Troy Davis Fights Death Penalty in Federal Court

Villagers should know that an evidentiary hearing for death row inmate Troy Davis is taking place today in a Savannah federal district court. According to his sister, Martina Correia, Mr. Davis is in a great spirit and prayerful about the pending outcome.

“Troy is in total prayer, asking God to deliver him. He says people keep asking him why he’s not upset or broken down by now. It is because he believes God is protecting him," said Ms. Correia. [SOURCE]

Today's hearing was ordered last year by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Troy was sentenced to death for the 1991 killing of Mark McPhail, a police officer in Savannah, Georgia. We have posted before that the State of Georgia should not kill Troy Davis because there is no physical evidence tying him to the crime and seven out of nine witnesses have recanted or contradicted their testimony.

The high court ordered a federal judge in Georgia to determine whether there is evidence "that could not have been obtained at the time of trial (that) clearly establishes petitioner's innocence."

For more information please log on to: www.troyanthonydavis.org or read past Electronic Village blog posts.

No Indictment for Police Officer Kevin McKoon in Shooting of David Willis

Many villagers will recall the case of a young father in Savannah, SC who was gunned down by a police officer while his pregnant girlfriend and 5-month old child were in the car. The circumstances looked suspicious at the time of the police shooting. It has taken eight (8) months, but, the investigation into the shooting is now complete. Officer Kevin McKoon has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of David Willis.

Willis had drugs in his system and his actions behind the wheel of his car that night placed McKoon in a position to reasonably fear for his life. Therefore, the grand jury decided that McKoon's use of deadly force ... two shots through the car windshield that killed Willis ... were justified. [SOURCE]

The family is not happy with the grand jury decision.

Unless you are heading directly to a pre-arranged booty-call ... there ain't nothin' good for any brother or sister out on the streets at 3:00 in the morning.

Cops Still Investigating Killing of David Willis in Savannah, GA

Villagers, we shared information with you in mid-August about the shooting of David Willis, who authorities said was attempting to run down officers. Later, Al Sharpton traveled to Savannah to comfort the family of the young man killed by the police. I have been wondering about the news blackout on the internal investigation of this police shooting case.

"Some investigations are cut and dry and move quickly through the system, but others are not," police spokesman Sgt. Mike Wilson said. "We want to examine everything carefully and thoroughly. It gives officers an opportunity to really review the strategies, tactics, policies and procedures and to look at how we can better serve the community. That's what we do."

Willis family representatives, however, contend some crucial details surrounding his death have not been fully disclosed. Moreover, they have pointed to what they call contradicting evidence. Attorney Lennie Darden thinks the Pontiac sedan Willis was driving was disabled at the time of the shooting, and deploying airbags put occupants of the car in a state of confusion. He said his law firm is conducting an investigation of its own.

"The family is still heartbroken, and they're still asking for answers," he said. "There's been no direct response from the city or the police department to the family, so they're distraught over that."

We will keep the drumbeats coming on this story until we know the final results.

Nothing Good Happens After 3:00 AM

It is rough to be a Blackman in Georgia. Michael Vick. Genarlow Wilson. Ron Pettaway. Turns out that DeKalb County (GA) police had a dozen fatal shootings in 2006 and Atlanta officers shot an elderly woman to death during a botched police raid on her home. It seems that the police in that state don't understand the concept of positive community-police relations.

It happened again a few days ago. A 22 year old Savannah man was shot and killed by a police officer. Savannah Chatham Police said Patrolman Kevin McKoon shot David Willis early Saturday morning when Willis tried to run him over during a traffic stop. Family members and witnesses dispute that claim, saying it was impossible for Willis' sedan to move at the time because it was blocked by other vehicles.

My understanding is that Willis' 5-month-old daughter, Davasha, was in the car at the time of the shooting. How this police officer could feel threatened while a 5-month old baby was in the car is beyond imagination.

Willis's mother said she had to learn what happened to her son from his friends. Now, she's demanding answers. "I would love to see the man who shot down my child and ask him, why?" she said. "Give me some answers. Why did he shoot him? Why I couldn't see my child? Why I couldn't touch my child?"

Willis said she should have learned what happened from police, not her son's friends once they were released from police questioning. The family said they had to call police themselves, then wait for someone to speak with them.

"I'm angry and I want some answers," said Cynthia Willis.

Savannah Chatham Police are calling the shooting, "unfortunate, but lawful." Patrolman Kevin McKoon is on paid leave, which is standard police procedure, while detectives, the George Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney's office investigate.

"They place no value on Black life," said Yusef Shabazz, who led a vigil of 200 community supporters, as he referred to white people and police. When a white life is taken on the streets," he said, the public is outraged. "When a Black life is taken, there are no tears."

I understand that Rev. Sharpton will be in Savannah on Thursday evening at a rally being called by a local church in support of the Willis family.

Villagers, here is an observation that I can share with you. Nothing good can happen for a brother out in the streets after 3:00 am. If you haven't found your companion for the evening by closing time ... then just go home alone.

• This young brother in Savannah (with his 5-month old child?) was shot at 3:30am.
• Chicago Bears linebacker crashed his $350k luxury car off the road at 3:15am.
• Houston Rockets guard involved in a knife fight at 3:00am.

Brothers ... just go home! Start a blog! Do something to keep from ruining (or losing) your life.