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Urge Governor Edward G. Rendell and District Attorney Lynne Abraham to Reopen The Carmen Woods Case. He Deserves A New Trial and Freedom!
Carmen Woods was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he did not commit. He has been incarcerated for the last 26 years. The Philadelphia Judicial System refused to hear Carmen’s case. We have appealed to the courts with new evidence, pointed out discrepancies that took place at trial, and the only alleged eye witness (Homer Lane) recanted his statement to a prominent news reporter (Dan Cuellar). Despite new evidence, the courts have rejected our appeals because of Time-Barr (paper not filed in time) or because they claim the evidence does not prove innocence. However, if the evidence that we uncovered was introduced at trial, it would have proved the alleged witness was lying. Judge for yourself, read the evidence on this website.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania no longer has any credible case against Carmen. Any present-day examination of the facts reveals 26 years of wrongful imprisonment. This is a Miscarriage of Justice!
SIGN THE PETITION TO FREE CARMEN WOODS
Here’s a short summary of Carmen Woods’ case:
At approximately 2:15 a.m. on May 16, 1982, while Carmen Woods was at the Paradise Club on 48th and Master Street. Chester Laws, Junior was shot to death near the 1500 block of Felton Street, by an unknown assailant; miles away from the Paradise Club. Carmen was accused of this murder because of their past history of altercations.
In the summer of 1981, the two fought at a party given by Carmen. Chester who was drunk at the time refused to pay to get into the party, then threatened Carmen when he asked him to leave. Chester then drew his fist and swung at Carmen. The two fought and Carmen broke Chester's jaw. After that incident, Chester threatened Carmen again. On a Friday night in October, while Carmen was walking up his front steps, Chester stepped into the middle of the street, pulled out a gun, and shot Carmen in the back. Chester was never arrested for his crime, which was attempted to kill. He had a reputation of being a troublemaker and a bully, just like his father Chester Laws, Senior (AKA "Tiger"). Both had many enemies.
Because of Carmen’s history with the victim, he was an easy target, there were no leads or witnesses to link anyone to this crime. However a vengeful father who had connections with the Philadelphia police, masterminded and influenced the investigating detectives to charge him with this crime. Along with an incompetent lawyer, an ambitious and manipulative district attorney, and a lying witness, Homer Lane. Plus, the missing sign-in book from the Paradise Club that the detectives alleged they couldn't find would have proved Carmen's innocence. Furthermore, the investigating detectives never looked for other suspects. Not to mention, the fact, that Carmen turned himself in to the Philadelphia police escorted by his uncle, thinking justice would prevail. He has claimed his innocence to murder to this day.
Lynne Abraham oversees the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. She can direct a hearing on this case to resolve the Miscarriage of Justice.
Please write the Governor and Lynne Abraham urging them to reopen Carmen Woods’ case and hear all new evidence.
Governor Edward G. Rendell's Office
225 MainCapitolBuilding
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania17120
Lynne Abraham
District Attorney’s Office
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA19107-3499
Phone: 215-686-8000
Fax: 215-563-0047
Attention: Please take a few moments to write a well-thought out message. Send it to Governor Rendell and/or District Attorney Abraham so that they are aware of this Miscarriage of Justice. You can contact Carmen's sister, Regina, by clicking here.
Important facts that should be mentioned in your letter to the Governor and Lynne Abraham:
- Carmen was not in the area when the murder took place and had no way of knowing it would happen.
- The murder was actually committed by an unknown assailant.
- You can also express your sympathy for the family of the victim, Chester Laws, Jr., while mentioning again that Carmen Woods did not kill Chester.
- The case was based solely on circumstantial evidence.
- The prosecution's star witness Homer Lane recanted his statement in 1991 under oath and video by Dan Cuellar
- There were no leads or witnesses to link anyone to this crime.
Thank you for taking action!
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