Interview with Christy, Death Penalty Opponent and Advocate for Those on Death Row

Christy is a compassionate death penalty opponent and advocate for death row inmates. Recently she joined Capital-"X" on his Walk 4 Life Campaign to show her support against Capital Punishment. She is dedicated to the cause and a real "soldier." Here is my interview with Christy, where she speaks about her thoughts on the death sentence.

Christy, can you give us a bio of yourself?

I am 34 years old and resided in Albuquerque New Mexico. I am currently a student at the University of Phoenix studying Criminal Justice. I am hoping to be a mitigation specialist. I am a single mother of a 14 year old daughter. My interests include researching the death penalty and all prison reform issues. I enjoy an occasional movie and spending time with friends and family.

How log have you been active in prison reform and in the death penalty, and how did you get started?

I really have only been real active for about a year, although I know I always opposed the death penalty and the sentencing disparity that occurs in this country all the time. I was researching the death penalty for a class, when I came across Kenneth Fosters case out of Texas. I wrote to Kenny in prison, and I was amazed at his positive attitude and the encouraging words he sent me back. I became very involved in the campaign to save his life. When Kenny's case was commuted, I never stopped fighting, it has only grown. I always give credit to Kenny for helping me find my voice.

Are there any inmates your involved directly with? Who are they, and why them?

I am involved with Rudy Medrano who is on Texas Death Row. I got involved with Rudy through Kenny. Kenny asked that no matter what happened in his case, that someone step up for Rudy. So I did that. I currently run Rudy's Myspace, website and yahoo group. I was interested In Rudy's case because Rudy was charged under the Law of Parties, just like Kenny. Rudy was not at the crime scene but was charged with capital murder because he gave out his guns.

I am also working with Michael Astorga, who is facing the death penalty in New Mexico if he is convicted. New Mexico has only two men on death row. I was attracted tot his case because Michael, although not even tried or convicted is being housed in the Supermax prison in solitary confinement in NM. He has his rights violated over and over again. His legal mail has been getting to him already opened, and he has been refused visits with his attorney and family.
I also fight for Michael because I want the state I live in to know that there are people here that oppose the death penalty, and are not afraid to stand up and say so

Recently you have visited Texas, can you tell us what this trip was about?

I met Capital-" X" in Arkansas to help fight against the death penalty." X" was walking 1700 miles in an effort to bring awareness to the monstrosity of the death penalty. His final destination was Texas, the killing capital of the world when it comes to executions. The campaign was called Walk 4 Life.

I met him really not knowing what to expect, but I was met with the opportunity to really protest the death penalty and talk to people. We then made our way to Texas, and that was an experience in itself. I could see the death in the air. I felt sad for the families that have to go through the murder of a loved one in the name of justice. I also was very pissed off. I could not believe that a state I live right next to, did not value life. I was able to talk and walk with people both for and against the death penalty. I was able to use my voice and stand for the truth. I held my signs high for all of Texas to see. I met a mother and a father who has their only son on death row. I felt their pain and their disgust with the whole system and I felt it was my duty as a citizen of this country to stand for them, for all of them, against this system that claims to protect us all, but also kills so many of us.

You walked with Capital-"X," please tell us your opinion of him.

I cant even begin to tell you how much I admire X for everything he does. His heart, soul, tears, and blood is in this struggle. He takes every phone call from families and he never ever stops. He taught me so much on this walk, that I can carry with me in my fight here in NM against the death penalty and nationwide.

Could you give us some alternatives to the death penalty?

I believe that LWOP( life without the possablity of parole) is a totally valid option for people who cannot be rehabilitated. I would like to see the prisons work harder at rehabilitation and try to preserve the family unit. I think there needs to be more mental health services available. I also think there needs to be more services for our children, services that are located in troubled neighborhoods, so we can prevent the crimes that lead people to death row.

What are your thoughts on lethal injection, do you think it's cruel and unusual?

Any form of execution is cruel and unusual.

What about the nations prison problems? What can be done?

More mental health services, more educational opportunities, and jobs for convicted felons will all aid in the revolving door of the prison system. People are always going to make mistakes. Some are bigger than others. We as a county need to learn how to help those that are on the wrong path instead of condemning them to sentences that do not fit the crime

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

I will continue to fight the death penalty on a vocal level. I hope to finish school within the next year and be able to fight it in the courtroom as well.

How can people help you?

People can contact me at christyntruman06@aol.com with any questions or concerns about the death penalty or prison reform. I will respond to all emails.

I also encourage people to join the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

Prison reform, and the abolishment of the death penalty is not going to happen on it's own. It's people like Christy, who are willing to go that extra mile to bring awareness to the problems in our prison system, and to lethal injection.

Sources:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/356970/the_case_of_kenneth_foster_jr_texas.html

www.freewebs.com/saverudymedrano

www.myspace.com/MPAcampaign

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/619723/international_human_rights_activist.html

www.tcadp.org