In the know: Troy Davis execution

Troy Davis execution

Rest in peace, Troy Davis. Last night, the U.S. justice system murdered Davis for a 1989 killing of an off-duty officer in Georgia. Let me emphasize the word “murder.”

Inarguably a controversial case, the courts’ decision to execute Davis sans physical evidence is unnerving. No gun or DNA confirmation was found while seven of nine witnesses who testified against Davis have revoked or altered their statements since 1991. While I do acknowledge that 20 years is a tremendously long time for a story to hold steadfast (sadly, my own recollections can compulsively change from one minute to the next), the U.S. justice system is supposed to analyze the law and apply its interpretation to facts.

The fact is, solid evidence to implicate Davis was nonexistent. Erroneously taking a life is a mistake that is impossible to rectify. Another 20 years from now, proof of Davis’ innocence may surface. This sort of rash action by the justice system is not only disconcerting but also dangerous for me and for you. The real culprit may still walk free, or stemming from the courts’ complacency to further investigate, we could be falsely accused and sentenced in the future ourselves. Both these scenarios prevent the justice system from fulfilling one of its responsibilities: protecting American citizens.

I believe Davis is neither innocent nor guilty; I, myself, will delay judgement until the contradictions and doubt surrounding this case are cleared. I only regret the death of a perhaps-innocent man and the death of our justice system.

Compiled by Jessica Lee