This week, we've seen participants in the 11th Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty stopping by our office to use the phone, check email and so forth. It's a relatively easy trip for them because NCADP's office is on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a 15-minute walk or so from the U.S. Supreme Court, where the event is taking place.
Right now, Bill Pelke is downstairs in our conference room, telling the story of how he got involved in fighting the death penalty. In addition to being founder of Journey of Hope and a member of Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation, Bill is also vice chairperson of NCADP's Board of Directors.
Back in the 1980s, BIll's grandmother was murdered. One of the assailants, 15-year-old Paula Cooper, was sentenced to death. Bill initially favored the sentence then came to oppose it -- and he worked tirelessly and successfully to see that Cooper's sentence was commuted. Of course, both Indiana and the U.S. Supreme Court later decided that 15-year-olds should not eligible for execution. (Duh...)
Anyway, it's good to see old friends. If you'd like to read more about Bill or his organization, go here.
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