Justice For Kevin Cooper!
by Becky Downer

The struggle for justice continues for Kevin Cooper, who has spent 15 years on death row in California.

Kevin's current attorneys are fighting to present newly discovered evidence and to have it DNA tested. But in early December, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Kevin's writ of certiorari, which asked the court to review the decision of the California Supreme Court to refuse Kevin's petition to have 53 pieces of evidence tested. Another appeal was set in motion on January 20, when oral arguments began before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, Calif., regarding the release of evidence for testing.

Kevin's supporters and activists in the Campaign to End the Death Penalty continue to build awareness around the case, in addition to gathering signatures on the petition demanding that the state agree to DNA testing.

For more information, call the Bay Area chapter of the Campaign at 415-789-8363.

The New Abolitionist - February 2000, Issue 14
Campaign To End The Death Penalty, Chicago, IL - www.nodeathpenalty.org