Dear. Mr. Rich, and Mr. Kilborn,

I am writing to you on behalf of a Florida based advocacy group which is
fighting for the rights of death row inmates in Florida.

Presently, a 49 year old man named Bennie E. Demps is on Death Watch,
with a scheduled execution at the end of this month.  Mr. Demps was
served his fourth death warrant on April 24, 2000.  At that time,  he
was waiting on a ruling that would allow for an evidentiary hearing
based upon the surfacing of previously concealed documents.  Documents
which will prove his innocence.

This evidence suggests, as Mr. Demps has been claiming for 22 years,
that his conviction and death sentence was based upon the manipulation
of facts by various prison officials and personnel, as well as a former
Prosecutor by the name of Thomas Elwell.  These people manufactured a
case against Mr. Demps in order to gain an execution.

Governor Jeb Bush signed this fourth death warrant knowing that an
appeal was still pending, and aware of the fact that there was new
evidence that would exonerate Mr. Demps of this murder conviction.

We feel that this case deserves media attention, especially now since
there is such intense focus on the inadequacies of the death penalty in
this country.  This is a prime example of Florida Governor Jeb Bush NOT
caring whether his state executes an innocent man or not. 

We would hope that you take a few moments to look into the case of
Bennie Demps, and will focus some much needed attention on the state of
Florida and their capital punishment history.  Time is growing short for
Mr. Demps, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Demps can be contacted at the Florida State Prison, 904) 368-2500.
Media access must be provided to him while under death watch.

Information and access to his legal counsel can also be gained through
Sissel Egeland at this e-mail address:
 
denmark@online.no

She will be able to give you detailed information on this disturbing
situation, and she can also connect you with other sources working
closely on his case.

Thank you so very much for your consideration in helping get Bennie
Demps' story out to the public.  If there is another reporter that would
would be better suited for this assignment,  would you please forward
this to them?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so very much.

Sincerely,

Dianne Abshire
9673 State Route 65
Ottawa, OH  45875
419) 523-5816
afua@webtv.net