Rudolph Holton
                         Death Row, Florida
                                                    
I am an innocent Black man that was railroaded in a Tampa, Florida court room, and now I am on Florida's Death Row for a crime that I did not commit.

   Click here for art by Rudolph Holton

At this time let me give you a little history about myself. My name is Rudolph Holton and I am 46 years old and I have been on Death Row for 13 years. My date of birth is April 20. I have made some bad decisions in my life, but I am not a killer. Some of my physical characteristics is I am 5 ft. 8 in. In height and I weigh 170 lbs., black hair and brown eyes. I grew up in a lovely culturally diversified neighborhood in Ybor City. I keep abreast of current topics and can communicate well with anyone on different subjects. Some interests of mine are art, basketball, and Van Halen. As far as art, I have always loved the work of Salvador Dali and would like to one day attend the museum. I have been into art since I was 10 years old and I love it. My parents have departed this life and I believe that they are with the Lord. Yes, I am a believer in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost and I do have them in my life. My family has been very supportive of me, but they can only do so much. I try to do some work on my case because the attorneys that the state provides for Death Row inmates are not any good and they will not really "fight" for me; they will do so much and that's it. Currently I have been assigned a different attorney and investigator on my case that I feel really do believe that I am innocent and will do all they can to help. But, they really need more help, there is just so much the state will allow them to do. I truly believe that one day I will prove my innocence with some help. I know that every prisoner say that they are innocent, and they are not all innocent, but I am innocent. The reason I am writing this letter to you is because I really need help and I am fighting for my life and to be free; I will never give up on that. The circuit court judge assigned to my case hindered my trial attorney in every way that he could. The prosecutor in the case did everything and anything to ensure that he won the case; what I mean is there was a lot of lying going on by the state. The State Attorney's office got rid of him because there was a big investigation done about his practices and what he had been doing, but again it was too late for me.

I will tell you a little about Death Row and how things are really. People on Death Row experience indescribable emotional and mental suffering and they are psychologically abused and dehumanized in many ways. Many of them have little or no contact with people from the outside other than contact with a legal representative; which many of them rarely, if ever, receive a personal visit from a friend or family member. But myself I don't get any visits from anyone, but I am always praying to God to give me a strong mind and help me. Now the conditions on Death Row, the cells on Death Row are 6'x9' or 7'x9' an average sized man can stand in the middle of the cell with his arms stretched out and touch both walls. For two hours twice a week Death Row prisoners can go on the 'yard', a concrete-paved enclosure. Death Row prisoners are allowed a quick shower every other night. Otherwise, unless they are fortunate enough to have a visitor, or unless they are taken to the clinic or hospital, Death Row prisoners are in their cells. The cells are brutally hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter. Just imagine that you are existing under such conditions, for months, for years, years doing which you see those you have come to know led away to their execution as you await your death warrant; then try to imagine what it might mean to you to get a letter from someone just because they care. It means a lot to have a money order sent to your account so that you can purchase shoes, thermal underwear, a radio, arts and crafts supplies, soap, shampoo, writing paper, a newspaper or some little snack--basic things that people take for granted.  It is especially nice when someone sends you a magazine subscription, a birthday card or to receive cards at other special occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, Fathers Day, etc.

I can telephone you if you will accept collect calls, okay. Well now that you know about me, please write back, I will be waiting anxiously to hear from you soon. So I am looking to hear from you soon, okay! Oh yes, I am back in court trying for a new trial", please keep me in your prayers and I will be praying for you.

Sincerely,
Rudolph Holton


Rudolph Holton  97066508
1201 Orient Road Jail
Tampa Florida
33619  USA


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This page was last updated December 29, 1999         Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty
 ccadp@home.com          This page is maintained and updated by Dave Parkinson and Tracy Lamourie