Angela at her first sentencing hearing
Angela Johnson has been on federal death row along with Valerie Friend since 1993 when she was convicted of the murder of 5 people, including 2 children.In early March her sentence was overturned.Judge Mark Bennett cited her trial lawyers were “alarmingly dysfunctional,” and their performance “so grossly constitutionally inadequate.”
Some of the testing concerning her mental state was never done and when it was the states doctors have said her brain is similar to swiss cheese with several gaps or holes throughout.She also has a borderline personality disorder and myriad mental health issues that were all present years before the crimes took place.
Family members of victims Lori Duncan and Terry DeGeus
Angela's case is a perfect point against the death penalty. There is no doubt that she was involved in the murders but we have so many mitigating issues even besides those I have mentioned here it makes it immoral at the least and unconstitutional for sure.
Angela and one of her lovely sisters are both dear friends of mine. I do occasionally get some nasty letters concerning Angela but I ask you to consider her situation before damning her to hell. She was in a very abusive relationship with a mentally controlling person that was so powerful he had their families, law enforcement and the community fooled. Angela is not without guilt and should be punished, of course, I think even she would say that. But the death penalty is wrong for her.
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