Re: HOPE YOU CAN HELP

[Jeanne Curran]

Hello, Brother Al.

I don't have any answers for you at my fingertips, but I think we may be able to help.  I think Tyron might be interested in helping you, and maybe Charles will help, and I've copied this specifically to Susan, who specializes in Criminal Justice. We might be able to get you in touch with John Irwin, maybe through Arrigo, of Criminal Justice, Social Justice. And maybe ACJS has an active group going.  Susan, do they?

love and peace to all, jeanne

At 12:10 PM 4/11/2002 -0700, Al Ammerlaan OMI wrote:

 

                                                                                                April 11, 2002

                                                                                                20 Gareth Place

                                                                                                St Albert, Alberta

                                                                                                Canada, T8N-3K5

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I am hoping you can help me.

 

            My name is Brother Al Ammerlaan. I am presently living in St Albert, Alberta Canada and I am studying for the Priesthood with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Last year I was living in Godfrey Illinois, during my Novitiate year. It was during that time I read in the St Louis Post-Dispatch about Lionel Tate, the 14 year old that was charged for the murder of a 6 year old. The murder happens when Lionel was wrestling with the 6 year old.

 

            When I heard Lionel received a life sentence, I was troubled by it. My first response was a letter to Gov Jeb Bush asking that he grant the young man clemency. I did receive a letter from Gov Bush telling me that he was not reedy to grant clemency to the young man.

 

            But this case has truly gotten me concern. Ever since the sentencing I have not heard very much more about Lionel or the case. A few weeks ago I decided to look into what is happening with the case and Lionel.

 

            I am very active in prison ministry. So I feel driven to get some answers. Before entering studies for the priesthood I spent fifteen years in active prison ministry in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. My devotion for prison ministry came out of my own troubled past, I spent ten years in the prison system here in Canada and in a very heavy addiction.

So I reach out to many in prisons across Canada and the US.

 

            Another reason I am very interested in this case is that I grew up around the wrestling business. I grew up with the son of a top name wrestler in Canada. I was involved in the business as a reporter for a number of wrestling publications, selling programs, setting up the ring and even promoting. So I know first hand what affects this sport has on young people.

 

            I am hoping you could help me with the following.

 

1.)    Do you know where I could get the address of Lionel s lawyer Jim Lewis?

2.)    Do you know where I could get the address of the prosecutor of the case Ken Pedowity?

3.)    Do you know which prison Lionel is in?

4.)    Do you know where I could contact his mother?

5.)    Do you know any reporter that followed the case or still has something to do with it?

6.)    Do you know if there is any appeals going on?

 

I sure hope you can help me.

 

                                    God bless

 

 

 

                                    Sincerely Yours

 

 
                                    Brother Al Ammerlaan OMI