Can you imagine spending 12 years on death row for a crime you didn’t commit?
This past year, the Nebraska Innocence Project has played an integral part in the anti-death penalty movement. In light of the Beatrice 6 exonerations, Nebraskans have learned even more about the dangers of capital punishment, especially when it is used as a tool to coerce confessions. We have chosen to partner with the Nebraska Innocence Project because united we can form an even stronger coalition to educate all citizens of Nebraska. Our goal to abolish capital punishment in Nebraska remains an uphill battle, but together our organizations are armed with information to inform, engage, and educate. With great pride we join together to present our 2009 Annual Dinner and honor those who have worked so diligently to end capital punishment in Nebraska. We hope you will join us for this year’s event, celebrate our accomplishments, and reaffirm your belief in justice.
The keynote address will be delivered by Randy Steidl, who spent more than 12 years on death row in Illinois for a crime he did not commit. When Randy was questioned about the 1986 murders of newlyweds Dyke and Karen Rhoads he dismissed it as an attempt by police to question a number of people in the area. Randy did not know either of the victims and and provided a corroborated alibi for the night of the murders. To his surprise, he and his friend were later arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death within 90 days.
There was no DNA evidence against Randy. However, he had poor representation, multiple witnesses fabricated testimony against him, and there was clear evidence of misconduct by local police and prosecutors. Consequently, Randy was convicted, sentenced to death and spent 12 years on death row trying to prove his innocence.
On May 28, 2004, after a total of 17 years, three months and three weeks of wrongful imprisonment, Randy was freed. Randy now travels the country talking about his experience with the death penalty system.
We hope you will join us for this important event!
Sincerely, Amy Miller, Board Chair of NADP
Rebecca Murray, President of the Nebraska Innocence Project
Friday, September 18, 2009 Social Hour & Silent Auction 6:30 PM Dinner & Program 7:30 PM Georgetowne Club | 2440 South 141st Circle, Omaha, NE Proceeds from the dinner will benefit both Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and the Nebraska Innocence Project
For more info call 402.477.7787 Please RSVP by September 8, 2009
Click here to view the invitation To RSVP cut out and mail in the bottom portion of the invitation or email jill@nadp.net
Randy Steidl testifying before the Judiciary Committee in Nebraska
For more information on Randy visit http://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/speaker_bio_steidl.html.