Doyle Lee Hamm has been on Alabama’s death row for thirty years, since 1987.

Doyle Hamm is now 60 years old and has cranial and lymphatic cancer. Doyle is terminally ill.

The Alabama Supreme Court has just set an execution date for February 22, 2018.

A few years ago, Doyle was found to have a “large cell lymphoma” behind his left eye and in his cranium—more specifically in “the left orbit and skull base.” The MRI scan of his head confirmed “the presence of a tumor extending through the foramina into the pterygoid space and into the middle cranial fossa.” At the time, the medical reports and CT scans indicated numerous abnormal lymph nodes in the chest, lungs, and abdomen, as well as risk of involvement of the spinal fluid. It is almost certain that the cancer has metastasized.

Doyle Hamm received radiation treatment to his skull for his cranial cancer, which was believed to have helped; but he has never been treated for the abnormal lymph nodes in the chest, lungs, and abdomen. Sadly, in April 2017, a biopsy of his eye tissue tested positive for cancer. It appears his cancer has progressed. Mr. Hamm has been scheduled for surgery in the coming weeks. Mr. Hamm is currently on a heavy dose of prescribed painkillers, which he takes three times a day to manage his pain.

Doyle Hamm’s cancer and cancer treatment are likely to interact negatively with Alabama’s lethal injection protocol and to result in a botched execution. For other reasons as well, and the radiation treatment especially, Doyle is no longer a proper candidate for execution.

In addition to signing our petition, please consider sharing the information about Mr. Hamm's case and writing to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in support of clemency for Mr. Hamm. It would be worth emphasizing that Doyle Hamm is now ill with cancer and going through treatment, and also that his case raises many issues about the independence of the Alabama judiciary in light of the fact that the Alabama Attorney General wrote the state court’s judicial opinion.  You can write to Governor Kay Ivey at the following address:

Office of the Governor of Alabama

attn. Clemency: Doyle Lee Hamm

Alabama State Capitol

600 Dexter Avenue

Montgomery, Alabama 36130

Phone: (334) 242-7100

Please send us a copy of any letters you write so we can also include them in our clemency efforts.  Please send copies to:

Anna Krauthamer

Columbia Law School

435 West 116th Street

New York, NY 10027

clemencyfordoylehamm@gmail.com

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