 |
|
| |
On this page we'll provide information on opportunities for public witness, education, important court decisions and general news items relevant to abolishing the death penalty
|
|
|
|
| July 16, 2010 |
Check out the new Facebook page for DCODP! The page provides news on the death penalty and the abolition movement in Delaware and around the country. It also provides opportunities for you to take action to abolish the death penalty.
Go to Top
|
|
|
| May 25, 2010 |
By SEAN O'SULLIVAN • The News Journal • May 25, 2010
WILMINGTON -- A convicted Delaware killer reportedly welcomed Monday's news that the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal, filed on his behalf, to overturn his conviction and death sentence.
Shannon M. Johnson did not want the appeal filed in the first place and is fighting efforts by the Delaware Federal Public Defender's office to represent him and stop his possible execution.
Johnson's state-appointed attorney, Jennifer-Kate Aaronson, said Monday's rejection of the federal appeal filed on Johnson's behalf, over his objections, was "not a surprise" and her client is pleased the high court declined to take the case.
In court papers, state prosecutors called the appeal a "fraud," citing Johnson's stated wishes. The Delaware Attorney General's Office declined comment Monday.
Johnson, 26, has told Aaronson, and stated in court himself, that he wants to waive all further appeals and speed his execution date.
Johnson was convicted two years ago in the 2006 murder of 25-year-old Cameron Hamlin and the nonfatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend, who was dating Hamlin and was the only witness to the murder, several days later.
Delaware Federal Defender Edson Bostic could not be reached for comment.
Two other court battles related to Johnson, meanwhile, are still being waged.
In state Superior Court, Judge M. Jane Brady is set to review a recent mental health evaluation of Johnson to decide if he is competent to waive all his remaining appeals. She is also considering a motion by the federal public defender to intervene in the case and take over representation of Johnson from Aaronson.
In federal court, District Judge Joseph J. Farnan Jr. is considering a motion, filed by Aaronson, to have the federal defender removed from Johnson's case.
The federal defender's office claims Aaronson has a conflict, and should be removed from the case, because any mistakes she may have made in Johnson's state appeal could be used in a federal appeal. They also argue Johnson's wishes should be ignored because of his history of mental illness.
Aaronson, meanwhile, cites Johnson's explicit wishes to end his appeals and his opposition to the federal defender's office representing him.
Contact Sean O'Sullivan at 324-2777 or sosullivan@delawareonline.com.
Go to Top
|
|
|
