| Poem: Though the waves of harsh reality crash... |
My name is James, I am a prisoner on
Florida's death row. I came to death row February 14th, 1977.
I was arrested August 1st, 1976. My trial lasted about 7 days,
excluding pre-trial motions which could be from 10 minutes to 1 hour on
seperate days. I was convicted of 1 case of 1st degree murder.
I have no other charges.
My case is one of 2 theories !
None of the evidence says I commited
the crime !
However I will not go into details
here because, you never know who will read an add. But if anyone
choses to write - become a friend, you can ask whatever you like and I
will answer !
Reality is that with 4 1/2 months of
time - before trial and after I went from freedom to death row. I
was an easy target for the state. I was 20 years old. I had
left home at age 13, due to an abusive step-father. Drited around
in life from place to place. Living outside of society on the fringes.
I had gone to the 7th grade in school. I was ignorant of life and
the world. More or less just surviving ! That made me
an easy target, young - poor - ignorant. They appointed me
a public defender: I was one of his first capital cases. No
expert witnesses were called in my behalf. None of the states witnesses
were really confronted. just a case of putting on a show of
legality. Things were like that in 1976. The death
penalty was new - it had just been re-instated by the state ! So,
it was new to all who prosecuted or defended a person for this charge.
Anyway I was convicted. Came to death row February 14th, 1977.
I am now 43 years old. Yes, I've been on death row for 23 years.
Close to a quarter of a century.
And all those years locked inside a
7ft. by 9ft. cell 24 hours a day-except for
2 - 2 hour yard periods per week on
exercise yard. Or if I receive an attorney visit or a visit
from family or friend. To erase any illusions, what we have
in our cells, a small black & white TV paid for from inmate trust
fund - money earned through and by inmates, or ones that were donated,
by Christian groups. We can have a radio - sent by family or friends
till 5 years ago. Now, only if we can afford to buy one from the
prison canteen : those are our only 2 ways of distractions.
After a few years they are not much of a distraction. You find ways
to get by day by day - over the years - through self study. By books
I could borrow from the general population school - which we're not allowed
to attend - and magazines - newspapers, regular books, PBS TV.
I managed to educate myself. I gained my GED- General Equivalency
Diploma. Which means I completed the 12th grade - graduated from
high school. And could, if it were available, enter college.
That was 1983. I have continued to learn as much as possible over
the years. And to learn about the legal system - so I could research
and help with my own case ! I am rather disappointed with what is
true about our legal system ! It is flawed beyond repair. It
is not equality for all. No, the ones who can get justice are the
ones who can afford justice ! My case is a prime example of the system
- 23 years in appeals. And how many more - who knows. I've
alreaday done a life sentence. And still there is a possibility I
could do 25 years and then be executed. But I shall pass by this
for now.
Tell you some about myself. As
I said I am now 43 years old. I am 5'11", 180 lbs, brown hair, blue
eyes. Never married - no children. I still have a sense of
self and a sense of humor. I have grown stronger over the years -
and kept my sanity. My spirit has always remained free. I like
people in general - good conversations, where all subjects are open for
discussion. I do some artwork. Write some. None very good yet.
Love music of all types. I keep an open mind. I accept people
who choose to come into my life as they are - and for who they become to
me personally ! Being here has taught me the value of friendships
and relationships. I also have learned - people are lonely
and life can be hard whether you're in prison or outside in the free world.
Life tosses us all hard times to get through. But, it can be easier
when you share it. Thats what I offer in return. A friend,
or whatever we find in each other.
So if you would care to write and talk
and get to know me - allow me to get to know you - feel free to do so.
Just write your letter and address it to :
James
Hitchcock 058293
Union
Correctional Institution
P2
206 5 A 1
PO
Box 221 RAIFORD, FLORIDA
32083
0221 USA
I will be looking
forward to hearing from you. Till then,
Warmest Regards,
JAMES
| Poem: Though the waves of harsh reality crash... |
