http://helpvirginia.members.easyspace.com/reality.htm

Revision 2 Monday, March 05, 2001

This is the reality of Virginia's situation.  She has her last and final appeal on July 31, 2000.  Her legal representation is Harry Brody of CCRC (Capital Collateral Representative), a state funded agency.

THE PROBLEM

CCRC is staffed with attorneys that are over worked and lack experience in criminal capital law to protect and free some one who is innocent.  

I have personally spoke to Harry Brody of CCRC and his statement is that he remains "hopeful".  He told me that he is working 10 cases himself and that his office is currently handling 100 cases.  He also told me that when any of the clients have a death warrant signed, everything is dropped and all attention is redirected to a single client.

Harry has also told me that his office refuses to work with other attorneys.  He says his office will risk budget cuts if some work is off loaded.  He even refuses to supply and copy helpful documents to aid others wanting to assist Virginia.  Poor Harry, the guy is trying but his hands are tied.  Harry once said, "They don't put people on death row just to let them out." How true, it seems with the CCRC rules and guidelines set by the state, this is a perfect example.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Virginia's case is now on "hold".  Seven death warrants have been signed.  Harry and his associates are so busy staying one step ahead of the ambulances that any chance for a well prepared appeal is non-existent.

CCRC who employees Harry is setup by the state of Florida to fail.  The state is merely throwing the condemned a bone, a bone to ease the conscience of the state, a mere formality.

FLORIDA'S EMBARRASSMENT?

Yes, Florida is embarrassed.  In the last 24 years more convictions were reversed on Florida's death row then any other state.  Florida prosecutors use shoddy & limited work from law enforcement and then engage into prosecutor misconduct to frame circumstantial evidence around the condemned.  Quite frankly, Florida is embarrassed when more of their cases "don't stick" then any other state. Last year, 75 percent of the death-penalty cases brought before the appeals court were overturned.

FLORIDA'S SOLUTION

"Kill them all and let God sort them out."  
On the onset of the new century, year 2000, Governor Jeb Bush in support of legislators came up with a master plan to save Florida from further embarrassment.  They created, organized and set into motion the Death Penalty Reform Act of 2000 that would allow the state to began executing prisoners in 5 years.  When you consider that the average release of an innocent person from death row is 7 years, it's not hard to see the motive behind the Governor's plan.

FLORIDA'S SUPREME COURT

The judicial system is opposed to the governor's intent and had ruled  6 month hold on the plan.  Regardless, it is expected to move forward.  

VIRGINIA'S FATE

Based on Florida's attitude, direction and the CCRC who represent Virginia, her chances are NOT hopeful.  In fact, without legal dedicated intervention she will most likely be executed.  As we have said, her last appeal is due on July 31, 2000.

Whatever new evidence is not articulated clearly and persuasively in this appeal will be forever lost, never to be heard by the court again, and Virginia will be eligible for a death warrant.

WHAT WE HAVE...

  1. New evidence and an eye witness to collaborate part of Virginia's story.  Yet, the court may ignore this concluding it would make little difference in a new trial.
  2. A private investigator has successfully solved the case and has information leading to the identification of the assailant.  I have verified this by reading the material subject as privileged information.

NOW WHAT?

  1. Law enforcement considers the case closed and will not peruse leads unless orders come from a higher authority.
  2. The private investigator is extremely concerned that Virginia's CCRC attorney will not be able to give this new information to the court in the required strategic format to gain results.

THE LAST CHANCE, THERE IS ONE

  1. We pull together to help fund a new experienced dedicated appellate attorney to bring Virginia's voice into the court and get results.
  2. A special investigation is conducted by a non-affiliated agency that would act independent of the prosecutor.  The request is not a simple one, even though all the new information would warrant such a task.

Now That You Are Informed, What Will You Do About It?

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

  1. Make a pledge for legal funds HERE
        
  2. Ask your church or other similar organization to have a fund raiser to benefit the: 
    VIRGINIA LARZELERE LEGAL FUND    .
        
  3. Get on the list HERE for news releases regarding Virginia's status.
         
  4. Write in support to:

LAST NOTE...

CCRC has asked for extensions from the court for 3 years due to other pressing matters.  Now the court has put its foot down.  No more extensions, period.  Appeal due by July 31, 2000 and Virginia's case is now on "hold".  Please help, we can do this together.

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