Deadly Silence- Innocent Man On Death Row. (May 9RIP)

[chicomex]

"we could've just denied you the hearing and wouldnt have to sit through...some of us been up over 13 hours for this hearing.." 8:10...really? This guy is arguing for his life...his DAMN life, and you bring up how long you've been awake?

[afergone]

Dude was capable of commiting armed robbery, does not belong here anyway's.

[juggalowhoa]

the american judicial system is a joke and it pains me to say it but basically so is the government as a whole. people are guilty until proven innocent , politicians say what they think the people want to hear, george w bush won at least his first term as president because he won the majority of electoral college votes which where basically politicians, it's all bs. things go unnoticed or get covered up, gov dont care if innocent die they only pretend to care when the public notices

[whatahwful]

WE HAVE DEVILS RUNNING OUR COUNTRY

[1978chelly]

How dare they sit there and just ignore all that evidence!!..Why did they even bother with the hearing???....and they have the nerve to ask the lord to have mercy on HIS soul, they need to be praying for their own!!!

[1978chelly]

How dare they ignore all that evidence, and send an innocent man to his death and then have the nerve to ask the lord to have mercy on HIS soul!!...they need need to pray for there own!!

[megteetle]

Workman was in the process of comitting armed robbery, a felony. The law is clear that if a death occurs during the commission of a felony--no matter WHO caused the death--it is a capital offense. Had Philip Workman NOT been robbing that store, the police would not have been there and that police officer would not have been killed. Philip Workman caused that police officer's death by creating the circumstances which placed that police officer at the scene.

[Miracle490d]

@megteetle No one is arguing the fact he's guilty of a felony, but I believe that the judge & the jury have the right to choose what the guilty is sentenced to!!!! How would you feel if you were on that jury & passed that sentence on lies & your statement that you wanted it corrected was ignored?!!! I would be mad!!! I am Mad!!!! that's removing OUR RIGHTS!!!! No one is asking him turned loose but that a proper conviction based on the truth be put out!!!! BY his PEERS not Buracracy!!!!

[Wendyjo]

"This video contains an audio track that has not been authorized by WMG. The audio has been disabled"

Alrighty then, where can we watch and hear the video if not on youtube?

[lovevnholdens]

what the fuck you bastards i cant here a thing conspiracy much WANKERS

[Manuprince]

Hey what do you expect? - He's an african american juror making his point infront of white law enforcement officers. He's got no chance at all.

[gleamingauction]

I just learned of this tragic, miscarriage of justice today all the way in the United Kingdom on Television on a program called ''Lock Up'' on channel Zone Reality. I'm gutted to say the least.

[awestby]

Whats wrong with your fucking country,

[fourteenKnuckels]

Last Meal: Workman had no final meal request for himself. He asked a vegetarian pizza be purchased & donated to a homeless person. But the prison refused. Workman decided to skip dinner on the eve of his execution." He could have had food from the cafeteria that the other inmates were having. After News accounts of his request Nashville's Union Rescue Mission received 170 pizzas. Media reports said listeners to the radio reports in Min. ordered pizzas sent to a org. for troubled kids.

[nqanqatho]

So they killed him then?

[fourteenKnuckels]

yes

[fourteenKnuckels]

Appeals: Since receiving the death penalty, Workman had also argued, with some scientific support, that the man could have been shot by another policeman during the shootout.

Most in law enforcement and most courts, and others have responded, "So what!"

You get into a shoot out with the police you are still guilty of murder.

[cutelovelylisa]

fuck that stupid man who asked if he was against the death penalty.. I would of said yes and anyone who agrees with it is a disgusting person. how dare him ask something like that. I mean everyone has the right to be against the death penalty. this video just makes me mad.

[mariahsmommy81]

if there no EVIDENCE then he should be released DUMBASSES

[cyndym2001]

I've thought all along there were too many inconsistences about this case. If a guy robs a resturant, and police converge on the scene, and one triger happy cop shoots another cop accidently but doesn't fess up to it, then that's a plan cover up, and Workman is the scapegoat. All I can say is "God have mercy on the parole board, and the Memphis Police Dept, and everyone else involved. RIP Philip...you gotta be in a better place than this. This was not a premeditated murder.

[TheStapleGunKid]

cyndym2001: "This was not a premeditated murder."

It was murder during the commission of a felony, which is just as bad. Workman got what he deserved.

Also even if Oliver was killed by friendly fire, that doesn't mean his fellow officers were "trigger happy". Shootouts are inherently chaotic and during the heat of battle, sometimes the wrong people get hit. You can't fault the police for attempting to do their jobs. You should fault Workman for robbing a resteraunt and shooting at them.

[jeffrickard62]

i was there that night, aug 5 1981. i watched your father die in the parking lot of holliday auto parts next to wendy's in frayser. workman did it.

[jeffrickard62]

i was there that night, aug 5 1981. i watched your father die in the parking lot of holliday auto parts next to wendy's in frayser. workman did it.

[ron1863win]

why are cops lives worth more than yours or mine??if a plain citizen had got shot workmen would have got life with a chance of parole by plea bargain.D.A.would have conviction and johnny law is happy.

[mst3k4evur]

Actually, any killing during a robbery is a death penalty offense.

[TheStapleGunKid]

Man you need to do some research. Robbers get the death penalty for killing their victims quite often.

[biltom]

it took 25 years to carry out his death sentence...that is really sad....he was a drug user, carried a gun, attempted a robbery, killed a man, then claim he is innocent.That happened in 1982, he never should have seen 1983.

[ron1863win]

How do the satonic bastards that let this man be killed by Tn sleep?Come judgement day I would not even want to know any of these people. this is wrong and TN knows it.where are you governer???????????????????

[mst3k4evur]

How do they sleep? Because their state executed a cop killer, that's why.

[ron1863win]

would you not agree jurors should have been given all the evidence before they setence a man to death? look at their witness.right or wrong all the D.A.and police want is a conviction no matter what they do to people....

[mst3k4evur]

So what, he admitted to the robbery, admitted ti shooting at the officers and a cop died. He's guilty. More than that, how is it the DA's fault the witness lied.

[ron1863win]

the witness was known to say what they want for money to buy drugs.credable witness i think not.

[mst3k4evur]

Says who? How do you know the DA knew that?

[ron1863win]

if the same snitch is used over and over with a criminal background i would think DA would know something.

[mst3k4evur]

Most snitches have a criminal background, otherwise, they would not be in a position to know anything.

[ron1863win]

True.when all of the truth came out man should have got new trial or sentence changed at least.

[bardiadavarpanah]

America at its best ... The biggest joke ever!!!!!! ... one can only wonder how the fuck this country ever became so great ... :S ... the evidence is right there ... and they just ignore it ... JOKE!

[squirally]

The bullet did not come from his gun, bottomline. The exit wound was smaller than the entry would which is damn near impossible on a hollow point, also, 90% of hollow point bullet don't exit the body at all. They allowed the same judge to reside over the hearings for wether he should get another trial, and he was obvious biast against him. None of the other officers revolvers were even examined in the incident. I'm not saying he is innocent but he should have got the death penalty.

[TheStapleGunKid]

Whether or not the bullet came from his gun or "friendly fire" is not relavent. Workman still robbed a resteraunt at gun point and then engadged the police in a shootout that left one of them dead, bottom line. He still bore full responsibility for Lt. Oliver's death and should not have gotten off the hook for simply beacause he only tried to kill the police and was not able to hit any of them with his shots.

[squirally]

No duh, like maybe a life sentence, but not the death penalty.

[TheStapleGunKid]

I don't know. Workman was still 100% responsible for Oliver's death, so it would hardly seem reasonable to reward him with a lesser charge simply because he may have been a lousy marksman.

[mst3k4evur]

The defense expert who claimed the bullet did not come from his gun is under an 80-count endictment for, among other things, illegally selling human remains. Not really credible. Besides, didn't Workman admit he fired two shots at the police?

[ChristIzDaLord]

I can't believe that you people that supported this man's execution stand by the decision to deny him life. Mr. Workman was a decent person placed in a sad circumstance. The evidence and the jury members' decisions have no effect on what you believe? Take a moment to reflect on what you support, killing a man in a cold, passionless act with your full support for no reason other than you have been told a few things about his past. That makes me sick.

[RyanRoboto]

regardless of mr. workman's guilt or innocence, he is a hero!

his request for his last meal to be a vegetarian pizza given to the homeless was a selfless act which resulted in no harm to any living being. although his request was denied, i was thrilled to see PETA and others step in and donate veggy pizzas to homeless shelters around the world. mr. workman's last act on this earth made the lives of many people better. thank you, mr. workman!

[TheStapleGunKid]

You know, there are plenty of people who perform acts of charity for the homeless without first robbing resteraunts at gun point and shooting it out with the police

Those people are the ones who deserve our sympathy. Workman deserves none. It's clear his last request was a self-serving stunt ment only to divert attention from his crimes.

[ron1863win]

AMEN.I find it hard to beleive to what extreme TN is willing to go to kill a man when so many things are wrong with the states case.I CANT EVEN FIND AWAY TO PRAY FOR ANYONE WHO COULD HAVE STOPPED THIS.SAD DAY TN

[TheStapleGunKid]

Workman was not "innocent". He carried out an armed robbery and engadged the police in a shootout that resulted in a cop's death. The dispute over weather Oliver was killed by Workman's bullet or by "friendly fire" is not relevant.  Workman still bore full responsibily for Oliver's death. The praise for Workman in these comments is outrageous and is a great disservice to the memory of Lt. Oliver. Workman was a cold blooded unrepentant killer who never took any responsibility for his actions.

[gingereades]

the legal proximate cause of the officer's death is what one would be culpable for, and only that. the cause of his death was from friendly fire...not workman's gun, as stated in the ballistic report. however, in our judicial process system we only pay for crimes we commit. he robbed a fast-food restaurant. you don't get executed in TN for robbery. but workman did. besides- it's all more serious than whether or not he was guilty--the death penalty should not be left for the state to administer.

[TheStapleGunKid]

If Workman hadn't started a shootout with the police during the commision of the robbery, then Lt. Oliver would still be alive.

It doesn't matter weather or not Workman fired the fatal bullet. His illegal activity caused Oliver's death, and that makes him fully responsibile, both morally and legally.

The dispute over weather or not Workman fired the fatal bullet is totaly meaningless. He was resposible for Oliver's death and got exactly what he deserved for his crimes.

[TheStapleGunKid]

If Workman hadn't started a shootout with the police during the commision of the robbery, then Lt. Oliver would still be alive.

It doesn't matter weather or not Workman fired the fatal bullet. His illegal activity caused Oliver's death, and that makes him fully responsibile, both morally and legally.

The dispute over weather or not Workman fired the fatal bullet is totaly meaningless. He was resposible for Oliver's death and got exactly what he deserved for his crimes.

[jtking2504]

Under the law, causing death without intent is 'manslaughter' not murder, as he did not intend to kill, it was not premeditated.

Also, I thought that under the law that you are innocent and have to be proven guilty not the other way around.

[TheStapleGunKid]

First of all, Workman did intend to kill the police. We know this because he shot at them. He may not have hit them, but his act of shooting proves intent.

Second of all, if during the course of commiting a felony (such as armed robbery), your actions (such as shooting at the police), result in a person's death, that is murder, not manslaughter, even if the fatal bullet didn't come from your gun.

[jtking2504]

Manslaughter is homicide without premeditation.  It can be voluntary (upon a sudden impulse); or involuntary (during the commission of an unlawful act), ie. robbery, for which the sentence is not death.

[TheStapleGunKid]

Causing someone's death during commission of a felony is murder, not manslaughter.

Premeditation is not a necessary component of murder. Besides, there may have been some premeditation in this case because for all we know, before he carried out the robbery, he may have been planing to shoot at the police if they arrived before he could flee the scene.

[TheStapleGunKid]

This is not is not an issue of "innocent until proven guilty".

It has been proven that Workman commited the robbery (he admitted it) and shot at the police. The only dispute is weather or not he fired the fatal bullet that killed Lt. Oliver, which as I said, is meaningless since he was still 100% responsible for Oliver's death either way.

[jtking2504]

How is it meaningless, when you yourself admit there is a dispute over whether he fired the fatal bullet?!!! If there is a dispute, then clearly you are rendering him guilty and needing to prove beyond a doubt that he is innocent. It's supposed to be the other way around.

[TheStapleGunKid]

It's meaningless because based on the facts that are not in dispute, we still know he was guilty of killing Robert Oliver even if he didn't fire the fatal bullet. We still know he carried out the robbery and we still know he shot at the police. Workman himself did not dispute this.

I just can't fathom the logic you are using. Workman's act of shooting at the police is what got Oliver killed. Would it really make sense to reward him with a lesser sentence just for being a lousy marksman?

[jtking2504]

According to Tennessee Supreme Ct Justice Drowota, if Workman did not fire the shot which killed Oliver, he was not guilty of Capital murder. Even if his actions killed Oliver, unless it is Capital Murder, he should have had a prison sentence. 5 jurors since signed affidavits renouncing the sentence or verdict or both, citing ballistics evidence, unheard during trial, indicating possible accidental shots from officers. Also, a prosecution eyewitness was found to have lied in his testimony.

[TheStapleGunKid]

The Tennessee criminal justice system, including the Supreme Court, obviously believed he commited capital murder, since they upheld his conviction.

Either way, it doesn't make sense to split hairs over weather or not he fired the fatal shot. Workman was still a callous, cold blooded killer. He never apologized for the robbery or admitted any responsibility for Oliver's death and spent his final days claiming he was the victim. Save your sympathy for those in prison who are actually innocent

[jtking2504]

'Splitting hairs'??? Over whether someone actually committed the crime or not? Why bother even going to court? They upheld a conviction when critical evidence was withheld during trial, a miscarriage. Are you seriously suggesting a court does not really have to abide by the country's laws & sentence to the right crime? Even the Supreme court justice admitted the error. The DP is only used for Capital Murder, are you above the law/a vigilante? Guilt MUST be proven, no more so than with the DP

[TheStapleGunKid]

Again, there is no dispute over weather or not he commited the crime. We know he robbed the resteraunt and we know he shot at the police, and we know that's what got Lt. Oliver killed. Workman himself never denied he commited the robbery. His guilt is indisputable.

Workman was executed after a police investigation, a trial, a sentencing hearing, and almost 25 years of appeals. At the end of this process, it was concluded that Workman did indeed commit capital murder.

[jtking2504]

No, there is a dispute over whether he committed the crime here, that is what this issue is. There was a miscarriage of justice, especially in a dp case. A key witness was shown to have lied in their testimony, the court's decision was made on false evidence, admitted by the Supreme Court Justice later. What kind of a legal system does this? You're just reacting to the death, not looking at the process which legally must be followed for dp cases, the court didn't follow it.

[TheStapleGunKid]

The Tennessee court system upheld his conviction through 25 years of appeals, including the Tennessee Supreme Court. Looks like they didn't consider the evidence false.

It's absurd to call this case a miscarriage of justice. Workman got the benefit of a police investigation, a trial, a sentencing hearing, and 25 years of appeals. However you feel about the verdict, Workman got the chance to make his case.

That's something Lt. Oliver never got to do. Workman didn't give him that chance.

[jtking2504]

A key witness lied in his testimony, do you believe that false evidence should determine a case in court?

[jtking2504]

Also, you are saying 'Workman didn't give him that chance' yet there is no evidence to say that Workman deliberately killed him. For a court to be fair and unbiassed, there must be a presumption of innocence, not guilt. That is the law. There was not enough evidence to prove guilt and evidence suggested the shot was fired by another policeman.

[TheStapleGunKid]

Workman was presumed innocent until a jury convicted him. Again, he shot at the police during the commision of a felony. That proves deliberation. And he's still guilty of murder even if Oliver was killed by friendly fire.

If a robber points a gun at a store clerk, causing the clerk to have a heart attack and die, he's guilty of murder even if he didn't pull the trigger. The same is true for casualties of a shootout that he starts, even if they were caused by friendly fire.

[jtking2504]

This is certainly a long discussion, but that's cool. My knowledge of the law is murder caused during a felony is not punishable by the DP. If Workman's gun fired in the scuffle, then it is not capital murder, there is a difference. Two policemen admitted they did not see him shoot Oliver, & the witness who did, came out and said he had lied. Evidence showed the bullet came from the police officer, not Workman. The evidence used was flawed.

[TheStapleGunKid]

Are you saying you think Workman's gun fired by accident? That seems laughable. Sure he may say that's what happend, but do you really beleive that? That would require you to believe the testimony of a stoned (He admitted he was on drugs when he robbed the place) armed robber looking to save his own skin. To me it just shows more proof that Workman was remorseless and unwilling to take any responsibility for his actions.

During his final interview on CNN, he blamed everyone but himself.

[jtking2504]

No, I'm saying that neither you nor I were there, you can't say that you know more than an eyewitness, who even admitted he lied! Do you think that police never cover anything up? Those in power never abuse it? You seem to have an assumption of his guilt and this is not how the justice system is supposed to work. There must be a presumption of innocence and courts must PROVE cases on EVIDENCE not assumptions. Evidence also shows the policeman's gun fired the shot & a police coverup.

[TheStapleGunKid]

We dont know the witness lied at trial. He could have been telling the truth at the trial and is lying about it now. Its funny you accuse me of assuming things, but it seems you are willing to assume everything in Workmans favor, such as the accuracy of the witness who recanted and Workmans version of the events.

Anyway there was presumption of innocence in this case. That is, until Workman was, convicted and sentenced, and had all his appeals rejected over the course of 25 years.

[Ride4Run]

If we don't know that the guy is lying either at trial or now, then he is not a reliable witness, that's the point. He also took a lie detector test, showing he had lied in his testimony, so he's a liar either way. Your other point, an assumption of innocence is supposed to be in someone's 'favour', that's what it is. You mentioned his conviction as proof of his guilt, I'm not disputing he was convicted and sentenced, but if evidence was flawed in trial then it calls the trial into question

[TheStapleGunKid]

Polygraph tests prove nothing. There are plenty of guilty people who have passed them and plenty of honest people who have failed them.

Things that are called into question about a trial are handled by the appeals process, as well as by parole boards. Also, the governor of the state can grant clemency even if the entire criminal justice system upholds a conviction. Workman had the benefit of all those things over the course of 25 years (unlike Oliver), and his conviction was still upheld.

[Ride4Run]

The polygraph test is irrelevant - he admitted to lying (so he must have lied somewhere!) & is unreliable. This vid explains the witness perjered himself. It doesn't matter how many appeals were done or how many claims for clemency, that doesn't of itself prove guilt. Just because 1,000 cases are decided on the wrong evidence, how does that prove guilt? Critical evidence was also excluded from all of those appeals over the years, that would change the verdict. The jury also since recanted.

[LykanKhan]

Philip told me to let it go right before he died. I suggest you guys do the same. What's done is done and nothing will ever bring him back. He didn't get a fair trial and that's a fact. It's over. Let him rest in peace.

My Uncle Philip was a great man and whatever bad things he did in this world, he paid for them and then some. Let it go.

[jtking2504]

Its important for the public to know what happened as it is the only way that they can prevent something like this happening again. Although nothing can bring him back, if this injustice is made public, then it can pave the way for greater justice in future cases. His death will not have been in vain if the lives of others can be saved.

[darrenrosenow81]

In Oz, the robber would be charged under Manslaughter. It would be murder if he pulled the trigger. A drink driver runs someone over. That's manslaughter. A straight woman lined up her cheating partner and runs him over and kills him. That's murder because it has intent.

[TheStapleGunKid]

You don't seem to understand how felony murder works. Felony murder means if someone dies as a result of your felonious actions, you get a murder charge. If you try to rob an old man and he dies of heart attack from seeing the gun stuck in his face, that's murder wheather you intended for him to die or not. The same concept applies here.

[punkeratheart]

@TheStapleGunKid Acually, felony murder is defined by an intentional act, an act of murder in the commission of a felony, killing intentionally during the commission of said felony, for the purpose of furtherance of the felony. In other words, if I am seen committing a crime and I shoot the witness to avoid being caught, I have just committed felony murder. If I try to take a man's wallet at gunpoint and he refuses to give it up, I shoot him and take the wallet, that's felony murder.

[TheStapleGunKid]

From what I understand, felony murder is killing someone during the comission of a crime or causing the person's death through criminal activily, whether intentional or not.

Again, back to the heart attack example. A person who causes someone to have heart attack by robbing him at gun point is still guilty of murder, regardless of his intention. When you assault someone with a deadly weapon, you are responsible for the results of it.

[Miracle490d]

@TheStapleGunKid I agree the man is not innocent. All that aside even; he would be an accompice and I believe that by law an accomplice is as guilty as the killer. But that doesn't change the fact that the judge and jury have the right to choose sentencing!!!!! This system removes OUR RIGHT!!!! If evidence is faulty lies changing sentencing should be the decision of the judge and PEERS that made the original conviction; Not Buracracy!!!!!!!!!

[TheStapleGunKid]

@Miracle490d

That's understandable. If that was the only issue in the video, I would have no problem with it. The problem is the video tries to make workman seem "innocent" when anyone with a functioning brain can tell that's not the case.

[Miracle490d]

@TheStapleGunKid I don't think anyone sees him as innocent. I know I don't. But I fully believe intent should have a strong bearing on sentenceing, and clearly the Judge and Jury thought so as well. I would much rather see someone guilty of a premeditated murder attempt where the victim survives be executed than someone who causes an accident that results in a death. But they get a lesser charge. If you want justice you must die!!! That's Crap!!! I watched again and it still makes me mad....

[TheStapleGunKid]

@Miracle490d

The video title says "Innocent man on death row". How else do you interpret that?

As for your other comments, I have to disagree. I see no distinction between starting a shootout with the police that gets one killed by friedly fire and firing the fatal shot yourself. In both cases, Workman has full responsibility. If he had never robbed the resteraunt, and never shot at the police, then Lt. Oliver would never have been shot, regardless of who fired the round into him

[Miracle490d]

@TheStapleGunKid I have to totally disagree with you there. I'm not even for the death penalty, but there are a lot more a lot more deserving that sit alive in prison or even sit on death row never executed. Why is that? Why kill someone who wasn't directly the killer and had no direct intent while others get off???? It probably is a case of Cops going crazy when a cop gets shot!!! They don't seem to care half as much when it's a normal civilian whos killed. That's just everyday life to them.

[Miracle490d]

@Miracle490d His intent was robbery. That's all. Many people hold guns without intending to kill. Even Hollywood makes movies with heros suceeding in harmless armed robbery. Bill Murray even did it. maybe Hollywood is just as INDIRECTLY responsible for deaths like this by planting the idea armed robbery can be harmless.

[TheStapleGunKid]

Except he shot at the police, showing he clearly did have intent to kill.

[TheStapleGunKid]

@Miracle490d

What do you mean no intent? He shot at the police! What do you think his intent was? To shoot the guns out of their hands? Come on, his intent was very clear.

That it might have been a police bullet that killed Oliver rather then his own is meaningless. He intended to kill them either way and is still responsible under both cases.

[Miracle490d]

@TheStapleGunKid ....and not because Workman seems innocent. he seemed like a man who knew he was going to live with that mistake for the rest of his life. You just think he looks innocent because the Clemency Board is so much worse that Workman looks so much better!!!!! It's a joke when the man says you have a chance and in the same breath denied. He claimed they were up all night. if they were, they were just practicing saying NO or....

[TheStapleGunKid]

@Miracle490d

The video says "innocent man on death row". It's the authors who tried to make Workman seems innocent, but facts are not so easy to ignore. Workman was still fully responsible for Oliver's death even if you believe his version of how the events played out.

[Miracle490d]

@TheStapleGunKid ....They purposely lost sleep so they could half doze through the trial and just sit there without really listening to the Judge or the Jurors pleas. All the evidence and everything went in on ear and out the other.

[mst3k4evur]

The 'expert' that wrote that report that alleged friendly fire, Dr. Cyril Wecht, is currently on trial on public corruption charges. Not only that, he never examined Oliver's body, only crime scene photos. Face it, Workman shot Oliver.

[ride4ruin]

Actually, James Bell, the medical examiner who did study the body and the entry/exit wounds, independently concluded that the wound was more likely to have been the result of a .38 caliber weapon, which was the police were using, rather than Workman's .45 hollow points.

The ballistics evidence says that Workman did not shoot Oliver, Steven Parker did.

[mst3k4evur]

Size of the exit ound can't possibly prove the caliber when the difference in size is .07 inches.

[ride4ruin]

It can prove that they weren't the hollow point rounds that Workman was using.

Also, yes it can tell the difference between .38 and .45 caliber rounds. What you dismiss as a mere .07 difference actually results in significant differences in the kinetic energy carried by the bullet. There is 25% more kinetic energy behind the the .45 (500-560 Joules) than the .38 (400-420 Joules). The characteristics of the entrance and exit wounds does allow a professional like Bell to make that determination.

[ride4ruin]

I did not have room to cite my sources in the above comment for the energy in the .45 and .38 (stupid 500 character limit) so here they are:

Frank C. Barnes in Stan Skinner's "Cartridges of the World" 11th edition and the Federal Cartridge Company's ballistics database.

[mst3k4evur]

He said that it was consistent with a .38, he could not testify that only a .38 made that wound.

[ride4ruin]

My point is that the evidence points toward the friendly fire scenario. There is no evidence to support your claim that Workman shot Oliver and that we should all just face it.

Besides, X-rays of Oliver's body determined that the bullet that killed him did not fragment. In order to create the wound that killed Oliver, Workman's .45 hollow points would have had to have fragmented inside his body. There were none.

[mst3k4evur]

Hollow points don't fragment, they flatten.

[ride4ruin]

In order to create the type of wound that killed Oliver a hollow point round wound have had to have fragmented to create the discrepancies between the characteristics of the entry and exit wounds (exit smaller than entry). As you said, they generally don't in the first place which already casts doubt on the suggestion that one of Workman's bullets killed Oliver. The fact that on top of that no fragments were found proves that it was not one of Workman's bullets, but rather one of the police's.

[ride4ruin]

Also, you are splitting hairs with the "consistent with" wording and in doing so missed the point of what Bell was saying.

A wound created by a .45 hollow point would not be consistent with a wound created by a .38 caliber bullet. The fact that the wound that killed Oliver was consistent with a wound created by a .38 and not a .45 hollow point is evidence in favor of the friendly fire scenario.

What evidence do you have? You have nothing and I'm sorry but ballistics evidence trumps that.

[mst3k4evur]

"What evidence do you have? You have nothing and I'm sorry but ballistics evidence trumps that. "

How about the fact that a crackhead robbed a store, the crackhead admits that he shot two bullets at an officer and the officer died?

[ride4ruin]

That doesn't trump the ballistics evidence, which proves that he never actually hit anyone.

[ride4ruin]

That doesn't trump the ballistics evidence, which proves that he never actually hit anyone.

[BordelDeMerle]

lol and i tho migrating to usa later in life for some reason, hahahaha u can keep killing ur own people u baddies im not going to get my ass killed there

[BOOMEROU4]

they still killed this guy after all this proof that he was innocent. thats bullshit. wonder how many other innocent people that tennessee has killed.

[Hazzard0]

Your country is fucked up in soooooo many ways!

I feel sorry for all the good honest americans who puts up with all this crap

[mst3k4evur]

What they fail to point out is that Workman admitted to firing two shots at the officer, though he says he fired the twice by accident while pulling it out of his pants. Shouldn't the shots have hit the ground? Why did he fire TWICE?

[DunkleArie31]

Hey, I'm Ariadne Karjalainen, and together with my good friend Esther, we are the founders of ALTDR.We believe that everyone has the right to have friend and the right to get a chance to change. Wether they use the chance or not is their choice. However, we find that most people do use their chance. And we are appalled that the state will not recognize this in anyway. Please help the people on Death Row in one simple way we all can: becoming a pen-friend and writing a letter.

[BlackRasengan]

wow this world is fucked up. KILLING PEOPLE IS WRONG!SO WE ARE GONNA KILL ALL THE PEOPLE THAT KILL PEOPLE TO SHOW THAT KILLING PEOPLE IS WRONG! fucking dipshits need to make up new ways of punishing people. because if killing people is injustice then giving people the death penalty is worse

[mst3k4evur]

We don't kill to show killing is wrong, we do it to stop them from killing again. Look up Clarence Ray Allen, he ordered the murders of eight witnesses against him, as a result three people died and eight others were hurt. He ordered these murders while serving LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE for another murder. What else could you do to him but put him to death?

[Vorthea]

Philip workman shot my grandfather, the son of a bitch should have died in 1981, not 2007.

[w4lh]

Vorthea, You should look at the evidence first. Workman didn't shoot anyone, the cops shot Oliver and the evidence shows that to be the case, nothing can change that.

[Vorthea]

So my grandfather shot his friend? Right. Please go fornicate yourself with an iron rod. You can rot in whatever hell Workman does.

[mst3k4evur]

Then you believe Workmsn's story about shooting two bullets at the police by accident while taking the gun out of his pants? How do you shoot twice by accident? WHy didn't the bullets hit the ground if it happened while he was removing the gun from his pants?

[ron1863win]

Who was to say bullets didnt hit the ground.his bullets didnt kill cop.dont you get it.johnny law will lie cheat or worse for a conviction.If you ever have to deal with the two faced bastards you will agree

[mst3k4evur]

"Who was to say bullets didnt hit the ground"\

Common sense. An armed robber robs a restaurant and shoots at the police to avoid arrest. A cop dies. He did it.

[jeffrickard62]

i heard the shots. 3 large caliber and 6 small.2 hit police and the 3rd hit pickup truck in auto parts parking lot. i saw him running from scene. he did it.

[mst3k4evur]

Didn't Workman admit shooting at the police after the robbery? Funny that he claimed he shot at them twice by accident.

[hjortur93]

eye for an eye, tooth for an tooth. But still death is unfair

[wwwtheloudcrycom]

Workman wrote a book which was supressed by the government until he was executed. This book was just released. I am building a website to promote this book for the woman who wrote it by dictation from cassettes Workman had mad. It is called "Though He Slay Me," By June 21, a website with the SAME NAME as the book will be available to the public. Please honor Workman and get a copy of his book. It really is awesome. Wait until you see the cover it will blow you away.

[SharonCobb]

Please email me when your site is up and the book is ready.

I look forward to reading it.

[icesim1]

what was the medical evidence that came to light refered to at the start of this video?

[QMT2]

I know nothing about this case. However there is NO doubt in my mind that many many people who are in prison are innocent. Ego makes things happen like this. The Police have a case to solve and there is NO way they will say "We have NO idea who did this" the same goes with Attorneys. That is why Lawyers rate at the bottom of my list with Child Molesters! BTW Neither myself nor any of my family have never been arrested in there lives. So nobody can pull out that I hate them because I was in jail

[dibbler1]

If that was impartial, then I'm Elvis presley.

I am not a do-gooder or fanatical etc, and like to consider myself a responsible person and of reasonable intelligence able to look at issue constructivly.

Surely the LAW itself clearly states if there is an 'ELEMENT OF DOUBT' one cannot condem the life of another.

THIS was nothing less than a 'blatantantly disgusting, totally unfair, corrupt, inexcusable misuse of power by that cost a human there life.

"WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND"

[hepkat17]

I can't believe he was executed. I hope they have sleepness nights and nightmares of the rest of their lives. I read everybody people who intentionally murder, even a man beat his 2 year old to death and got 30 days! Hope the whole board and those responsible get what they have coming!

[gingereades]

Thanks for posting this. The Death Penalty is arbitrary and capricious. Why do we kill people who kill people to prove that killing people is wrong?

[iwantthatcookie]

we kill people who kill people to prove that killing people is wrong because then the murderer experiences what it is like to die and knows how it feels and realises what he has done wrong!!!!

[mst3k4evur]

"Thanks for posting this. The Death Penalty is arbitrary and capricious. Why do we kill people who kill people to prove that killing people is wrong?"

We don't, we do it to keep them from killing again. How many lifers murder in prison, or like Clarence Ray Allen, order the murders of those in the communit FROM prison.

[Sentinel1969]

Unbelievable these things happen......

[cyndym2001]

I watched that parole hearing on TV that day and couldn't believe it. Those people had their minds made up before the thing ever started. I personally wrote Philip a letter after that & he did respond back. He said that he felt sorry for anyone that has to go before that parole board. Amen brother & RIP. I know you're with Jesus now.

[cyndym2001]

This is a tragedy in the execution of Mr. Workman. So much evidence brought forward after his 1982 trial would make anyone have doubts about Workman shooting Officer Oliver. Yet, the State of Tennessee clearly has discredited the evidence. This is a coverup of the Memphis police dept. and an innocent man was put to death to save face. Makes me want to move from this disguisting state of Tn. This man did not shoot anyone but still was put to death. And this is supposed to be the bible belt?

[roadie50]

I admire Mr. Workman and the daughter of the officer.

His life wasn't in vain - for God wastes nothing. He acknowledged his past - and left life with a selfless act of kindness to others.

I imagine he was encouraging to his peers in the institution by living as this world is the home of no one - we are but merely passing through.

Mark 2:17-"For Jesus did not die in order to save those who consider themselves righteous, rather he came to save those who know they are sinners"

[badandyk9]

"It's cases like this that make me firmly believe that the government has no right to take human life, especially when they show such biases in doing so."

I believe the government should take a h uman life. What about the person or in some cases the people that these people kill? I say take their life, in fact, take it the SECOND they are convicted of the crime. This sitting on death row for several years is ridiculous.

[alanzb]

We can't bring Philip Workman back but we can remember this heinous crime committed by the State of Tennessee and we can honor the spirit of Philip. Please, wherever you are, call your favorite Pizza company and donate a vegetarian pizza to the nearest homeless shelter. Oppose killing. Stop the penalty of death and the inevitable murder of innocents.

[SharonCobb]

alanzb, That is a great idea to post! For those of you not in Nashville, or who didn't hear it on the news, Workman's last request was for a vegetarian pizza to be delivered to a homeless person. The State denied his request, even though there were hundreds of us who would have gladly paid for the pizza and delivered it. Yesterday, a few filmmakers started to deliver veggie pizzas to the homeless, and it's becoming a movement. So let's keep it moving!

[freelyfallin]

Sharon. I came here to watch this video after seeing a story on CNN about how Phillip ordered a pizza for a homeless person for his last meal, but the request was denied.

It's cases like this that make me firmly believe that the government has no right to take human life, especially when they show such biases in doing so.

This video deserves to be seen and should be publisized as much as possible, hopefully it will bring about change.

[LykanKhan]

I posted this video on my myspace page - myspace . com /lykankhan

Thanks for all your support.

ps. I meant Passed in the comment below.. terrible typo.

Never forget him.

[LykanKhan]

This is the first time I have ever watched this video. My name is Larry Workman. Philip is my uncle.

I talked to him last night about 3 hours before he assed, It was a very painful conversation and I could barely stop crying long enough to get a word out. He told me he loves us and was really happy to see us again and to hug Crystal and the boys for him.

I feel emotionally crushed.

[baitkenh]

:(

I hope this becomes a spark for change.

[SharonCobb]

At 1:38 AM on May 9, Phillip Workman was pronounced dead by lethal injection. I want to thank Dixie Gamble and Molly Secours for their work on this film, Kelly Henry, Workman's attorney who never gave up, bloggers from not only Tennessee, but around the world

who tried to stop Phillips murder, TCASK, and all the civilized,good people who tried to stop this murder.

[alanzb]

The temporary restraining order has been overturned and Workman has been moved to death watch. He is scheduled to be executed by the State of Tennessee in the early morning hours of Wednesday.

[SharonCobb]

alanzb,

We got the news Monday night, and we're all devastated. I've posted the vigils around Tennessee that are going to be held, as well as a vigil at the prison starting at 9PM Tuesday night. Our only hope is the Governor stop this execution.

[alanzb]

I recommend reading the decision to overturn the restraining order, which is available on the website for the 6th Circuit Court. It was a very strange decision, as the dissenting judge points out. TROs are not supposed to be appealable, but the 6th Circuit magically turned the TRO into a temporary injunction in order to overturn it and execute Workman!

[SharonCobb]

alanzb--Thanks for the heads up on the order. I admit, I am totally confused by the events of the last 24 hours. Workman had a stay until May 14 that apparently is moot because of this decision that let's the Governor execute him before May 14. It's baffling. My head is spinning. All I can think of to do now is to try to catch the Governor today and beg him to watch this film. (And something tells me the Governor won't be very accessible today)

[alanzb]

Thanks Sharon. With just an hour now to go, all hope seems lost. I only learned about the case a few days ago, but that was more than enough time to learn what a travesty this man has suffered. In spite of the horrid outcome, please realize that you did all you could. Through displaying this film, have helped people all over the world see the crazy idiosyncrasies and deep-seated biases that, in America today, can lead an innocent man to be executed by the state.

[alanzb]

For that, we all owe you a great debt of gratitude.

[alanzb]

Wikipedia has an entry at /Phillip_Workman. Feel free to update & expand with further info.

[da614kid]

this is what you get when you put democrats in office. fuckin retards.

[alanzb]

Well, to be fair, Bredesen's predecessor, Don Sundquist, was a Republican and in his 8 years in office, didn't pardon Workman either.

[da614kid]

i'm sick to my stomach. tennesee needs to grow some balls. the first to do so should be the gov. isn't that why you run for office, to right the wrongs when you can. hells bells this is america. proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. if the board didn't have doubt then they're morons. as a flag waving, right winged man of god im completely pissed and disturbed

[anoleafclover]

Governor Bresden's E-mail: phil dot bredesen AT state dot tn dot us

[anoleafclover]

Just e-mailed the Governor this video link. Let's hope that someday soon the death penalty, let alone capital cases like this one that are totally baseless, will be but a shameful part of our history.

[alanzb]

Workman has now received his sixth stay of execution. A U.S. District Court judge issued a ruling late on Friday which temporarily restrains the state of Tennessee from executing Workman until a preliminary injunction hearing can be conducted into the constitutionality of Tennessee's revised procedure for administering lethal injections.

[wsg2d]

im ashamed to live in tennessee.

[ls1983lsls]

how did they prove he did it? Did they find the weapon? Surely they didn't base the penalty on fake witness. I say research it more. Based on this I don't see concrete evidence this guy is guilty. Whats the rush for execution, when victim's daughter feels Workman should get life sentence. I say give it more time.

[utlaw97]

A man in Clarksville, TN shot and killed a woman and her child. It was an execution. It was premeditated. The state withdrew its application for the death penalty and proceeded soley on a life sentence. If that is not a case for the death penalty, then none is, it is arbitrary and should be abolished. Death sentences should not be the result of what county you were fortunate to kill some one in.

[nashdrift]

It's really very simple - there's been a miscarriage of Justice and something must be done. I've sent my email to the Governor of Tennessee from here in Australia. Please send your message today

[eakinst]

Wow. The members of that board were quite rude, unprofessional, hostile, and obviously biased. It would appear that their granting of the hearing itself was nothing more than going through the motions to protect their own cushy government positions.

May God have mercy on THEIR souls.

[vikkism]

This happens ALL THE TIME. Until we can guarantee that we are not executing innocent people, the death penalty needs to be ABOLISHED! Good God, why do we kill people who they say killed people, to teach us NOT to kill people!

[susanmcbride]

The "eye witness" was not at the crime scene. Is that not enough to call this into question?

[embudo1968]

Hard to believe someone in America could be executed on the basis of evidence like this.

[SharonCobb]

It's not too late. Please email and call Governor Bredesen of Tennessee and tell him you saw this documentary and he needs to watch it, too, and ask him stop the execution of Phillip Workman.

[ls1983lsls]

where is that email?