Quote:
Originally posted by RedefinedDiva
For real. I thought that he had just gotten a lighter sentence. (I could be mistaken. It has been a few years.)
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Yes, he did kill himself, BEFORE he could go to trial. That was the whole reason why is was so ergregious that Kimba was held all of that time. Since any "testimony" she could have given would have only helped the government to build its case against the "boyfriend". Now that he was dead, there really was no reason to keep pressure on her by holding her in jail after his death. But by then, the "flawed" MANDATORY sentencing law REQUIRED Kimba to serve a 25 to life sentence herself.
Kimba Smith appeared at the Social Action plenary during our National Convention. She said she understood that she remains an example and will use her "status" to address the issue of mandatory drug sentencing. I find it interesting that she wants to go to law school. I just hope they don't try to hem up her licensing over her conviction! (even though she was pardoned)
Another interesting story that came to light during that meeting was the plight of the people of Tulia (sp?) TX. Many of the African American residents have been convicted on drug charges based on the testimony of ONE DEA agent, who did not have any solid evidence (i.e. wire taps, photos, drugs) on any of the convicted residents.
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund has taken on their plight and has overturned a number of the convictions. It was shocking to hear how little evidence there was, and many of the convicts have 30-40 year sentences!
I'm probably paraphrasing this badly so here's a story about one of the accused:
http://www.csdp.org/news/news/tulia.htm
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