Gamso for the Defense shows you what post-trial lawyers are up against and points you to the case of Frank Spisak. “On the witness stand he gave Nazi salutes and said, “Heil Hitler.” He explained that he killed African-Americans because he wanted to start a race war in Cleveland. In federal court, there were two other stories: his trial lawyers were incompetent and the judge’s charge to the jury was legally wrong.”
CNN reports that “Patricia Krenwinkel, a Charles Manson follower who went on a string of murders more than 40 years ago, was once again denied parole on Thursday, California prison officials said. Krenwinkel, 63, was convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for her involvement in the 1969 killing spree. Thursday was the 13th time she had been in front of the parole board, and she is up for parole review again in seven years.”
In Islamabad (Pakistan), a young girl faces death at the hands of relatives for falling in love with the wrong man. “There are signs of torture and burns on her neck, back and hands which are most probably caused by electrocution,” said the police official, Zahoor Rabbani, from Bahawalpur district in east Pakistan where the alleged killing took place.” An excellent article about Honour Killings can be found in the Atlantic: “Why newspapers aren’t investigating honour killings in America.”
Markus Schantz said “2010 was my second full year in private practice as a criminal defense lawyer” he writes. But the year came with highs and deep lows. Losing two trials cost Schantz part of his sanity and peace of mind last year. He openly discusses the agony that comes with being a criminal defense lawyer.
The following news had me conflicted: opium as a way of life. CNN reports about Afghan infants being fed pure opium so that they remain quiet while the family tries to get work done. Living in poverty, always hungry, and not being educated, opium is used for every ailment. Being fed opium from childhood only means that the addiction will continue into adulthood to be passed on then, to the next generation.
The hunger index shows that about 1 billion people are without enough food, reports the BBC. “The 2010 Global Hunger Index shows that child malnutrition is the biggest cause of hunger worldwide, accounting for almost half of those affected. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia were shown to have the highest levels of hunger.” The global food price crisis and the worldwide recession have contributed to the recent rise, says the report.
In a very rare finding of guilt, two Toronto police officers were convicted for police brutality. Officers Ing and Cruz were found guilty last Tuesday of assault causing bodily harm. The conviction is rare because most cases of police brutality get dismissed or the charges are withdrawn. For more information on police brutality, please visit “Injustice Everywhere, the national police misconduct statistics and reporting project.” Click here for an article about extra-judicial executions in Nairobi.
Cosmetic surgery on animals: the cops need your help. Maldonado, a man who the SPCA says has already mutilated 4 puppies in Salinas, CA, is believed to have cut the ears off of an 11 week old Doberman Pinscher and sewed sticks inside the puppy’s ear canal. Maldonado is described as a Hispanic adult male, weighing 200-210 lbs, and 5’8″ to 5’10” in height. His business card states that he operates “El Cartel Bully Kennels” and provides veterinary medical services.
The SPCA for Monterey County is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction. If you have any information about this case or if you and your pet have been victims of Maldonado, please contact the SPCA at 1-831-373-2631 or 1-422-4721 x213. All calls are completely confidential. Or, contact the Salinas Police Department. Their contact information is here.