The Jurors Sentenced a Missouri Man to Death. Now Some Are Not So Sure.
The New York Times, June 5, 2023: The Jurors Sentenced a Missouri Man to Death. Now Some Are Not So Sure.
“The murders were so brazen, so brutal, they stunned the people of Missouri.
“Just after midnight on June 22, 2000, Michael Tisius and Tracie Bulington entered a county jail, intent on forcibly freeing an imprisoned friend. Mr. Tisius, 19 years old and carrying a gun, shot and killed two guards during the attempt, then fled.
“When a jury was asked to sentence Mr. Tisius for his crimes, its members spent several hours deliberating in July 2010 before rendering a decision: the death penalty.
“Now, with Mr. Tisius’ execution set for Tuesday, that jury is facing scrutiny that could cast doubt on the proceedings.
“In an unusual step, six jurors, including two alternates, have said in sworn affidavits included in a clemency petition that they would be supportive or would not object if the governor of Missouri stepped in to commute the sentence to life imprisonment, rather than death. It is rare, experts said, to see so many jurors formally taking such a stand in a death penalty case.”
Additional reading:
The New York Times, June 6, 2023: Missouri Executes Michael Tisius After Jurors Waver on Death Sentence
Equal Justice Initiative, May 30, 2023: The Death Penalty and Regret
Innocence Project, June 6, 2023: Richard Glossip: Facing Execution in Oklahoma Despite Strong Innocence Claim
