www.DEFENDMICHAEL.COM
- Thread starter Chris H
- Start date
crfguy168
New member
How did this turn out?
Allison Hester
New member
My husband is serving in Afghanistan, and I know if given the opportunity he would relish the idea of killing a known terrorist. It's a large part of being an American soldier. Geez.
Nichole
Ms Awesome
From the website:
Michael’s long awaited Appellate Argument has finally been scheduled. It will take place on December 9, 2010 at 10am before the Army Court of Appeals in Washington DC. We eagerly await for Michael’s case to be reviewed by this higher court and are anxious to hear what we believe will be a reversal of the injustice that was done to Michael. If you are in the Washington DC area on this day you are welcome to attend.
The appellate court will review:
1) The failure of the Prosecution to provide critical evidence of the Prosecution’s forensic witness to Michael’s defense counsel;
2) The Military Prosecutor’s reversible error of making false assertions of fact and interjecting her personal opinion in closing arguments;
3) The military judge’s improper instruction limiting Michael’s right to self-defense;
4) The evidence presented of pre-meditated murder was not factually sufficient to support a conviction;
5) The military judge’s failure to instruct the jury on a lesser included offense of murder.
The Army Court of Appeals can overturn Michael’s conviction on any single one of these errors. After the hearing on December 9th a ruling should be handed down in early 2011 and our hopes and prayers are that Michael’s conviction will thrown out.
In addition to the appeals process Michael also has his annual clemency hearing coming up, possibly around the same time as the appellate argument hearing. Michael is not allowed to attend his clemency hearing so we will again represent him and hope the Clemency Board takes further action to reduce his sentence or release him to come home. We request that everyone send letters of support to the Clemency Board. You are certainly welcome to draft a short letter advising the Clemency Board of your opinion, or use the sample letter at the bottom of this email, or a combination thereof. (The sample letter will also be placed on www.defendmichael.com). We also encourage you to send a copy of your letter to your Senators and Representatives. There is a perfect storm forming to bring Michael home, but now more than ever we need your help. Please take a minute and write to the Deputy Secretary of the Army and your Congressional Delegations to let them know that this young man must be set free.
We are extremely grateful for those who continue to send letters and cards to Michael. This upcoming holiday season will be Michael’s second behind bars and he will no doubt struggle with the loneliness that comes with his situation. You can’t imagine the impact a kind word of support can have upon our son. Your letters have always lifted his spirits and sustained him as he fights to regain the freedom that was taken away from him. With the incredible support of thousands of voices just like yours from across this great country hopefully this will be the last holiday Michael has to spend behind prison walls.
Sample Letter to Clemency Board:
Deputy Assistant Secretary Mitrano
c/o Army Clemency and Parole Board
1901 South Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Re: Clemency for 1LT Michael Behenna
Dear Ms. Mitrano,
I have followed the case of 1LT Michael Behenna since hearing about his conviction for killing an al-Qaida operative. I have read many news accounts about his conviction, the email written by the government forensic expert Dr. Herbert MacDonell, and the outstanding background of this young man, including his Officer’s Evaluation. I request, on his behalf, that you grant him clemency and immediately release him. His immediate release would give him the same opportunity that our military is affording enemy combatants who are being released in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Please consider the “fog” this young man was operating under after having survived an attack on his platoon which took the lives of two of his soldiers just three weeks before, and the questionable decision to require 1LT Behenna to return the terrorist home. I have many questions about his conviction, especially hearing that critical evidence was withheld from his defense counsel and the jury. Give this young man the benefit of the doubt and release him so that he can begin to pick up the pieces of his life.
Sincerely,
__________________________________ dated: _________________________
Michael’s long awaited Appellate Argument has finally been scheduled. It will take place on December 9, 2010 at 10am before the Army Court of Appeals in Washington DC. We eagerly await for Michael’s case to be reviewed by this higher court and are anxious to hear what we believe will be a reversal of the injustice that was done to Michael. If you are in the Washington DC area on this day you are welcome to attend.
The appellate court will review:
1) The failure of the Prosecution to provide critical evidence of the Prosecution’s forensic witness to Michael’s defense counsel;
2) The Military Prosecutor’s reversible error of making false assertions of fact and interjecting her personal opinion in closing arguments;
3) The military judge’s improper instruction limiting Michael’s right to self-defense;
4) The evidence presented of pre-meditated murder was not factually sufficient to support a conviction;
5) The military judge’s failure to instruct the jury on a lesser included offense of murder.
The Army Court of Appeals can overturn Michael’s conviction on any single one of these errors. After the hearing on December 9th a ruling should be handed down in early 2011 and our hopes and prayers are that Michael’s conviction will thrown out.
In addition to the appeals process Michael also has his annual clemency hearing coming up, possibly around the same time as the appellate argument hearing. Michael is not allowed to attend his clemency hearing so we will again represent him and hope the Clemency Board takes further action to reduce his sentence or release him to come home. We request that everyone send letters of support to the Clemency Board. You are certainly welcome to draft a short letter advising the Clemency Board of your opinion, or use the sample letter at the bottom of this email, or a combination thereof. (The sample letter will also be placed on www.defendmichael.com). We also encourage you to send a copy of your letter to your Senators and Representatives. There is a perfect storm forming to bring Michael home, but now more than ever we need your help. Please take a minute and write to the Deputy Secretary of the Army and your Congressional Delegations to let them know that this young man must be set free.
We are extremely grateful for those who continue to send letters and cards to Michael. This upcoming holiday season will be Michael’s second behind bars and he will no doubt struggle with the loneliness that comes with his situation. You can’t imagine the impact a kind word of support can have upon our son. Your letters have always lifted his spirits and sustained him as he fights to regain the freedom that was taken away from him. With the incredible support of thousands of voices just like yours from across this great country hopefully this will be the last holiday Michael has to spend behind prison walls.
Sample Letter to Clemency Board:
Deputy Assistant Secretary Mitrano
c/o Army Clemency and Parole Board
1901 South Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Re: Clemency for 1LT Michael Behenna
Dear Ms. Mitrano,
I have followed the case of 1LT Michael Behenna since hearing about his conviction for killing an al-Qaida operative. I have read many news accounts about his conviction, the email written by the government forensic expert Dr. Herbert MacDonell, and the outstanding background of this young man, including his Officer’s Evaluation. I request, on his behalf, that you grant him clemency and immediately release him. His immediate release would give him the same opportunity that our military is affording enemy combatants who are being released in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Please consider the “fog” this young man was operating under after having survived an attack on his platoon which took the lives of two of his soldiers just three weeks before, and the questionable decision to require 1LT Behenna to return the terrorist home. I have many questions about his conviction, especially hearing that critical evidence was withheld from his defense counsel and the jury. Give this young man the benefit of the doubt and release him so that he can begin to pick up the pieces of his life.
Sincerely,
__________________________________ dated: _________________________
Nichole
Ms Awesome
From the website:
Michael’s long awaited Appellate Argument has finally been scheduled. It will take place on December 9, 2010 at 10am before the Army Court of Appeals in Washington DC. We eagerly await for Michael’s case to be reviewed by this higher court and are anxious to hear what we believe will be a reversal of the injustice that was done to Michael. If you are in the Washington DC area on this day you are welcome to attend.
The appellate court will review:
1) The failure of the Prosecution to provide critical evidence of the Prosecution’s forensic witness to Michael’s defense counsel;
2) The Military Prosecutor’s reversible error of making false assertions of fact and interjecting her personal opinion in closing arguments;
3) The military judge’s improper instruction limiting Michael’s right to self-defense;
4) The evidence presented of pre-meditated murder was not factually sufficient to support a conviction;
5) The military judge’s failure to instruct the jury on a lesser included offense of murder.
The Army Court of Appeals can overturn Michael’s conviction on any single one of these errors. After the hearing on December 9th a ruling should be handed down in early 2011 and our hopes and prayers are that Michael’s conviction will thrown out.
In addition to the appeals process Michael also has his annual clemency hearing coming up, possibly around the same time as the appellate argument hearing. Michael is not allowed to attend his clemency hearing so we will again represent him and hope the Clemency Board takes further action to reduce his sentence or release him to come home. We request that everyone send letters of support to the Clemency Board. You are certainly welcome to draft a short letter advising the Clemency Board of your opinion, or use the sample letter at the bottom of this email, or a combination thereof. (The sample letter will also be placed on www.defendmichael.com). We also encourage you to send a copy of your letter to your Senators and Representatives. There is a perfect storm forming to bring Michael home, but now more than ever we need your help. Please take a minute and write to the Deputy Secretary of the Army and your Congressional Delegations to let them know that this young man must be set free.
We are extremely grateful for those who continue to send letters and cards to Michael. This upcoming holiday season will be Michael’s second behind bars and he will no doubt struggle with the loneliness that comes with his situation. You can’t imagine the impact a kind word of support can have upon our son. Your letters have always lifted his spirits and sustained him as he fights to regain the freedom that was taken away from him. With the incredible support of thousands of voices just like yours from across this great country hopefully this will be the last holiday Michael has to spend behind prison walls.
Sample Letter to Clemency Board:
Deputy Assistant Secretary Mitrano
c/o Army Clemency and Parole Board
1901 South Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Re: Clemency for 1LT Michael Behenna
Dear Ms. Mitrano,
I have followed the case of 1LT Michael Behenna since hearing about his conviction for killing an al-Qaida operative. I have read many news accounts about his conviction, the email written by the government forensic expert Dr. Herbert MacDonell, and the outstanding background of this young man, including his Officer’s Evaluation. I request, on his behalf, that you grant him clemency and immediately release him. His immediate release would give him the same opportunity that our military is affording enemy combatants who are being released in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Please consider the “fog” this young man was operating under after having survived an attack on his platoon which took the lives of two of his soldiers just three weeks before, and the questionable decision to require 1LT Behenna to return the terrorist home. I have many questions about his conviction, especially hearing that critical evidence was withheld from his defense counsel and the jury. Give this young man the benefit of the doubt and release him so that he can begin to pick up the pieces of his life.
Sincerely,
__________________________________ dated: _________________________
Michael’s long awaited Appellate Argument has finally been scheduled. It will take place on December 9, 2010 at 10am before the Army Court of Appeals in Washington DC. We eagerly await for Michael’s case to be reviewed by this higher court and are anxious to hear what we believe will be a reversal of the injustice that was done to Michael. If you are in the Washington DC area on this day you are welcome to attend.
The appellate court will review:
1) The failure of the Prosecution to provide critical evidence of the Prosecution’s forensic witness to Michael’s defense counsel;
2) The Military Prosecutor’s reversible error of making false assertions of fact and interjecting her personal opinion in closing arguments;
3) The military judge’s improper instruction limiting Michael’s right to self-defense;
4) The evidence presented of pre-meditated murder was not factually sufficient to support a conviction;
5) The military judge’s failure to instruct the jury on a lesser included offense of murder.
The Army Court of Appeals can overturn Michael’s conviction on any single one of these errors. After the hearing on December 9th a ruling should be handed down in early 2011 and our hopes and prayers are that Michael’s conviction will thrown out.
In addition to the appeals process Michael also has his annual clemency hearing coming up, possibly around the same time as the appellate argument hearing. Michael is not allowed to attend his clemency hearing so we will again represent him and hope the Clemency Board takes further action to reduce his sentence or release him to come home. We request that everyone send letters of support to the Clemency Board. You are certainly welcome to draft a short letter advising the Clemency Board of your opinion, or use the sample letter at the bottom of this email, or a combination thereof. (The sample letter will also be placed on www.defendmichael.com). We also encourage you to send a copy of your letter to your Senators and Representatives. There is a perfect storm forming to bring Michael home, but now more than ever we need your help. Please take a minute and write to the Deputy Secretary of the Army and your Congressional Delegations to let them know that this young man must be set free.
We are extremely grateful for those who continue to send letters and cards to Michael. This upcoming holiday season will be Michael’s second behind bars and he will no doubt struggle with the loneliness that comes with his situation. You can’t imagine the impact a kind word of support can have upon our son. Your letters have always lifted his spirits and sustained him as he fights to regain the freedom that was taken away from him. With the incredible support of thousands of voices just like yours from across this great country hopefully this will be the last holiday Michael has to spend behind prison walls.
Sample Letter to Clemency Board:
Deputy Assistant Secretary Mitrano
c/o Army Clemency and Parole Board
1901 South Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Re: Clemency for 1LT Michael Behenna
Dear Ms. Mitrano,
I have followed the case of 1LT Michael Behenna since hearing about his conviction for killing an al-Qaida operative. I have read many news accounts about his conviction, the email written by the government forensic expert Dr. Herbert MacDonell, and the outstanding background of this young man, including his Officer’s Evaluation. I request, on his behalf, that you grant him clemency and immediately release him. His immediate release would give him the same opportunity that our military is affording enemy combatants who are being released in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Please consider the “fog” this young man was operating under after having survived an attack on his platoon which took the lives of two of his soldiers just three weeks before, and the questionable decision to require 1LT Behenna to return the terrorist home. I have many questions about his conviction, especially hearing that critical evidence was withheld from his defense counsel and the jury. Give this young man the benefit of the doubt and release him so that he can begin to pick up the pieces of his life.
Sincerely,
__________________________________ dated: _________________________
Allison Hester
New member
As I read more on this, I realized that he clearly violated orders. He was told to release the guy, and instead took him under a bridge and shot him. That said, however, he had friends killed by an IED a couple of weeks prior. He was told to capture a known terrorist, then told to release him. I'm not saying what he did was right. We can't have vigilantes. However, he's been through hell over there, and the sentence -- 25 years -- seems stiff to me.
My husband has now been gone two of the past 3 years, first to Iraq and now to Afghanistan. I know that it is frustrating -- putting it mildly -- for our troops to be rendered so powerless. Something's gotta change. So I am going to write a note to the above website, and I hope others here will as well.
My husband has now been gone two of the past 3 years, first to Iraq and now to Afghanistan. I know that it is frustrating -- putting it mildly -- for our troops to be rendered so powerless. Something's gotta change. So I am going to write a note to the above website, and I hope others here will as well.