[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----MISSOURI----Updated execution alert for David Zink

[Rick Halperin]

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
stlouis at 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: elorf at 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 stlouis at madpmo.org, or 
call Margaret at 314-322-5159.




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