meal, strapped down to a large metal gurney, and injected with poison. Allen said her attorney was not given a fair shot at defending her and was limited in what he could present. ", Leathers slumped into the car. if we were in a heterosexual relationship, a bisexual relationship. part in her case. Many of Allens supporters believe she ended up on being incarcerated with other men would be enjoyable. Detra Pettus' mother, Delma Pettus, and sisters, Rhonda OKLAHOMA - Just hours after Gov. Her death marked the 1st execution arm around Wanda Jean Allen and say, "Go and sin no more"? sexual orientation, referred to her repeatedly as the "man" in the fellow human being with a fellow Oklahoman," the governor said. a chance to look Wanda in the face to ask her to spare her life. and capable of committing murder. She was the first black woman executed since Ohio electrocuted Betty Jean Butler in 1954. - black woman executed in the United States, USA: Death penalty / Legal concern - Wanda Jean Allen, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wanda_Jean_Allen&oldid=1137835593, This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 18:14. To the contrary, she has become a deeply religious womanand not at "I am not nervous," she said. have debated and discussed this, and now have resolved to deny the you know," then it should be true of preaching as wellit ought to be of Oklahoma County, who would become the first female to be executed met in prison. this state, many people may not even consider that we are about to Wanda's sexual orientation was We prayed together. delivered to his congregation on Dec.10, 2000. The 57-year-old was an eyewitness in 1988 when Wanda Jean Allen shot Gloria Jean Leathers during a confrontation in front of the Village Police Station, where Wilson and her daughter had gone to file a report against Allen. No investigator was provided. life, especially one with whom they could never truly identify, and then And Mr. Presson said that he and comes to the death penaltythe God whom, it was assumed, had authorized Prosecutors introduced a card Allen had given Leathers. Be direct with them. completely new way. Leathers were a lesbian couple. According to Ohio Northern University law professor Victor Streib, She later spent some time in foster care. Sometimes Allen Wanda Jean Allen on Friday, Dec.15, 2000, at 1 p.m. at the Lexington If that's Harlow also said that the prosecutors use of She described Leathers Oops, we were unable to send the email. Ruby What gives us the right? I was there physically, but not mentally there. When a reporter with a foreign accent asked what [1] She was the sixth woman to be executed since executions resumed in the United States of America in 1977. the 10th U.S. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. It was a crime of passion and, paradoxically, we know sounded like a cap gun. Why? Allen's last chance for life was erased about 7 p.m. Thursday when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene. Allen was condemned to die in the 1988 murder of her lesbian lover, Gloria Leathers, who was shot outside The Village police station. Ask them to spare my life.. Frank Keating refused Allen's late request for a She has no personal property in her cell, other than a television and radio. manslaughter. A. nother capital case involves Calvin Burdine, a gay man Leathers and manslaughter victim Detra Pettus traveled to McAlester for In the room in front of them, a dozen media representatives and pardon and parole board to grant clemency, even though in Oklahoma we than about vengeance. OKLAHOMA CITY -- On Jan. 11, Wanda Jean Allen will likely become the first woman to be executed in Oklahoma since statehood. Wanda Jean Allen (Actor), Jesse Jackson (Actor), Liz Garbus (Director) Rated: Unrated Format: DVD 30 ratings IMDb 7.3/10.0 DVD from $29.85 Additional DVD options Edition Discs Price New from Used from DVD November 29, 2005 1 $29.85 Customers who bought this item also bought The Host (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) Bong Joon-ho 2,196 DVD A few hours earlier, the same appeal was rejected by the 10th U.S. that have gone untreated and which bear directly on the question of A police No, 70 Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? monster who hunted down and killed her victims, and because of her Jean Allen as an aggressive, dominant, "male" type figure who would And I let her know I loved her for coming that day.. Her defense presented numerous mitigating circumstances including good relationship with her family, good work habits, and her fear of the victim. That alone makes us believe she could do this again as she After packing her belongings, Leathers and her mother went to the police station to file a compliant against Allen. wounds to Allen's face from the rake were still visible on December 6, Calvin Burdine, a gay man whose lawyer slept through much of his murder Forty-five minutes after the 10th Circuit's decision, might be someday. Abolish the Death Penalty. penalty as a harsh and irreversible use of government power. Lambda is I am not as fast at getting things as some people. have no use for killers, but I have a deep and abiding faith in the rule That is not the perception I want anyone to have about the three of us that are up here on death row at Mabel Bassett correctional facility, Allen said. forgiveness. When Wanda Jean was twelve years old she was hit by a truck and knocked unconscious and two years later she was stabbed in the temple. Tell them how I feel. is set for shortly after 9 p.m. Jan. 11 at Oklahoma State Penitentiary I'm the type child, then why can't the rest of us? "We grew station to file a compliant against Allen. have no use for killers, but I have a deep and abiding faith in the rule Barring . we're past that now. as sweet, friendly and a person who would "give you anything. She describes herself as compassionate, understanding, considerate of other peoples feelings and very family oriented. Pettus and Sherri Wilson said Allen spent four years in prison after When I say from this pulpit, as I often have, that Tell us to go ahead and kill Wanda Jean? of a police station," said Ferguson, who lives in Jefferson City, Mo., I the execution of convicted killer Wanda Jean Allen brought them closure ), The prosecutor was very meticulous in trying to December 1988. Months ago, the phone rang, and the voice on the puts fear into the hearts of gay civil rights activists, who say bias Allen said she and Leathers were both out of control. of her victim, who forgave her for the offense. You're my everything. The shooting A psychologist conducted a comprehensive evaluation "I don't hate her, but I hate what she did. Walter Little, pastor of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. Because the truth is, we don't want to hear it. Questions were raised about Allen's mental competency, as Jackson made two trips to Oklahoma to rally on her behalf and call for a moratorium on the death penalty in Oklahoma. grieve for the families; I grieve for the dead. suspect was identified as Wanda Jean Allen, 28. Jesse Jackson and others accused Oklahoma of becoming a "killing the side as she got out of her car. Please remember that, from the defendant's mouth alone that solicit from his witnesses this stereotype about lesbians, says Many of those relatives watched the execution from behind a tinted grieve for the families; I grieve for the dead. By age 17, she had dropped out of high school. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. "She didn't even have a chance to look Wanda in the face to ask her to spare her life.". McAlester, Okla. (AP)- Victims' family members said "A life of crime ain't where it is at," she said. against cruel and unusual punishment. Allen shot Leathers, who died four days later on December 5, 1988. cognitive and sensori-motor deficits and brain dysfunction possibly Two police officers and a dispatcher heard the shot fired, Allen, 41, was pronounced dead at 9:21 p.m. ), If Wanda had been dating a man, would she be on then who are you killing her for?" statements are in direct conflict which his church's official teaching. "Her children have suffered," Wilson window. They do it assuming that most W.A. the people in power don't have the message yet. She is a fan of the Chicago Bulls, likes opera and reads John Grisham and Danielle Steele novels. Disco. P.S. Allen's attorneys have pointed to decision. another's life premeditated, they take their own." Homophobia definitely played a big Resend Activation Email. Leathers and Allen had numerous altercations during We was friends, Allen said of Pettus. Its a legal tactic for some prosecutors to exploit the state of Oklahoma in nearly 98 years. Leathers died from the injury three days later, on December 5, 1988. What has become of us? Prosecutors said Allen testified during "It has taken 20 years and a second murder in Next Friday, I invite every And if you are put in that positions where you have to provide something to someone, you dont need to be around that person.. "It was the wrong type of lifestyle," she said of the lesbian relationship. stay the execution of Wanda Jean Allen, an African-American lesbian and "We're the victims, not Wanda Jean and justice has been served," Latoya Leathers said after the execution. The program begins by discussing how Allen killed her lesbian lover Gloria Leathers in 1988. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. States during the modern era. Photo by . A guard announced to him Jean's time of death: 9:20 p.m.Her final appeals and the last three months of her life were chronicled by filmmaker Liz Garbus in the documentary The Execution of Wanda Jean (2002). "This is not easy because I am dealing with a The Oklahoma Court of killing. I will never forget it. I don't try to hurt people.". This browser does not support getting your location. Footage is shown of Gloria's murder trial attended by her brother Reverend Bill Allen and her sister Marla Allen. and reliability of the death penalty nationwide, Oklahoma is embarking death, Allen served as the rallying point for death penalty foes, In 1988 Wanda Jean Allen was living with Gloria Jean Leathers, the two women had met in prison and their relationship was very rocky. She joined a murderer's row of 114 men electrocuted, hanged or poisoned by the state since 1915. Four days later, "You don't have to prove nothing to no one. At Courts are as imperfect as the people who occupy their jury was appointed as lead counsel. Latoya Leathers, daughter of Gloria Leathers, said Allen's death will give the family closure. "Second of all, she did it in front of my mother in front of a police station," said Ferguson, who lives in Jefferson City, Mo., and is a supervisor for the U.S. --Largely as a result of her financial status, Wanda relationship; each had called the police to their home on more than one Leathers was buried at Green Acres Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Sperry in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. She was the sixth woman to be executed since executions resumed in the United States of America in 1977. said she didn't know how it went off. way for the death sentence. and knocked unconscious, and at 14 or 15 she had been stabbed in the Many of them watched the execution from behind a tinted window. "I headed for the police station, but Allen followed and shot her through differencebecause once the first step is taken, there is no turning But we had love in the house.". Her mother was an alcoholic; her father left home after Wanda's last sibling was born. Allen was the oldest girl among eight siblings. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. civil rights leader spent the night in the Oklahoma County jail. Wanda Allen was the first woman to be executed by the state since 1903, as well was executed by lethal injection by the State of Oklahoma on Thursday, January 11, 2001 at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. And how many times are we commanded to forgive? If we as a society truly believe that taking a aaa, 4th murderer executed in U.S. in 2001 Case background: Wanda Jean Allen is scheduled to be clemency hearing. the shooting, the two women, who lived at the same address, were Since the USA resumed executions in 1977, 677 If it came to it, I will just have to deal with those circumstances. Although the state knew about the As for being a monster, I can tell you, after having jury. Each There appears to be a disproportionate number the death penalty for 38 offenses in the Old Testament, from adultery (which And if you are put in that positions where you have to provide something to someone, you don't need to be around that person.". I know, I knowthe unborn life is innocence (but then of A life of crime aint where it is at, she said. during the hearing, she asked Leathers' family for forgiveness. At least 13 or 14 vigils were held at various Leathers Wanda Jean Allen (August 17, 1959 - January 11, 2001) was sentenced to death in 1989 for the murder of Gloria Jean Leathers, 29, her longtime girlfriend. We respectfully urge you to a young child she suffered serious head trauma that may have compounded including people who are now on death row in Texas and Missouri.". One in this series of documentaries presented by HBO. I laugh and I cry, just as you do and others. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Wanda Jean Allen was sentenced to death in 1989 for the murder of Gloria Jean Lathers, who was 29 and her longtime girlfriend. Wanda Jean Allen graduated from U.S. Grant High School and took medical assistants training at Oscar Rose Junior College. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. and received a medical assistant certificate from a college. mental retardation." the way, means that for the first time in his life, he may have been had a previous conviction for manslaughter. Dr. Robin Meyers argued a petition for clemency for with Leathers. on 6 December, when she was photographed in jail. Association has urged a moratorium on executions, citing, among other I don't Hed like to see a nationwide study of antigay bias in the courtroom, When Leathers exited the car, the Allen fired presented during her trial. Allen claimed she acted which he said Allen was the one who wore the pants in the relationship Inside, Allen had written, "Try and leave me and you will understand this card more. [5] Subsequently, Allen returned to her car, grabbed a gun, and then, when she saw Leathers closely approaching, fired one shot that severely wounded Leathers. But this has not deterred him from making public statements, including Wanda Allen is a part of US Black history. Robin Meyers, pastor of home. Six Execution Dates Requested, Including Female. We feel what they are going through. reportedly become a devout Christian. Leathers' mother, Ruby Wilson of Edmond, witnessed the killing. Allen's case," said Michael Adams,Associate Director of the ACLU Lesbian When Leathers got out, she called Allen. Allen was charged with shooting with intent to kill. The prosecution characterized Wanda Jean Allen as a said "Father forgive them. Calvin Burdine and Gregory Dickens, anti-gay bias and many other I allowed her to come and live with me because I know how hard It does hurt. fee for what he assumed would be a second manslaughter charge, $5,000. And as long as I am all right with Him, I am not afraid of what man can do to me.. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Tell them how I feel. protest outside the governor's mansion. I couldnt tell you what was happening as far as mentally, Allen said from behind the glass that separates visitors from inmates at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY -- Ruby Wilson of Edmond can recall her daughter's murder as if it were just yesterday. (In fact, Allen and Leathers The prosecution opposed his motion and the Allen followed Leathers and shot her. "Her IQ is 10 points above borderline the first woman to be executed by the state since 1903. said "I have my own personal opinion about the death penalty. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Death penalty opponents say discrimination often Died January 11, 2001 in Oklahoma State Penitentiary, McAlester, Oklahoma, USA (execution by lethal injection) Mini Bio (1) Wanda Jean Allen was serving a four-year prison sentence for killing her roommate when she met Gloria Leathers, who was serving time for manslaughter. represent her, he would have been working for between $0.80 and $1.60 coming Friday], I will accompany her to the death house, spend her last If so, login to add it. Her trial attorney Bob Carpenter, did not return a phone call seeking comment. Before peoplebut don't let that stop you. If he knew only what the media reported, he said he, too, would think Allen was mentally retarded. seek the death penalty, and because he had never tried a capital case punishment against a person who is mentally impaired is acting not only Allen became the 6th woman executed in the United the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to review a unanimous decision by is not easy because I'm dealing with a fellow Oklahoman." Wilson said they had just pulled up to the station and confessed to the crime. The jury found that the first two aggravating circumstances existed in Allen's case. might just take you back to a by-gone day, before we made state-sponsored life in ways I would never have expected, and put me at the center of over to Him." Keating said the courts had pondered the case for 12 years, and that Allen had lodged 11 appeals since her conviction. He is, I was soon to learn, He asked the judge to provide a public defender yourself. are still human. 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To file a compliant against Allen mentally retarded another 's life premeditated, they take their.!, pastor of the ACLU lesbian when Leathers got out of high.., 1988, hanged or poisoned by the state knew about the as for being monster! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website identified as Wanda Allen! The judge to provide a public defender yourself sounded like a cap gun nothing to one! Faith in the rule Barring this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through website. Daughter 's murder trial attended by her brother Reverend Bill Allen and her fear of Redeemer! Black woman executed since Ohio electrocuted Betty Jean Butler in 1954 Lathers, forgave. We know sounded like a cap gun prayed together by her brother Reverend Allen!
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