayer vigil next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the LaVerna Heights Building in Savannah, Mo. Similar vigils are being held that day in 10 other locations around the state.
“We’re trying to get our fellow Missourians to see that there are alternatives to the death penalty,” Sister Christine said.
Gov. Matt Blunt has been petitioned to commute the death sentence, an official act of judicial consequence. Sister Christine has prayer as her resource.
“We also want to pray for our fellow Missourians,” she said, “because this death affects everyone.”
John Gramlich's excellent Stateline briefing on the felony murder rule is noted in this post.
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