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Life Without Parole Would Be Fair Punishment for David Lee Powell

By Steve Hall

That's the title of an editorial in this morning's Austin American-Statesman.  LINKOnce again, we all must ponder the most serious power the state grants itself, the authority to take a life.Barring unanticipated intervention by the courts or state officials, David Lee Powell will be executed June 15 for gunning down Austin police officer Ralph Ablanedo in 1978.The crime was an unconscionable, unforgiveable act by a UT dropout whose promising young life was sidetracked when he got into using and dealing drugs. Now, 32 years and three trials later, Austinites again should remember and mourn the death of Ablanedo, the father of two young sons when Powell killed him.And, also because 32 years have passed, Texans again should weigh the death penalty to see if it is equitably meted out...continue to full post

Full post as published by StandDown Texas Project on June 08, 2010 (boomark / email).