Capital punishment is a topic that one typically doesn't talk about around the dinner table, but social media is ripe for discussion. On Tuesday, a brief statement about school shooting statistics caused thousands of people to join a conversation about the death penalty. Robert Klemko, an investigative sports reporter for The Washington Post, shared a tweet on Tuesday (April 14) that sparked a discussion. "Last month was the first March without a school shooting in the United States since 2002," Klemko wrote.
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He also addressed a few users who shared that there weren't any Wikipedia updates to substantiate his claim. "A number of people have pointed out that the Wiki page for school shootings does not have March shootings in multiple years," he added. "This is true! It’s also true that you should never treat Wikipedia as a primary source."
Later, Hollywood Unlocked shared a screenshot of Klemko's tweet and asked their followers to weigh in on the topic. Waka Flocka jumped in the comments with his take on capital punishment. "I feel who ever shoot up a school need the death penalty no exception," the rapper wrote. He followed that up with, "But hey I'm just telling the truth."
Unsurprisingly, responses to his declaration were swift...and divided. Check out the posts below and let us know if you agree with Waka Flocka's take on school shooting offenders.
Nathaniel Woods Set For Execution, His Co-Defendant Says He’s Innocent
Nathaniel Woods was convicted of capital murder in 2005, but his supporters don't think he should be held responsible for a crime they say he didn't commit.
It was back in the summer of 2004 when Nathaniel Woods's life changed direction. According to police, Woods and another man named Kerry Spencer were dealing drugs, so Birmingham, Alabama officers went to an apartment complex to make an arrest. Three officers on the scene were in the middle of taking Woods into custody when Spencer all of a sudden began shooting. The three officers were killed and another was wounded.
The following year, Woods and Spencer were both convicted of capital murder (among other charges) and sentenced to death. Spencer has made it clear that Woods shouldn't take the blame for crimes that he confessed he acted on alone. "Nathaniel Woods is 100% innocent," Spencer penned in a letter shared with his lawyers. "I know this to be a fact because I'm the person that shot and killed all three of the officers." He added, "I pray that my words don't fall on blind eyes or deaf ears. Don't allow another innocent man to be executed if you can do something to put a stop to it. This is my most fervent prayer."
There has been a rally of support for Woods over the years, especially on the celebrity circuit, but on Thursday, Woods is scheduled for execution by lethal injection. Activists are claiming that there were many areas of his case and trial that weren't handled appropriately. Also, the jury's decision wasn't unanimous and during his appeal, his attorney reportedly left him.
Woods' lawyers, along with a viral social media following, have petitioned Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to stay the execution and to commute Wood's sentence. Ivey's office told CNN that they won't speak on the matter until a decision has been revealed.
Tens of thousands of people have signed online petitions, but this polarizing case has divided the masses. Check out a few reactions below.
Dr. Amie Harwick’s Killer Charged With Murder
Dr. Amie Harwick’s alleged killer has been arrested and charged with murder with the possibility of the death penalty.
Another legal development has occurred following the murder of Dr. Amie Hardwick, who was pushed to her death on Saturday, February 15th. During a domestic dispute with a man named Gareth Pursehouse, a man she allegedly dated for a brief time, Hardwick was pushed from a third-floor balcony and ultimately passed away from injuries sustained. Police have since arrested Pursehouse and TMZ has confirmed he’ll be facing a variety of serious charges, including murder and first-degree burglary.
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Should he be convicted of murder, it’s entirely possible that Pursehouse lands the death penalty provided prosecutors opt to pursue it. As of now there are no updates on that front, as the D.A. has yet to announce an official decision. It should be noted that even if Pursehouse does manage to avoid the death penalty, he’s still facing life in prison without parole. Those following the case will know that Pursehouse was originally taken into custody on Saturday, February 15th, only to be released on bail on Tuesday the 18th. He was taken into custody once again yesterday, and he’s set to be arraigned at some point today.
Dr. Amie Harwick was 38 when she died, a well-known counselor who specialized in both family and sexuality. As many likely know by now, Harwick was previously married to Drew Carey, who issued a heartbreaking statement to CNN: “Amie and I had a love that people are lucky to have once in a lifetime. She was a positive force in the world, a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, and passionate about her work as a therapist. I am overcome with grief. I would like to thank you in advance for giving myself and everyone who loved Amie privacy while we try to work through this tragic situation.”
Rest in peace.