Condemned
Hundreds of men are sentenced to die in prison for crimes with no physical injury. They haven’t given up on life. Why has Alabama given up on them?
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
LEE EARNEST DAVIS | AGE 68, has served 36 years for robbery.
He works in the prison laundry and has never had a disciplinary infraction. Throughout his incarceration, his wife remained married to him. She died 7 years ago.
“I committed a crime, but I did not get away with any money and no one was hurt or killed doing these crimes. I was about 28 years old and had a drug habit. I’m now 68 years old [and] has left my childhood behind. I’m following Christ and love the Lord. I regret the doing what I did, but close to 40 years in confinement has taught me a lesson I’d never forget.”
MYRON MONROE| AGE 59, has served 30 years for $50 robbery while armed with a knife.
He works for the warden at Holman prison and has been involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous throughout his incarceration.
“After 30 years in prison, I have been rehabilitated. Any more time would be too long for snatching money from a cash register, which although wrong, is not deserving of my entire life. I am truly sorry. All I want is to go home to my family that I left so many years ago.”
RICHARD COTTINGHAM | AGE 61, has served 31 years for robbery while armed with a butter knife.
He has never received a prison disciplinary infraction and has lived in the prison honor dorm for 20 years.
“I’ve done everything I could do with the assistance of other people to change and live under a different set of standards: the standards of God. I do my best to live that way. Although it is not easy at times, I do the best I can possibly do.”