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Danny Rolling, FL, October 25
Do Not Execute Danny Rolling
October 25, 2006
Florida
Danny Rolling is set to be executed by the state of Florida on Oct. 25.In late August 1990, Rolling went on a killing spree in Gainesville.Rolling broke into three apartments in the area belonging to five college students, whom he went on to assault and kill.The victims were Christina Powell, Sonja Larson, Christa Hoyt, Manuel Tobada and Tracy Paules.
While these crimes are heinous and inexcusable, the death penalty is not the right choice for Danny Rolling.Rolling grew up in a dysfunctional household with an abusive father.Furthermore, he suffered from emotional and psychological problems, as noted in one appellate judge’s opinion of his sentencing.Rolling pleaded guilty in his 1994 trial, where it was established that at the times of his crimes, he had the emotional maturity of a 15-year-old and that he suffered from extreme emotional disturbance.
During his trial, Rolling and his defense team tried to get a change of venue for the trial, which was denied.His story had been sensationalized by the media, so he could not have received a fair trial where jury members had no bias about the crimes.Furthermore, several pieces of evidence, including statements made without counsel present and items gathered without a warrant from Rolling’s place of residence were allowed in the trial.
Rolling expresses remorse for his crimes, as demonstrated by his confession and eventual guilty plea.His family has a history of mental illness, and his father’s abuse influenced his mental instability.Rolling’s emotional state, as well as several errors in his trial, prove that justice will not come to him in the form of capital punishment.
Please send appeals to Gov. Jeb Bush on behalf of Danny Rolling.
