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| N.C. death row inmate's lawyer asks for clemency |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 08/25/2003 |
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Condemned killer William Quentin Jones never deserved the death penalty and has become a changed man since being sent to prison, his lawyers said last week. Jones is scheduled to die at 2 a.m. Aug. 22 at Raleigh's Central Prison. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in a fatal shooting during a robbery at a Raleigh convenience store on March 7, 1987. His lawyers will ask Gov. Mike Easley to spare his life at a clemency hearing next week, barring any last hour court reprieves. 'The death sentence is simply the wrong punishment for this individual,' lawyer Gretchen Engel said. Engel, Greensboro lawyer Marshall Hurley and psychologist John Fairbank spoke recently on Jones' behalf. Engel said Jones had no history of violence before he shot and killed Edward Peebles. He was 18 when he committed the crime. Jones' lawyers have argued on appeal that he deserves a new trial because his crime was no different than dozens of others in which people have been sentenced to life in prison. They also say an interview with a juror showed that she lied when seated, concealing that she favored the death penalty in all cases of first-degree murder. The juror was on a second panel that sentenced Jones to death. The state Supreme Court vacated his initial death sentence, ruling that jurors were given improper instructions. The decision led to a second sentencing hearing, but that jury also concluded Jones should die for his crime. Appeals courts have rejected his other appeals. Since his imprisonment, supporters say Jones has become a spiritual leader who helps other inmates. But Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby said the evidence in the case showed Peebles' murder was cold and indiscriminate. A tape from a security camera showed that Jones fired six shots from a gun as he entered the store and before ever announcing that he was robbing the store, he said. He also dismissed allegations regarding improper conduct by a juror. Jones' clemency hearing before Easley is scheduled for Aug. 20. |
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