Devoted to Abolishing Capital Punishment

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Exonerated – Harold Wilson In 1989, the state of Pennsylvania sentenced Harold Wilson to death for three murders he did not commit. He spent more than 17 years in prison; most of that time was spent on death row. In 1999, Harold’s death sentence was overturned due to ineffective counsel. However, Harold was not released from death row until 2005 when DNA evidence was presented for the first time and he was acquitted of all charges. More Exonerees photo credit: Larry Zamba

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The United States is moving away from the death penalty because of growing concerns about innocence, unfairness, discriminatory application, lack of efficacy and other reasons, including the ways the death penalty causes more pain for the survivors of homicide victims. These concerns have led to an eight year decline in death sentences nationwide. In 2007, the number of defendants who received a death sentence was at its lowest point since the death penalty was upheld in 1976.

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Today your work to oppose – and abolish – capital punishment is more important than ever before. To join NCADP’s abolition listserv, click here. To help NCADP pay for the work that needs to be done, please donate by clicking here.

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It is with sadness that we report the passing of our friend and colleague Rachel King, who died on August 25, 2008 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer.

Rachel was first a daughter, friend, wife and step-mother, but her personal and professional lives merged in her advocacy and efforts to make our world a better place. She did so in volunteer and staff capacities with various organizations, including Alaskans Against the Death Penalty, the ACLU Capital Punishment Project and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, where she served on the board of directors and as its chairperson. Rachel is the author of three books, two of which explore capital punishment from the perspective of the families who suffer the most as a result of the death penalty system.

Rachel passed away in Wayne, Maine, where she was raised and later she and her husband, Richard McAlee, built a home together. Her last moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. Those who wish may reach the family by email through her step-daughter Lauren, or by mail through her mother Jill Howes at 282 Narrows Pond Rd., Winthrop, ME 04364.  Rachel's family asks those wishing to send a memorial to send donations to the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty in lieu of flowers.