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Contact Evelyn Case: freebyroncase@gmail.com


Donations of any denomination may be made to the contributory account at
Bank of America, 115 W 63rd St., Kansas City, MO, 64113
Make a check or money order payable to Byron Case Wrongful Conviction.
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Date: February 12, 2006
From: Cathy

Dear Byron, My heart goes out to you. I have to wonder why anyone in the justice system would believe anything that Kelly would have to say. How does she live with herself knowing that she has lied and put an innocent man in jail for life? I just watched a show on A&E about a man that spent 7 1/2 years in prison after being convicted of rape and murder on the testimony of a 6 yr old girl. Even after DNA was introduced to prove it wasn't him, the prosecutor wouldn't give up. He's a free man today because his family loved him enought to keep fighting for his freedom. Never give up on your innocense. You need to find that gun. I pray that someone listens to you and takes the time to gather the evidence needed to get you a new trial. Until that time comes, hang in there, I'm sure that you will be a free man again. Good luck to you.


Date: December 9, 2005
From: Jamie D. Jessop

Hey Byron... Long time no see! Well I'm still out here... now I am running from a case that I didn't commit!!! Taking belongings from a slumlord I was renting from who told me and my girlfriend to throw that very same stuff away if we didn't want it (old couch, chair, other various household furnishings). Byron and I are old cell-mates... well I will tell anyone interested, after living locked in a room with Byron 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, 12 months a year, that this man doesn't have a violent bone in his body, nor violent thought in his head... and if anyone can't see that from the very visible "railroading" that has gone on in this case just to bring ANY kind of end to it so the other "masses" will stop shouting for justice... then we are all doomed to a terrible fate. One where the justice system is undermined and no one is protected from anything or anyone... a system where you have to run in fear from getting slaughtered by judges and prosecutors just because you knew a person that something bad happened to. One where the judges and prosecutors will take your life just to save theirs.


Date: November 5, 2005
From: Lionetta Terrell

Hello I am writing this to express my sympathy for the injustice that was done to Mr. Case and his family, who are United States citizens! my heart goes out to him and his entire family. After his mother came to my CJC class on Wrongful Convictions, at the Kansas City Academy on November 4, 2005, I felt compelled to be another person to say that the crime does not fit the punishment and in this situataion no crime was commited, so there should be NO TIME!!!! One question that should have been raised by byrons attory is "What motive does he have to do the crime" and he should have "exploited the father of the victims unusual behavior before and after the crime" the police evidence and the prosecution's accoount of what happened does not add up and something smells very fishy and If the DA's office doesn't see that and correct their mistake. The all I have to say IS "GOD BLESS THEIR SOULS" FOR HE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN JUDGE A PERSON IN THE END!


Date: November 5, 2005
From:

Byron! Pray...God is hearing the prayers of others for you. He will not allow this to continue.I believe in my heart that you will be vindicated and go on to live a wonderful, happy life with your family. Don't be discouraged. The truth will be revealed and you will have the last laugh. Your Mom is awesom. I met her in a 'Wromgful Conviction Class at UMKC. When you get out...Yes WHEN, do something really special for her. Let this be your last birthday there. Next year you can go backas a visitor.


Date: November 5, 2005
From: Karis Kizine

I was touched and heartbroken earlier today when, in a class at UMKC, I had the honor to meet Byron's mother and to hear the true account of his story.

I felt humbled as I saw his innocnece in his mother's eyes and I was shocked that we live in a country that could let something like this happen. I plan to attend UMKC School of Law in the Fall of '06 and I shudder to think that there are other cases out there like Byron's. I am familiar with the Innocence Project under the direction of Barry Scheck and I pray that they get involved soon. I wish that I had something to offer other than prayers. I feel helpless and disgusted.

What else can we do to spread the word. I know that there were others in my class who share my concern. Let us know how to get involved.

Karis Kizine


Date: October 25, 2005
From: Joshua Wedekind

I am interested in receiving more information about the situation. I would also like to schedule a time when I could meet Mr. Byron Case. The very idea that a person may be wrongfully convicted of murder makes me quite uneasy. If, after I have met Mr. Case and reviewed the information, I have found Mr. Case innocent, then you will have my alliance in your cause. An innocent man's freedom in America is worth more than life itself--according to our founding fathers.

Sincerely,
Joshua Wedekind


Date: September 7, 2005
From: Kerry Walker

I am sorry to read about another injustice and my heart goes out to Byron. I have studied hundreds of cases and it is amazing how many are wrongly and unjustly convicted by these ignorant jurors. I have spent the last four years fighting a false indictment agaist me and it is not over yet. You can read my story by putting Kerry Walker in a search engine. We must all stand TOGETHER and help bring a change to this unjust insanity and stand TOGETHER for real truth and justice. Let's each learn the beauty of what it means to die to self and stand TOGETHER for the truth and concern of these innocent and wrongly convicted human beings.


Date: September 7, 2005
From: Kerry Walker

I'm so sorry to hear about Byron and his injustice. The jurors of this country are convicting innocent human beings left and right. I have spent thousands of hours reading cases and I have fought a long hard fight for four years on a false indictment against me and it is not over yet. Put in Kerry Walker in a search engine and see. I have also spent over $42,000.00 fighting these false accusations, and I have lost everything in the process. Our system is so selfish and incompetent that it is difficult to fathom. I am trying to get people to join together to bring about a change in our system. Please join me in the challenge. Let's learn what it means to die to self and stand TOGETHER for real truth and justice.


Date: August 14, 2005
From: Reverend Christopher Whedon

Blessed be all and let us all pray that the truth IS really out there for this young man who is still in custody. I think all of his friends need to look at this site and agree with me , we have been neglectful. Lets all try to do better for someone we BELIEVE is innocent! In Gods Name, Be Blessed RCW


Date: August 14, 2005
From: Pam Thrasher

I just wanted to contact you now that I am back from DC. I met you at the March and wanted to tell you it was nice to meet you and with mothers like us fighting this battle for our children, we will win the fight. I want to wish you luck and I hope to see you again at future gatherings. We are planning to have another in Alabama, maybe I will see you there. Good luck and God bless, www.christopherthrasher.com


Date: June 12, 2005
From: Richard

Nice one, but i think you should focus on improving a little bit and putting new content. Ohterwise i always encourage such ideas.


Date: July 26, 2005
From: Debbie

I think this is great what you have posted on the web site for your son, I met you last weekend at the prison, I was visiting my boyfriend and we briefly spoke in the waiting area. I'm the girl with really long hair. Best of luck to you and your family.


Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2004
From: Sarah Millard

Of all the weak convictions I've heard of this is the worst. I knew Justin and I know Byron and hsi imprisonment saddens me because he never was given a fair chance in court. This is besides my feelings that Byron just wouldn't do such a thing. He shouldn't have to spend the rest of his life in prison for something that was based on bad evidence and an incompetent lawyer.


Date: December 8, 2004
From: Erin Carr

I was just wondering what had happened recently with Byron's case, Byron himself, since the last update on June 11. I am concerned and have been interested in this case since Byron's mother visited a class I was in. This case has inspired me to go into advocacy law, focusing on wrongful convictions. Please let me know what is going on with this case. Thank you, Erin


Date: December 7, 2004
From: Steve Van Buskirk

I became familiar with Byron's case via the Internet. I would like to communicate with him if he is interested. He and I met a long time ago. I am a Christian and my motivation is purely compassion, nothing more. Thank you for considering my request.

Steve Van Buskirk


Date: June 30, 2004
From: Connie Becker

I have been reading this story all day, I realy don't see how the jury found Byron guilty....On what....the word of a jilted lover...please...what is wrong with the justist system today. I could not find one single pice of evidence that Byron killed this girl, futhermore. I think that the lawyers as well as the police and everyone involved did a very shitty job. It is truly a very sloppy case as far as evidence is concerned. It looks to me more like a case of " Scape Goat ", just so the officials can say " they found the killer ". Lets get real people, this is a youngs man life we are talking about. The " Justice System " has already taken away many years of this boys life, which they can never replace. How they can sleep at night is beyond me, the case is so sloppy it makes me want to screm out to the officials to open their eyes. What ever happened to "Solid Evidence", which I have not seen here.

To you Byron I wish you the best and hope you find your way back to your family where you should have been all these years, but never give up hope, keep fighting for an Appeal, you are so very obviesly a scape goat for the officials. My heart goes out to you and yours, but you must hang in there and keep up your fight. I know this must be very hard for you, but in order to keep your sanity, keep fighting. and whith any luck, I will turn on the T.V. and the head line will read " Byron Case has been freed".....Real killer found...


Date: June 8, 2004
From: Dolores

Byron, Tonight I met your mother at the Criminal Justice Task Force meeting in Independence. My son came with me. He was recently convicted of a strong-armed robbery and received 5 years. He is out on an appeal bond, but will probably start his time in about 6 months. He is innocent. I believe you are, too. Your mother is fantastic! We need more like her in these groups, for sure. My prayers are with you both for a happy ending to a horrible nightmare.


Date: June 6, 2004
From: Rev. Christopher Whedon

I have known Evelyn for a few years now and am still so impressed at her intense fervor to free her son. When she contacted me I was with Mental Health and she felt she had no where to turn with this problem. Upon meeting her, I knew this mother was strong in the belief of her son's innocence. After reading all the material she had I too am still convinced that this young man is innocent of the crime he is accused of. I hope that this will come to a happy resolution soon before Byron "gives up". Blessings on all who help him keep the faith and maintain his strength.

Date: May 20, 2004
From: Anna Hunsicker

Also, Kelley described a gun, in her initial statement, with side by side barrels. That could only be a shotgun. I do not know if a double barrel shotgun would be able to fire ammunition called a shotgun slug, which is mentioned in the next paragraph.

Shotguns don't fire bullets like one found in her hair. I do not know what a shotgun slug is. It is referenced by the state in the testimony below. From the testimony, a shotgun slug would not spray the way pellets would, but the exit wound would be much larger.

Did anyone put on the testimony of a ballistics expert. There was NO ballistics report, and therefore, no expert opinion on the ballistics. The state put on the testimony of Blanchard and Lance put on Friedlander. Their qualifications are listed below as well as the testimony of Lance’s witness:

Edward Robert Friedlander, the 10-year chairman of the department of pathology at the University of Health Sciences in KCMO, was called to rebut the testimony’s of the state’s witness, Dr. Chase Blanchard from the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office. Friedlander said most of what he does is teach the field of pathology. He had an M.D. from Northwestern 1977; residency in pathology at Northwestern, Bowman Gray; board certified anatomical-clinical pathology, anatomical and clinical. The transcript of the testimony of Friedlander reads (1004-1006):

BY MR. LANCE:

…

Q. Most importantly, have you had a chance to review the autopsy report in that file?
A. Yes.
Q. And have you been down to the medical examiner’s to review the autopsy photos?
A. Yes.
Q. You’ve read Dr. Young’s [who performed the autopsy] findings as far as cause of death, et cetera?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you agree the fatal wound in this case was what’s called a contact wound?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you dispute the autopsy findings of Dr. Young in any way?
A. No.
Q. Cause of death, gunshot?
A. That’s correct.
Q. Closeness was a contact wound?
A. That’s correct.
Q. Is there any way to determine if the fatal wound in this case was caused by, let’s say, a shotgun or a rifle or a handgun?
A. You could tell something about what kind of ammunition was used from the wound, but it’s not an exact science.
Q. You have had a chance to look at the file in this case; can you formulate an expert opinion as to whether a shotgun or rifle or handgun was used?
A. I can’t. It was not a shotgun shell that shot many pellets.
Q. So we know it wasn’t a pellet from a shotgun.
A. It wasn’t multiple pellets from a shotgun.
Q. Let me rephrase the question this way: Is the fatal wound in this case consistent with the gunshot from a rifle?
A. Yes.
Q. Is the fatal wound in this case consistent with the gunshot from a handgun?
A. Yes.
Q. And is there any way for an expert pathologist to determine if one is more likely than the other?
A. If there is, it’s not something that I know. It would surprise me if that’s true.
Q. You understand there were no ballistics found in the case?
A. I don’t know that for a fact. I’ve seen no ballistic report. All I saw was the report that a deformed bullet in the hair of the deceased.
Q. From what you read of the file – from what you read, you didn’t see any ballistics?
A. You gave me no copy of a ballistics report.
Q. And from everything that you studied, is there any way to formulate an expert opinion as to whether a rifle or handgun would be more likely one than the other?
A. Not from the autopsy. I don’t see how.

…

BY MR. FRY:

…

Q. We made everything we had available to you; is that right?
A. You showed me the four pictures that you were going to use.
Q. You’re familiar with a shotgun shell that’s a slug shotgun rather than a pellet; is that correct?
A. Yes, I am. I believe I’ve done two autopsies in which that was the fatal instrument.
Q. This shotgun shell that you can buy, instead of having normal pellets in it, it has one slug in it, right?
A. Right.
Q. Very powerful slug?
A. Right.
Q. So when Mr. Lance asked you could this have been this injury caused our victim in this case, if it was caused by a rifle, you would say yes, correct?
A. Yes.
Q. And it could have also been caused by a shotgun slug fired from a shotgun?
A. Yes. I was waiting for that question from Horton – Mr. Lance.
Q. I was too. So now that I am asking it, could it have been fired by a shotgun?
A. Yes. It would surprise me, because I would expect the entry to be bigger, but I can’t tell you that it wasn’t.
Q. But it was contact, right?
A. Yes. That’s very clear.
Q. And the shotgun slug, when it’s a contact wound, that slug is going to be right through the head, isn’t it?
A. So are the other types of ammunition.
Q. Right, but that shotgun slug would, right?
A. Yes, counsel.
Q. And it just goes right back out of the back of the head and keeps on going, doesn’t it?
A. Yeah. I don’t know if any such thing was found. I don’t know. I got no ballistic report.
Q. Let me show you an autopsy photo, and I’m referring to Exhibit No. 16; is that right?
A. Yes.
Q. Now, that’s the back of the victim’s head, isn’t it?
A. That’s correct.
Q. And that’s consistent with the shotgun slug or the rifle bullet or a high-powered handgun bullet going right back out of that head, isn’t it?
A. That’s right.

(No further questions from either Mr. Fry or Mr. Lance.)


Date: May 15, 2004
From: Lyn Hillman

It's me again. I have a question. Did anyone put on the testimony of a ballistics expert. I read the facts in the appellate opinion, and it seemed not. In my opinion, I think a ballistics expert could prove Byron's innocence to a scientific certainty.

Anastasia died of a gunshot wound. The description of her injuries and the condition of the body when found rules out a shotgun. Shotguns don't fire bullets like one found in her hair. They fire shot (small pellets) that leave a particularly messy corpse. Anybody who has ever seen a close range shotgun blast, knows that.

Also, Kelley described a gun, in her initial statement, with side by side barrels. That could only be a shotgun. Kelley did not describe a handgun, so rule them out. That leaves only rifles, which do not have side by side barrels (at least not any I'm familiar with).

I think Byron needs a ballistics expert. If his attorney didn't get one, that's his ground for ineffective assistance. But he still has to file a direct appeal to the state supreme court unless they have a rule specifically stating he doesn't have to file one.

Hope it helps,
Lyn Hillman


Date: May 15, 2004
From: Lyn Hillman

I am a public defender, for the feds (please don't judge me), who was asked by someone to look this case over. Please let Byron know that, in order to get into federal court, he MUST appeal to the highest court of the state of conviction prior to filing his ineffective assistance paperwork. If he already has, please disregard.

Lyn Hillman


Date: April 13, 2004
From: Sarah Milliard

Greetings. I am Chad Solomon's girlfriend of 1 1/2 years. I used to hang out with Byron years ago. I don't mean to cause you any more grief, but I don't think Byron would ever do anything he was accused of. EVER. I don't know Kelly but I read the Pitch article on Byron's case and I think she is the lowest for of human being in flesh. I feel an injustice in myself for what happened to Byron. I think, 'with that little evidence why didn't they blame me or the pope, or the mayor or the CRAPPY LAWYERS IN THE CASE. It was not a matter or Byron. It is a matter of an insubstantial judicial system. take care, these truely are hard times.


Date: March 8, 2004
From: Jay Jessop

Evelyn,

Hi... it's Jay (Byron's old cell-mate) and I just wanted to write and send my support for what you're going through. I've just now gotten on a level where I am able to support myself, and things are starting to work out. So, I now offer any help you guys may need. I can't believe he hasn't heard anything yet, but as I was telling him... them taking so long doesn't mean it isn't a good thing... just keep that in mind. I have complete faith in his eventual release. I've been trying to do little things like get music to Sunshine for him, but my writing slumped off there for awhile while I've been getting used to three or four different jobs through a temp service... I now have a good full-time job, and know know how my time will be scheduled, so I will be able to get back with him more regularly. There hasn't been too many days that I haven't thought back on Byron and what he is going through. So if there is ANYTHING I can do please feel free to contact me.

Thinking of you all,

Jay


Date: January 11, 2004
From: Nichole D. Sayles

From the day that I saw the news headlines, that Byron was going to be tried for murder I was shocked, I worked with Byron for about a year at the Holiday Inn Express in Westport, not only I but all management and all customers held Byron to the highest standards. I not only respected him as a human being but as a co worker and as an intellectual, he was by far the smartest most creative person that I had met at the time and I have still never never met anyone like him to this day. I fell that from the time that I knew Byron I am confident that he is innocent, a little bit of my faith in the Justice system was crushed the day he was found guilty, the only thing that Byron was guilty of was being an independent person, he was a person that stood outside of the box, he was a quiet, very intelligent person, and as we know most people are afraid of people like him, because he is of an intellectual threat, not a physical threat. I would like to send my sincere apology for what has happened and If there is anything that I could ever do, please let me know, I would also like to send out love to Byron from Joy the front desk manager at the Holiday Inn who was devestated with the news of a Conviction.


Date: December 28, 2003
From: christa elder

First off with the court system being somewhat better now why don't you see if you could have a re-trial. Like do they know that they don't have enough evidence to back this up. Sorry I am making no since, I am just really disturbed by this.


Date: December 22, 2003
From: Gretchen

You know me from my Yahoo name []. We missed meeting each other at a punk show. You disappeared from sight until I received a message from your friends. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. I have looked all the things on this website and hers. I am not sure what to think. I dont know if it means much but if you want someone to talk to who has no preconceived ideas about any of this, you can talk to me.


Date: November 25, 2003
From: Marion and Agnes Bird

It is our opinion that a person should not be convicted by one person who has a history of drug use and has mental health issues. We believe the Byron is wrongfully convicted and should be released unless there is more evidence.


Date: November 8, 2003
From: Luis Lara

Hey Byron how are you? this is Luis your neighbor i've been wanted to write to you for a long time i heard is your b-day on the 23rd hope you have a good one.


Date: November 21, 2003
From: Gabriel Kneisley

Byron,

This is Gabe. I talked to your mother, and while talking, I had an idea. Earlier this year, members of several of the most famous EBM and Synthpop bands got together and did a charity side project called Bruderschaft. All of the proceeds of the albums went to cancer charities. The year before, Henry Rollins reunited with black flag for the first time since their breakup to record an album in support of the "West Memphis 6." These kinds of projects are capable of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as exponentially raising awareness for a case.

I would recommend that you explore this idea as thouroughly as possible. I would imagine that you will need to set up a trust of some sort to accept the money with. You could also look into actually creating some sort of charity that deals with seeking fair trials for those who are impoverished. That way, potential donors could possibly write off their contributions as charitable donations.

To go about it, I would recommend that you put together a packet, including in it things like:
Letters from friends and family about yourself and their views of the situation...
Excerpts from trial transcripts detailing the specifics of the lack of evidence...
An explanation of the events as you remember them...
A synopsis of Missouri law and the sentence that you face...
Photos of you (looking your most goth, as well as normal ones) to show how you may have been judged more on your appearance and musical tastes...
A copy of all the suspicious things about Annastasia's father, and an impassioned essay about how his thirst for vengeance blinded justice...

Essentially, you need to tell them in terms that will evoke their sympathy, why they should help you. It may be best to have your mother do it for you. Projects like this really do generate a LOT of money, and outside exposure and support that you don't really have the network to generate.

Anyway, that should be enough to start with. If you want to do this, I can come up with a lot more bands and try to get label and artist contacts (I don't really know that many though). You have to make sure and get a hold of the artists and not their managers. The managers get ZERO money for projects like this, and would like to see their artists doing more financially lucrative work.

Well, Good Luck!

Gabriel Kneisley


Date: July 13, 2003
From: Sharon

My name is Sharon and I spoke with my son this morning, he shares a cell with your son at Cross Roads. My sons name is Jamie. Jamie told me about your web site. I just wanted to let you know a little about Jamie, somehow it helps. (I know). Jamie is in prison for stealing. He never used a weapon, he has never been violent. To make a very long story short, He stole several times, got sent to a minimum security facility (Boonesville) decided he didn't want to be there and escaped. Which gave him an automatic 5 years in a maximum security facility. I was very touched by your story. I hope it doesn't upset you, that it made me realize the situation I'm in with my son, doesn't seem nearly as awful now, compared to yours. My heart goes out to you. I know the system, and how awful it is to not have any money. Jamie even did what he was accused of and it still tore my heart out. Just know, that Jamie is a very good kid. He has a heart of gold and would never harm any one. He also has a wonderful sense of humor. So much so that the last person he stole from, made him lunch as they waited on the police..... Jamie is a genius. I mean that literally. He was tested and has a genuis level IQ. He also has a compulsive personality, which in his case made him very bored, of course it's way too long a story to tell in an e-mail. I just wanted you to know, Jamie thinks your son is innocent. I can't imagine and don't ever want to know what your going through. I just felt a connection with you, since our sons have been thrown together through such horrible circumstances. And maybe you'd sleep a bit better knowing the cell mate of your son was just a kid who stole some stuff. My baby gets out on Nov. 30th, I will get to spend my first Christmas in 7 years with him. Good luck to you. If you need-- I have an ear to listen.

Sincerely,

Sharon


Date: June 15, 2003
From: James McCann

Dear Byron,

I hope you remember who this is. We met a few times through Bianca. Tonight I found a piece of paper that she had given me several months ago with this website's address. I must say I am very moved by the information I've read. I remember when Bianca first told me of your arrest. I couldn't believe it. Though I don't know you well, I know in my heart that you couldn't do such a horrific thing.

The few times we did meet I sensed a bit of tension between us, and understandably so. I want you to know that I harbor no ill feelings toward you. If you remember, we hung out the night my car was stolen at Bianca's apartment. That night sticks out in memory like it was yesterday. We built the 3D White House puzzle (What ever happened to that puzzle? Did it receive the untimely fate it deserved?) and watched a few movies (Repo Man and some Ewan McGreggor film that I can't find to rent). Before finding out my car had been stolen, that was a very fun night. And I will have you know that the bad dreadlocks are gone (phew). I was actually thinking about that day earlier this week. Strange coincidence.

So I guess this message doesn't make much sense. I ramble sometimes. Anyway, I would like to do something to support your cause. I can't really donate any money, but if there is something I can do, let me know. I wish I were a praying man so that I could say one for you.

Sincerely,
-James McCann


Date: February 4, 2003
From: Monique Findlayter

Byron...you don't know me but I met your mother when she was here in Toronto (Canada) for the Wrongly Convicted Conference...just to let you know...with all the info that I got from that conference...I'm now working on a 1/2 hour documentary on the wrongly convicted...and you are gonna be one of my feature stories along with "Hurrincane" Carter, Steven Crawford, David Milgaard...I'm sure my mom has told you about them...my main objective is to get the word out about all the wrongly convicted...this is currently my last semester in the Radio-Broadcasting program...after that...out into the big world...and one of my mission is to get the word about you and others and then go from there...I haven't forgotten about your case or about your Mom..! .I'm praying for you and stay strong...one day we'll be able to meet...until then...keep strong and the Lord is on your side...

Monique Findlayter