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Post by chele on Apr 30, 2004 10:47:34 GMT -6
I am the daughter of a victim of Kelsey Patterson. My Mother's name was Kay Harris. It is my understanding that letters to the Board of Pardons and Paroles in effort to state my case will help to ensure that this execution does take place on May 18th, 2004. I would appreciate any help that could be given. He has recently filed for 3 things and the Board will vote 2 days prior to his exection date. 1. 120 day stay 2. Executive Clemacy 3. Change of sentence to Life with no Parole
Letters can be sent to "To Whom it May Concern" at this fax # in Austin 512-467-0945
Name: Kelsey Patterson Date of offense: 9-29-92 TDCJ# 999065 Date of Birth: 3-24-54
Thanks for any help! Michele Smith, Daughter of Kay Harris
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Post by TexasLady on Apr 30, 2004 14:13:11 GMT -6
There is no Life Without Parole in Texas. A life sentence carries a mandatory 40 years served before eligible for parole unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Somewhere I read the ruling on his last stay but I can't seem to find it now. I'll keep searching. Seems to me he played the "Mental Illness" card at the last minute. Now he's drooling and writing funky letters to people to prove his mental illness.
Michele, my heart goes out to you. You should not have to go through this simply to see your mother's murderer pay the penalty he should have paid long ago.
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Post by chele on Apr 30, 2004 15:11:31 GMT -6
He did play the Mental Illness Card, but at a Hearing just a month ago a Judge ruled that he remains Competent to be exectuted. I was at that hearing and he admitted that he knew he had been found guilty and had heard that he was going to executed. The Judge had the Baliff sp? personally hand him a copy of his execution papers so there would be no question that he had been notified. His attorneys tried to say that he cannot make rational decisions and doesn't really know what is going on around him. That isn't true, his family was there and they would smile and he would wave and smile in return. He knew who they were and where he was at. He is only confused when it suits his needs.
I plan to be there on May 18th, 2004 just to finally find some closure to a 12 year nightmare. I hope nothing comes to pass to change that.
Thanks for your kind words, I wish everyone thought the way you do. ps. Did you get my e-mail directly to you?
chele
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Post by Stevo on Apr 30, 2004 16:34:44 GMT -6
My heart goes out to you in your grief, Chele. However, I urge you not to let your emotions affect your judgement. In executing this man, more grief would be put on Patterson's loved ones. Please find it in your heart to forgive those who trespass against you.
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Post by GlennF on May 1, 2004 6:04:17 GMT -6
My heart goes out to you in your grief, Chele. However, I urge you not to let your emotions affect your judgement. In executing this man, more grief would be put on Patterson's loved ones. Please find it in your heart to forgive those who trespass against you. Actually the only person who is entitled to forgive Patterson is - Mrs Kay Harris, the actual murder victim. Unfortunately she is not in a position to forgive because Patterson committed the ultimate crime of taking away her life. Her daughter Chele can forgive Patterson if she wants to for the pain Patterson caused HER, but NOT for the actual murder. Or do you honestly think that someone else can forgive a person for something he did to YOU? It is the DUTY of the state to see that justice will be done, and they will only achieve this if they allow Patterson's execution to take place.
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Post by Donnie on May 1, 2004 9:57:40 GMT -6
Actually the only person who is entitled to forgive Patterson is - Mrs Kay Harris, the actual murder victim. Unfortunately she is not in a position to forgive because Patterson committed the ultimate crime of taking away her life. Her daughter Chele can forgive Patterson if she wants to for the pain Patterson caused HER, but NOT for the actual murder. Or do you honestly think that someone else can forgive a person for something he did to YOU? It is the DUTY of the state to see that justice will be done, and they will only achieve this if they allow Patterson's execution to take place. I agree completely with your most excellent comment. However, the murderer also has a duty. His duty in this case is to seek forgiveness from all who he has harmed. Nobody who is willing to forgive him (for the pain that they personally suffered) can truly forgive him until he honestly requests that forgiveness. Thus he must seek forgiveness from hundreds of people. If he were to seek and receive all such forgivenesses, he could then be executed with a more clear conscience. But forgiveness has no impact on his execution or the appropriate desire of people to favor his execution.
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Post by marc on May 1, 2004 12:13:41 GMT -6
I don't think that he just pulled the "mental card" out. My understanding is that he has shown signs of mental illness from the time of the incident until this day. Do the pro's feel that there is never a case where someone who kills should have their life spared for any reason, i.e. the state of the mental capacity at the time of the murder? I work with these guys on a daily basis and know for a fact that some of them were not in their right minds at the time due to mental conditions. I'm not saying that it is a get out of jail fre card. I agree that they should be removed from society, but not from the planet. Chele, as I said earlier, I am truely sorry for your lose but, I am afriad that by killing another man is not the answer.
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Post by Donnie on May 1, 2004 14:45:48 GMT -6
Get a grip Marc. This case has nothing to do with the murderer's mental capacity at the time of the murder. Besides, anybody with the mental capacity to carry out a DP-eligible murder has the mental capacity to be mercifully executed. This guy had a hearing on his current mental competency (which is more relavent) and is mentally compentent. I don't think that he just pulled the "mental card" out. My understanding is that he has shown signs of mental illness from the time of the incident until this day. Do the pro's feel that there is never a case where someone who kills should have their life spared for any reason, i.e. the state of the mental capacity at the time of the murder? I work with these guys on a daily basis and know for a fact that some of them were not in their right minds at the time due to mental conditions. I'm not saying that it is a get out of jail fre card. I agree that they should be removed from society, but not from the planet. Chele, as I said earlier, I am truely sorry for your lose but, I am afriad that by killing another man is not the answer.
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Post by marc on May 1, 2004 14:56:05 GMT -6
Donnie, come on, this case is all about mental capacity. So, what your saying is that all killers are in their right mind and none of them have real mental illnesses that cause them to kill. Do you not think that some people kill because they have mental illnesses that go untreated which causes them to do harm to others? Have you ever met anyone who has killed and sat down and tried to carry on a conversation with them only to have them sit there and drool and rant on incoherently? I have and it's not a pretty sight. You know that this person has a potential of having a needle put into his arm because he is sick and the gov't wants tor put him down like a dog. And it is not a "card" that they are pulling. Many of them have long histories of mental illness. Sure, there are the ones that once arrested tend to try to act like they are retarded to try to avoid getting the death penalty, but this never works because they don't have the history of the illness. Why can't the pro-dp's understand that some people are just mentally sick and deserve to get treatment and locked away but not exterminated
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Post by Donnie on May 1, 2004 22:03:59 GMT -6
Donnie, come on, this case is all about mental capacity. So, what your saying is that all killers are in their right mind and none of them have real mental illnesses that cause them to kill. Do you not think that some people kill because they have mental illnesses that go untreated which causes them to do harm to others? Have you ever met anyone who has killed and sat down and tried to carry on a conversation with them only to have them sit there and drool and rant on incoherently? I have and it's not a pretty sight. You know that this person has a potential of having a needle put into his arm because he is sick and the gov't wants tor put him down like a dog. And it is not a "card" that they are pulling. Many of them have long histories of mental illness. Sure, there are the ones that once arrested tend to try to act like they are retarded to try to avoid getting the death penalty, but this never works because they don't have the history of the illness. Why can't the pro-dp's understand that some people are just mentally sick and deserve to get treatment and locked away but not exterminated Please don't put words into my posting that are not there. I was commenting on this specific case. This case is all about a murder committed by a person with no mental problems at the time of the murder. There has been no mention by anyone that the murderer had any signs of diminished metal capacity (retardation) at any time. Neither has there been any mention by anyone that the murderer had any indication of any mental illness at the time of the murder. If you have information to the contrary, perhaps you should elighten us. It appears that you wish to blur the quite bold distiction between various mental illnesses and mental retardation. What is the point of that? It appears now that the murderer has seen the utility of pretending to be insane. He may be a talented actor. However, the ability to play the part of an insane person doesn't absolve any murderer of his crime. Also there is no evidence that his acting ability has convinced any mental health professionals. Psychiatrists claim that some people are so mentally ill that they cannot tell the difference between right and wrong. They also claim to be able to determine, after the fact with no contemporaneous observations, that they can tell that a person lacked that ability when they killed. There is no scientific proof that the psychiatrists are correct about that or most of the other things that they claim. Some psychiatrists, such as Thomas Szaz, claim that most psychiatrists are simply wrong and provide false information to maintain their power and wealth. Regardless of its source, psychiatrists have power in our society, so I accept their opinions because of the power that they have taken for themselves. But their power offers no proof that their opinions are ever correct.
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Post by redfern on May 2, 2004 5:35:41 GMT -6
Chele, I hope you get the closure you seek when Kelsey Patterson is finally executed on May 18th. I can't begin to imagine the pain and hurt he's put you through.
best wishes.
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Post by Chris ADP on May 2, 2004 12:25:36 GMT -6
Actually, his history of mental illness is well-documented and not at all "a card" he plays. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1981, that is, 11 years before the murder.
In two earlier cases of attempted murder (1980 & 1983) he was found incompetent to stand trial, both charges were dismissed.
Furthermore he was arrested in 1986 for assault on a co-worker and spent several months in Terrell State Hospital.
In 1988, he was admitted to Rusk State Hospital after an acute exacerbation of paranoid schizophrenia.
When he was convicted for the murder of Louis Oates and Dorothy Harris, psychiatrists did not dispute he was mentally ill at the time of the crime (e.g. when he was arrested, he was standing almost naked in the streets, during the trial he ranted about devices that were implanted in him, the motive for the murders is unknown).
His mental illness is a fact, not a card.
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Post by Donnie on May 2, 2004 13:12:31 GMT -6
Well, now we see how the state protects us from murderers. In two earlier cases of attempted murder (1980 & 1983) he was found incompetent to stand trial, both charges were dismissed. Furthermore he was arrested in 1986 for assault on a co-worker and spent several months in Terrell State Hospital.
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Post by Chris ADP on May 3, 2004 6:10:49 GMT -6
Depends. If Patterson is really as nuts as it seems, his execution could be closer to murder than the crimes he committed.
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Post by redfern on May 3, 2004 9:14:37 GMT -6
Chris ADP
whilst there's an element of doubt as to the sanity of Patterson there's NO DOUBT he shot two innocent people dead, in my book that makes him a double murderer. mentally ill or not he's a killer of the highest order and a nasty one at that!
makes you wonder though just why the system allowed such an unstable character freedom to begin with.
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Post by Chris ADP on May 3, 2004 14:25:55 GMT -6
The definition of murder implies premeditation, malice, deliberation...thus there remain grave doubts whether this term fits here. I repeat: Patterson was standing in the streets wearing nothing but socks when he was arrested. No motive whatsoever. Well-documented history of mental illness & violent outbreaks in connection with his mental illness.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2004 15:31:39 GMT -6
Great case that illustrates why mentally ill murderers should be executed. Chris is disingenuous enough to claim that, "hey, he tried to kill two people before and he was crazy, so he still must be crazy, let's let him back on the streets". Unfortunately, it was not a moron like Chris who ran into this tragic figure as he stalked naked down the street, but some innocent person trying going about their buisness...A fair result in this case would be the prompt execution of Patterson, crazy or not, and the LWOP that Chris and his pyschitrist liar buddies who let Patterson out in the first place can serve the life sentence. Because I am, deep down, a compassionate person, he can serve his LWOP sentence on Texas death row, so he can be close to his friends and heros.
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Post by redfern on May 3, 2004 16:08:00 GMT -6
"I repeat: Patterson was standing in the streets wearing nothing but socks when he was arrested."I am surprised they didn't add the charge of indecent exposure we have laws here in the uk against that. "The definition of murder implies premeditation, malice, deliberation...thus there remain grave doubts whether this term fits here."I think the term fits, especially malice. Patterson recklessly killed two innocent people, without regard for human life! but i accept there is doubt about his sanity, not that I think that should make a great deal of difference come execution day.
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Post by Donnie on May 3, 2004 20:39:17 GMT -6
So killing two innocent people isn't murder in your book? What then were the crimes he committed? But killing one guilty killer of two innocent people is closer to murder? I think you need to revise your comment. Surely you didn't mean what you wrote. Depends. If Patterson is really as nuts as it seems, his execution could be closer to murder than the crimes he committed.
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Post by Chris ADP on May 4, 2004 15:55:31 GMT -6
You're incredibly obtuse, or probably even a little dumb, Donnie. You spend your entire spare time on this message board an yet you still have no clue what we're talking about. To kill someone does not necessarily make you a murderer. The number of people killed is also not decisive.
Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice.
Depending on the state of mind Patterson was in, he might not be a murderer.
Yes, because if he killed while being psychotic, he is possibly not responsible for what he did. In this case he didn't commit a murder, let alone capital murder. His execution would theoretically be unlawful.
No need to revise any comment. I exactly meant what I wrote. It's not my fault that you're too dumb to understand even the most basic definitions.
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Post by Chris ADP on May 4, 2004 16:14:30 GMT -6
Dear moron, I'm not suggesting to "let him back on the streets". Maybe you could show me where I demanded that.
Well, if Patterson was really nuts, he might not be responsible for what he did, no matter how innocent the victim is or how tragic the event. As I said - it depends on his actual state of mind.
Well, I know some socially isolated woodlanders in Michigan hold that opinion. Luckily pretty much the entire world disagrees. Even the US justice system. Seems you're completely out of touch with reality, weirdo.
First you'll have to convince some legislators. Good luck! Keep us updated!
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Post by TexasLady on May 11, 2004 15:17:57 GMT -6
He did play the Mental Illness Card, but at a Hearing just a month ago a Judge ruled that he remains Competent to be exectuted. I was at that hearing and he admitted that he knew he had been found guilty and had heard that he was going to executed. The Judge had the Baliff sp? personally hand him a copy of his execution papers so there would be no question that he had been notified. His attorneys tried to say that he cannot make rational decisions and doesn't really know what is going on around him. That isn't true, his family was there and they would smile and he would wave and smile in return. He knew who they were and where he was at. He is only confused when it suits his needs. I plan to be there on May 18th, 2004 just to finally find some closure to a 12 year nightmare. I hope nothing comes to pass to change that. Thanks for your kind words, I wish everyone thought the way you do. ps. Did you get my e-mail directly to you? chele I'm sorry I didn't respond to this earlier. I just saw it. I did, however, answer your IM. Did you get it okay? Good luck to you. You're in my thoughts and I hope you get the justice and closure you deserve.
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Post by TexasLady on May 12, 2004 19:29:13 GMT -6
Has anyone heard any news on Patterson recently? He's a week away from execution and the last I heard he was still trying to play the mental illness card.
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Post by MrCoffee on May 12, 2004 21:10:40 GMT -6
Well, if Patterson was really nuts, he might not be responsible for what he did, no matter how innocent the victim is or how tragic the event. As I said - it depends on his actual state of mind. Before he committed his two murders, he attempted to murder two other people. He was let off the charges. He was given a chance, but blew it when he killed those other two people for no reason. Whether he had schizophrenia, or any other mental illness or not, he made a choice of free will. He chose to murder two completely innocent people for nothing more than his own pleasure. He may be trying to play the Ace of Spades with that mental illness of his, but I honestly hope it turns out being a two of clubs. As per your own political opinion, Michigan does not have the Death Penalty. And, having been to the Upper Penninsula myself, you will find that many people there will side with you. Would you really want to call someone who actually supports you a moron? MrCoffee
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Post by chele on May 13, 2004 14:06:49 GMT -6
Has anyone heard any news on Patterson recently? He's a week away from execution and the last I heard he was still trying to play the mental illness card. I finally DO have some news about the case. As of yesterday his Federal Appeal was denied. The question on the block was Is He Competent To Be Executed? Well it seems that he sealed his own fate... since April he has written letters daily begging for his life and trying to convince the Judge that he should not be put to death for his crime. To be found competent all he has to be aware of is that he IS going to be executed and why. Thanks to his letters the Judge was assured that he is aware of both of these items. Wish me luck.. just a few more days till the end. Michele
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Post by jenniferwa on May 13, 2004 14:10:52 GMT -6
I am SO GLAD you'll have closure on this, Michele. My prayers are with you.
Jennifer
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Post by jenniferwa on May 13, 2004 14:32:43 GMT -6
Bill, this is the 2nd time you've replied but I see no message. what're you trying to say? Jen
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Post by Joel on May 13, 2004 14:46:01 GMT -6
Let’s see here: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, communist China, Cuba ... and good ‘ole Texas. All big on the death penalty. The people who support Kelsey Patterson’s execution are doing more to help abolish the death penalty than they realize. As far as I’m concerned, they should keep on ranting. You don’t have to be anti-DP to see that Patterson’s execution is pure barbarism and bloodlust. I’ve interviewed many pro-DP activists and if there’s one thing I found that they have in common, it’s this: evil. I have never seen people so clearly in the grip of dark forces, with souls so obviously hurting and corroded by anger. They are often full of self-hatred and weirdly obsessive. I would not trust them around children. When I saw the movie the Exorcist, I thought demonic possession was a joke. My experience with pro-DP activists and prosecutors showed me that evil does exist in our world -- on BOTH sides of the death chamber.
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Post by chele on May 13, 2004 15:12:33 GMT -6
You don’t have to be anti-DP to see that Patterson’s execution is pure barbarism and bloodlust. Whatever you think but I call it JUSTICELUST and I have waited a long time for it. Michele
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Post by Joel on May 13, 2004 15:45:40 GMT -6
Whatever you think but I call it JUSTICELUST and I have waited a long time for it. Michele Dear Michele, No one wants to see you or your family denied justice. No one who has any heart whatsoever would feel nothing but compassion and sadness for your plight. As a family member of a victim, your voice carries a lot of power. What does not makes sense, however, is that you are aiming that power at a severely mentally ill person and not at the state mental health system which so sickeningly failed your mother, you, your family, and all of society. Kelsey Patterson should never have been on the streets in the first place. If someone own a pet tiger (and there are people in Texas who do!) and through neglect and incompetence, that person allowed the tiger to escape, the tiger would do what tigers do: kill and eat. Would you blame the tiger? Of course not. Kelsey Patterson is not an animal, but he was as dangerous as a wild predator and the state of Texas knew this and did nothing to protect you and your family and the rest of the public from him -- and don't forget, the victims could have been anyone. Justice must be served, sure -- but let's get those responsible.
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