Family of alleged hate-killing victim opposes death penalty in case

[The Northerner]

Jackson, Mississippi (CNN) -- The family of an African-American man who died after allegedly being beaten by a group of white teens and run over by a truck is asking state and federal officials not to seek the death penalty in the case.

Relatives of James Craig Anderson, who died shortly after receiving his injuries on June 26, sent a letter with their request to the prosecutor in the case, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.

"We ask that you not seek the death penalty for anyone involved in James' murder," the letter states; the letter is signed by Barbara Anderson Young, James Craig Anderson's sister who is in charge of, and speaks for, his estate.

The letter states that the family is opposed to the death penalty partly for religious convictions.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/09/14/mississippi.hate.crime/

[alp227]

1. I oppose the death penalty completely. Think Troy Davis, Kameron Willingham.

it runs the risk of an irreversible false conviction, and there's no evidence death penalty deters crime.

[sabrina 1]

2. They are good people.

I give them credit and wish there were more people like them in the world.

[Warpy]

3. I also oppose the death penalty

A family member was murdered when I was 16. The murderer was suspected of 3 other similar killings in the same town. I never wanted him to face the DP, I just wanted him locked away where he couldn't do it again. I got my wish.

He died in prison. Having him murdered by the state in my name would have made it all much worse.

Nothing in the many years since then has changed my mind about the DP. It's barbaric and unnecessary.

[Kennah]

4. This could possibly help the prosecutor, or perhaps at least push him in the correct direction

He tells the accused, "Plead guilty, you'll get LWOP, and be spared the DP."

[FedUpWithIt All]

5. I wish i could rec this again. I wish there was more of this in the world.

RIP dear James Craig Anderson.