Troy Davis FIlm

11th Circuit Court Denies Appeal

2009-04-20T16:31:00.004-04:00

The Circuit Court did come back last Thursday and deny Troy's appeal in a 2-1 decision. Justice Barkett issued her dissenting opinion, stating "...executing an innocent person would be an atrocious violation of our constitution." She then made it personal to Davis, saying "To execute Davis, in the face of a significant amount of proffered evidence that may establish his actual innocence, is unconscionable and unconstitutional."

The Court gave Davis a 30-day stay of execution so that he can file another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court will not hear his appeal, the state of Georgia will be free to issue another death warrant for Troy Davis.

Martina, Troy's sister, continues to hold out hope as does Troy. He issued a statement saying we must all continue to fight for justice and never give up on what is right.

Martina and her family urged Terry to continue filming Troy's story, especially now. The funds are even tighter than before so we urge you to take some time to donate toward the film's progress by clicking on the Give link located on the homepage. Your donation is tax deductible and you will be sent a receipt by e-mail. Please forward this story on to those you know and get this project in front of people. Post this website on various news blogs and let people know where they can help.

Filming Continues; Funds Needed

2009-02-02T14:56:00.002-05:00

Terry continues to make trips to Savannah, GA to continue filming the individuals involved and how this story affects their lives. Currently, the Circuit Court has issued no decision on Troy's case; they can take up to a couple months to hand anything down. So the waiting continues, as well as the task of raising awareness regarding this issue of Reasonable Doubt.

What is really at stake in this case is judicial procedures versus the judicial principle of reasonable doubt. For which will the court find in favor? Which is more important? Could a possibly innocent man be executed because all judicial procedures were followed? Is that right?

Since the Oklahoma City bombing & Timothy McVeigh, laws have been put in place that severely limit the amount of time one has to submit appeals and present new evidence. It is a good law in that it prevents individuals from dragging out the appeals process when there is no reasonable doubt regarding their guilt. They simply want to prevent the inevitable. But what if there is reasonable doubt? What if new evidence surfaces after the statute of limitations? What then? These are questions that are being asked regarding Troy's case and other cases like his. If the answers were easy, it wouldn't even be an issue, but they are not easy and not clear. It's an injustice for both the Davis family and the MacPhail family to have to continue this way. The truth should have been allowed to come to light a long time ago.

Another huge task is raising funding for this documentary. Undertaking such a large project is extremely pricey; combine that with the current economic situation and you have a very interesting assignment on your hands! So if this project interests you, if this project affects you and others around you, if you would like to see it come to fruition, please consider a donation today. Pass along the information to those you know--friends, family, co-workers. Read up about the issue. Don't just take this site's opinion. Educate yourself and decide what you think.

11th Circuit Court of Appeals Heard Arguments on the 9th

2008-12-11T14:06:00.003-05:00

Terry was in Atlanta on Tuesday for the oral arguments from both sides. Evidently the judges had thoroughly reviewed the case because their questions were very in depth. It was very animated on both sides of the courtroom.

This appellate process is all about procedure and whether it was followed during the trial, so all the questioning centered around that issue. A big concern of the court is whether an innocent person or possibly innocent person could be put to death because procedure was followed explicitly and no other avenues of recourse are available for that individual. Another thing the court has to consider is that they are a gatekeeper , in a sense, for the courts to avoid a flood of unnecessary appeals. They realize that there are exceptions in some cases but if they allow Troy's case through, it might open a floodgate that they are not ready to address.

So on many levels, the stakes are high and the court fully acknowledges this. They have a decision to make as to whether they will take the lead on this, or pass it on to the U.S. Supreme Court. Only time will tell.

Terry was able to film the long line of supporters outside the building; of course, no cameras were allowed in the courtroom. Both families, Davises & McPhails, were represented at the hearing and both gave statements to the press afterward.

Filming continues in Savannah, GA, so keep posted for more upcoming news.

Federal Appeals Court Responds!

2008-11-25T00:40:00.003-05:00

The Federal Court decided to hear Oral Arguements from both sides on December 9th.

William Sessions, Former Judge and Former FBI Director said it best in an article that was featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stories/2008/11/18/sessionsed_1118.html\

Federal Appeals Court issues Stay of Execution

2008-10-25T23:47:00.002-04:00

Troy was scheduled to die by lethal injection on Monday, October 27th. His family was packing for their trtip to death chamber for the third time when the news came that the Federal Appeals Court issued a "conditional" stay of execution. Troy's lawyers will work be working to present their legal briefs within the next 15 days in hopes for a new trial.

SUPREME COURT RULING

2008-10-17T23:17:00.002-04:00

The Supreme Court denied Troy's case. The State of Georgia scheduled Troy's execution for October 27, 2008.

Supreme Court to consider Davis' case in private

2008-10-10T14:51:00.002-04:00

Today the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to meet in private to discuss Troy's case. They are not likely to give their decision today. Tuesday is the most likely time since Monday is a holiday, so now we continue to wait. It's hard to fathom that this decision will be the final say. For so long, Martina, Troy, and their family have been fighting for someone to hear his case. Now they have the attention of the highest court in the land and their word is it. Please consider how you, your friends, and family might support Troy's case and this film. Continue to spread the word.

The Waiting Game

2008-10-09T15:39:00.003-04:00

Two days ago Terry went down to visit Martina, Troy's sister, and they were able to spend some time together discussing the different scenarios that might play out.

As of this moment, Troy is on deathwatch as the US Supreme Court makes its decision. It's agonizing as there is really nothing that anyone can do at this moment, but we are scrambling to try and get some initial funds to be able to follow the story during this critical moment. Any day now they could make their decision, and we are hoping that they will give him another chance--to give many Americans a chance as they potentially set a precedence that will help prevent the future death of innocents.

We're posting on the website some of the numerous letters that have been written on Troy's behalf. It's amazing, really, when you see it all up close. As the NY Times wrote, "What's the Rush?" Why are we so eager to kill a man who may be innocent? If justice needs time, then let it be so. The truth will always make itself known, and of that we have nothing to be afraid of.

TROY GRANTED TEMPORARY STAY OF EXECUTION!

2008-09-24T00:39:00.002-04:00

Less than 2 hours before Troy was to die by lethal injection, the U.S. Supreme Court , the highest court in the United States, granted a stay of execution. They will be reviewing the petitions and will make their ruling early next week.

Terry spent the day with Troy as he prepared to die. Troy remained in good spirits. Unfortunately, cameras are not permitted on death row, but I can imagine what they would have recorded when Troy learned the news that his life was spared for another week.

Troy Update September 22, 2008

2008-09-22T22:27:00.005-04:00

Terry Called in to give a report on how things are going. The lawyers are still working around the clock. Terry is filming in Savannah. He visited with Troy and Troy's in good spirits. He realizes the incredible outpouring of support, including International support and he's very thankful. He still has hope that good will prevail. Troy said, "They can take my body, but they can't take my soul".

Troy is surrounded by incredible family and friends that believe in his innocence.

Quick Update on Parole Board Hearing

2008-09-14T21:35:00.004-04:00

To start - this blogging business sounds great for most but I am already wondering if I can just dictate into a microphone and let you hear me instead. The events are evolving so rapidly if I put down the camera to type - there won't be any footage to watch.

Thursday - September 11

I went down to Atlanta to film the Amnesty International rally which was well attended especially given several date changes due to an unexpected demand for Troy to be executed on September 23. This in spite of a writ of certiorari currently filed with the U.S. Supreme Court and waiting to be reviewed when they come back from their recess at the end of this month.

The outpouring of support for Troy was moving. Rush hour traffic continuously honked their horns showing their support. When filming these types of events one always wishes they had cameras everywhere. But we captured some great emotional moments for the film including Troy calling from prison to talk to the crowd.

Friday - September 12

The Georgia Parole Board hearing began for Troy. There was high expectation that since the Parole Board had issued a stay of execution in July of '07 because of 'reasonable doubt' that they would be of a similar mindset since nothing had changed with Davis being given a new hearing.

The bottom line is that within a few hours of Troy's lawyers making their case the Parole Board came back with a denial of clemency and a denial to stay the execution. The shock waves rocketed out all the way into the international community. Within minutes people were calling from all over the world wondering how this could be.

Troy was disappointed of course, but being a faith driven man he still prays for everyone one of those who desires to execute him. Having spent time with him, his altruistic love for others certainly seems authentic, not vindicative.

While he wants his freedom he equally desires that no one ever have to walk in his shoes.

PARTING QUESTION

Do you believe in the core judicial principle called 'reasonable doubt?'

If so, are you willing to possibly let a guilty man walk free to keep an innocent man from being executed?

Stay tuned and I will fill in some more blanks tomorrow.

Our film crew is working this week to continue to cover the events as they unfold.

We certainly can use your support.

Welcome

2008-09-10T22:57:00.003-04:00

Thank you for all your support and prayers. We have been filming in Savannah, GA for the past several days.