Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Updated alert: July 14, scheduled execution of David Zink.
If you have already called Governor Nixon, many thanks. Please call again
with more on why he should not be executed:
Missouri plans to execute David Zink on Tuesday, July 14 for the murder of
Amanda Morton. Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (MADP)
condemns his wrongdoing and mourns with her loved ones over her violent
passing. Killing him, however, only perpetuates a vengeful cycle of violence,
suggests more death promotes healing and ignores the additional suffering the
execution would cause his family members and others who care for Mr. Zink.
Other issues worth considering and further meriting mercy include:
Jurors were Unaware of Brain Damage from Serious Childhood Illness. As a 3-year
old, David Zink contracted meningitis/encephalitis, leading to an 8-day
hospitalization, according to his clemency petition to Gov. Nixon.
Neuropsychologist D. Malcolm Spica, who recently evaluated him, confirmed the
illness
very likely led to organic brain damage as demonstrated in cognitive tests. In
one he per-formed in the first percentile, meaning that 99% of subjects do
better in so-called executive function-ing, including the abilities to control
impulses, process complicated information and make decisions.
Represented Self in Trial Due to Public Defender Neglect. Mr. Zink was to be
represented by the Western Capital Division of the Missouri Public Defender
System when the office was in turmoil. Requests from initial attorneys for
resources were denied; continuances by attorneys delayed the trial. Unaware of
office infighting, the mentally-impaired defendant became so frustrated he
opted to represent himself—a request the judge honored. His public defenders
chose not to acknowledge to the trial judge their inability to “successfully
represent Mr. Zink” because they did not want judicial interference with
managing their system, the petition notes. “Mr. Zink was sacrificed to the
organizational concerns.”
Model Prisoner Who Could Spend Life in Prison. Mr. Zink has had no significant
conduct violations after being sent to prison and has lived nearly all his
time in the Honors Dorm. The psychologist reports, “Mr. Zink is likely to
continue functioning well in a highly structured environment (which)..
decreases the need for complex problem-solving under pressure.” Eighteen
prisoners submitted affidavits of support noting he helps keep the peace,
provides a positive role model, is always respectful of guards and has shown
genuine remorse for the murder.
Actions Needed Immediately
*
Contact Governor Nixon to urge that he stay Mr. Zink’s execution. Call
573-751-3222.
*
Contact Attorney General Chris Koster to urge that he ensure justice by
facilitating the stay. Call 573-751-3321.
Vigils on Tuesday, July 14 at the following times and communities:
Bonne Terre: A candlelight vigil will be held outside the prison where the
execution takes place, 2727 Highway K. For more information email
stlo...@madpmo.org, or call Margaret on 314-322-5159.
Columbia: 5 pm to 6 pm, Boone County Courthouse, in front of the columns,
corner of Walnut and 8th. For more information contact 573-449-4585.
O-Fallon: Monday, July 13, 7 p.m. Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in
O'Fallon.Coordinator: Sr. Ellen Orf: email: el...@cpps-ofallon.org phone:
636-293-8253.
Directions to the Chapel: I-70 to O'Fallon K--M exit (Main St.). Turn right
from the exit ramp and head north to railroad tracks; after crossing tracks,
you will see the O'Fallon City Hall complex, the former convent and junior
college; go past the entrance to the next right and turn in there.
Jefferson City, Capitol vigil: 12 pm - 1pm. A respectful Vigil for Life outside
of the Governor's office, Second Floor (Room 216) of the State Capitol
Building.
Jefferson City: Prayer service, 4:30 pm, in St. Peter's Chapel, Broadway St. 5-
6 pm. Vigil across from the Supreme Court Building at 207 West High
Street, 4:30-5:30. For more information contact 573-301-3529.
Joplin: Prayer begins at 5:30 pm. St. Peter the Apostle Church, Mass begins at
6 p.m. followed by continued prayer. Contact Fr J. Friedel for more
information, at 417-623-8643.
Kansas City: JC Nichols Fountain on the Plaza, 5-6 pm. For more info contact
816-206-8692.
Springfield: Park Central Square, 12 noon to 1 pm. For more information call
Donna, 417-459-2960.
St. Joseph: 4pm at the intersection of Belt & Frederick. Contact Jean at
816-671-9281 for more info.
St. Louis: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Vigil on the steps of St. Francis Xavier Church at
the corner of Grand and Lindell. A group will carpool from there to reach
Bonne Terre before 6 p.m. For more information email stlo...@madpmo.org, or
call Margaret at 314-322-5159.
Spread the word! Forward this email to a friend.
Get involved in our campaign to end the death penalty!
Follow us on Facebook!
Support our efforts with a contribution.
This email was sent from
6320 Brookside Plaza, Suite 185
Kansas City, MO 64113
United States
_______________________________________________
A service courtesy of Washburn University School of Law www.washburnlaw.edu
DeathPenalty mailing list
DeathPenalty@lists.washlaw.edu
http://lists.washlaw.edu/mailman/listinfo/deathpenalty
Unsubscribe: http://lists.washlaw.edu/mailman/options/deathpenalty
