What you can do about the Clarence Edward Hill situation

Governor Jeb Bush has again signed a death warrant for Clarence Edward Hill, who received a last-minute stay last January. The execution is now scheduled for September 20.

There are several actions you can take.

1) Even though it was the Governor who signed the death warrant. he can change his mind. I encourage you to write–and encourage your friends to write–to urge Governor Bush to stay this execution Even proponents agree that the death penalty should be reserved for the worst of the worst. That phrase does not describe Clarence Hill. There is evidence to suggest Cliff Jackson masterminded the crime. There is also evidence that Hill was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the crime. Furthermore, neighbors and family have testified that until that time Hill had been a caring person with a trouble-free history.

You may write Governor Bush at the Office of the Governor, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001. If you don’t have time to write, the National Coalition Against the Death Penalty will send a letter in your name. Go to their website (www.ncadp.org), click on the name of Clarence Hill under “Imminent Executions,” and follow the instructions.

2) Appeals are being filed, but they may fail. If the state takes Mr. Hill’s life, the Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty will conduct two services to bear witness against this action. At the time of the execution–Wednesday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.–we will hold a vigil directly in front of the Governor’s Mansion. At noon the following day–September 21–we will have a service of remembrance at the Rotunda of the state capitol. THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS; I ENCOURAGE YOU TO COME AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO ONE OR BOTH OF THESE EVENTS. If we oppose this deed done in our name, we must not remain silent.

As more infromation becomes available we will post it for you.

Walter Moore, Chair
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Pena