ANOTHER INNOCENT FOUND ON FLORIDA'S DEATH ROW!

Mr. Rudolph Holton has finally been released from Union CI to freedom!
He has continued to claim innocence throughout his 14 years on Florida's death row....
And 14 years on Death Row is an awfully long time, especially when you are innocent!
01/24/2003

"I have made many mistakes in my life, but I am not a "KILLER".
Written in 2001 by Rudolph Holton, an innocent man who was finally released Jan 2003.

A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT MYSELF.

12/26/2001

Dear Kay

I am an innocent Black man that was railroaded in a Tampa, Florida court room, and now I am on Florida's Death Row for a crime that I did not commit!

At this time, let me give you a little history about myself. My name is Rudolph Holton and I am 47 years old and I have been on Death Row for 14 years. My date of birth is April 20th. Some of my physical characteristics is I am 5 ft. 8 in. in height and I weigh 170 lbs., black hair and brown eyes.

I grew up in a lovely culturally diversified neighborhood in Ybor City. I keep abreast of current topics and can communicate well with anyone on different subjects. Some interests of mine are art, basketball, and Van Halen. As far as art, I have always loved the work of Salvador Dali and would like to one day attend the museum. I have been into art since I was 10 years old and I love it.

My parents have departed this life and I believe that they are with the Lord. Yes, I am a believer in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost and I do have them in my ife.

I have made some bad decisions in my life, but I am not a killer!

My family has been very supportive of me but they can only do so much. I try to do some work on my case because the attorneys that the state provides for Death Row inmates are not any good and they will not really "fight" for me; they will do so much and that's it. Currently I have been assigned a different attorney and investigator on my case that I feel really does believe that I am innocent and will do all they can to help. But, they really need more help, there is just so much the state will allow them to do.

I truly believe that one day I will prove my innocence with some help. I know that every prisoner says that they are innocent, and they are not all innocent, but I am innocent!

The reason I am writing this letter to you is because I really need help and I am fighting for my life and to be free; I will never give up on that. The circuit court judge assigned to my case hindered my trial attorney in every way that he could. The prosecutor in the case did everything and anything to ensure that he won the case; what I mean is, there was a lot of lying going on by the state. The State Attorney's office got rid of him because there was a big investigation done about his practices and what he had been doing, but again it was too late for me.

WHAT DEATH ROW LOOKS LIKE TO AN INNOCENT MAN

I will tell you a little about Death Row and how things are really. People on Death Row experience indescribable emotional and mental suffering and they are psychologically abused and dehumanized in many ways. Many of them have little or no contact with people from the outside other than contact with a legal representative; which many of them rarely, if ever, receive a personal visit from a friend or family member.

Myself, I don't get any visits from anyone, but I am always praying to God to give me a strong mind and help me.

Now the conditions on Death Row, the cells on Death Row are 6' X9' - an average sized man can stand in the middle of the cell with his arms stretched out and touch both walls.

For two hours twice a week, Death Row prisoners can go on the "yard", a concrete-paved enclosure.

Death Row prisoners are allowed a quick shower every other night. Otherwise, unless they are fortunate enough to have a visitor or unless they are taken to the clinic or hospital, Death Row prisoners are in their cells.

The cells are brutally hot in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter. Just imagine existing under such conditions, innocent or guilty, for months, for years, years during which you see those you have come to know led away to their execution as you await your own death warrant;

...then try to imagine what it might mean to you to get a letter from someone just because they care.

It means a lot to have a money order sent to your account so that you can purchase shoes, thermal underwear, a radio, arts and crafts [which are no longer allowed 2003], soap, shampoo, writing paper, a newspaper or some little snack - basic things that people take for granted.

It is especially nice when someone sends you a magazine subscription, and the best is to receive a letter, a birthday card or to receive cards at other special occations.

Well, now that you know about me, please write back. I will be waiting anxiously to hear from you soon. So, I am looking to hear from you soon, okay?

Oh yes, I have a "new trial", please keep me in your prayers and I will be praying for you.

Sincerely, Rudolph Holton
E-829326 P6207
Union Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 221
Raiford, FL. 32083

Can you please find me a penpal, okay? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years, too, for you and your family. Please write back soon.

PSYCHOLOGY of Suicide-MURDER & DEATH PENALTY
This paper focuses on two of the most severe forms of violence
Homicide by an Individual and Homicide by the State.

POSSIBLY INNOCENT PEOPLE
LIVING IN FLORIDA PRISONS

If you have innocence resources,
Please Contact: Kay Lee
(715) 831-0076