Recently, attorneys for Ernest Johnson have asked the Missouri Supreme Court to reconsider the lack of reliance on clinical standards set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5), and Intellectual Disability: Definition, Diagnosis, Classification, and Systems of Supports (12th ed. 2021). A letter from the Chair of the DSM Steering Committee, details updates in the wording in the newest version of the manual, specifically considering its problematic application and potential for misunderstanding.
Mr. Johnson’s attorneys filed with the Missouri Supreme Court the letter from the Chair of the DSM Steering Committee to assist the Court in correcting this error. You can read more here.
Join us September 29th, 2021, from 11AM-2PM at the Missouri Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City, MO, for a “Clemency Petition Drop for Ernest Johnson”. We’ll be joined by countless organizations, inter-faith leaders, disability rights activists, and individuals from across the state who stand against executions and continue calls of clemency for Ernest. Help us continue to get signatures before we deliver petitions to the Governor’s office on the 29th!
The Columbia Chapter of MADP and members of FOR are hosting a "Caravan for Compassion" to Jefferson City for the petition drop on the 29th. They will gather at the Boone County Courthouse at 9AM before heading to the capitol. Others requesting transportation or who can provide transportation to Jefferson City on the 29th can reach out to info@madpmo.org.
This morning, the Kansas City Star Editorial Board asserted to Governor Parson and the state of Missouri, “But when the state, our state, does kill this man, as it almost certainly will, it will be yet another indictment of a system so bloodthirsty that it delights in vengeance against those who don’t even know why they’re being punished.” Within the article, the Board highlights not only the hypocrisy of the state, but discusses the vast reasons capital punishment has failed us societally, but most namely, failed persons with disabilities. Citing Sister Helen Prejean, “there are no millionaires on death row. And even among the guilty, there are few people who haven’t themselves been so abused or injured they’re incapacitated.” Read the full article here.
Your voices are making a difference! There are still many ways you can continue to support Ernest Johnson. Remember to use this toolkit to sign/share a petition, write letters and make calls to the Governor, write to editors of the press, and share information online about Ernest.
Every day you can make a difference. Please continue to take action for Ernest.