Still on Death Row, Despite Mounting Doubts: Mr. Elmore has been on death row for 20 years. Though he was convicted by two juries -- his first conviction was overturned on technical grounds -- he has always maintained his innocence. His lawyers argue that he was framed by investigators who planted evidence and lied in court. They also say they have DNA evidence that casts doubt on Mr. Elmore's guilt.
One might expect such contentions from defense lawyers. But further doubts about Mr. Elmore's convictions have been raised by others, including the medical examiner whose autopsy report was critical in his arrest and conviction, who now says she has reservations about how the state used her findings. A retired F.B.I. forensics expert, hired by South Carolina, calls a state report that linked Mr. Elmore to the crime "a fraud." [...] Though doubts about his guilt have been raised over the years — including the lawyers' assertions about the DNA testing of evidence that the state said it had lost — Mr. Elmore, who has an I.Q. of 75 and a fifth-grade education, has not been able to get a new trial.
In other words, South Carolina is determined to kill him, because it's easier to execute a man than to admit that it could have made mistakes. And mistakes were certainly made in this case, with evidence repeatedly "misplaced" and misidentified, evidence of professional malfeasance or incompetence ... there is no reason for South Carolina to refuse a new trial for this man other than hubris and embarrassment. At this point, it's reasonably certain that Mr Elmore's habeas corpus appeals have been exhausted; his only chance is for his attorneys to produce such overwhelming evidence of his innocence that South Carolina is embarrassed into a new trial or a dismissal of charges. Since, to some extent, this requires the cooperation of the state, I think it's reasonable to state that it won't happen. (For that matter, it would only requre the state to pay attention to the experts who have already filed opinions. Which, of course, they will not do.)
The fun will come when South Carolina actually schedules him for execution and his attorneys file for a stay, citing the Supreme Court opinion against executing the retarded. South Carolina will certainly assert that he is not retarded, that he understands what he's done (regardless of the fact that his actual assertion is that he hasn't done it). The state has to be careful, of course, because if the appeal gets too involved, then evidence of actual innocence may work its way in, and then the state is screwed.
Posted by iain at July 08, 2002 10:55 PMComments
The hairs found under Mrs. Edwards's fingernails were they ever tested for DNA, If so what were the results of that DNA testing?
Posted by Sonja at August 22, 2002 10:06 PMHaving just watched the Court TV coverage of this case it is clear to me that Mr. Elmore is inoccent. Also has the DNA of the neighbor been obtained, if so what did that show?
Posted by Michael McNabb at October 21, 2002 07:58 PMI just watched the Court TV special also. It certainly seems that there is more than a "reasonable doubt" in this case. Also, thought I empathize with the victim's daughter, I think she should always retain a doubt of her own since no case can be 100% accurate without DNA. If she truly wants justice, she should never cease remaining curious without definintive evidence against Mr. Elmore.
Posted by at October 21, 2002 08:12 PMI watched the coverage last night in its entirety and was also left with puzzling concerns. First, the victim's daughter said the next door neighbor was like a member of the family. So, why then was he so apprehensive at entering the house alone, when he discovered the door ajar. Hadn't he entered the house numerous times before without making an event of entrance? Was the neighbor's body exhumed. Was the neighbor the owner of the single causian hair that was found? Did Mr. Elmore shave while he was in the victim's bed? Why was there so much pubic hair found in the bed? Was there 100% certainty that it was, in fact, pubic hair? Were the 30+ strands of pubic hairs DNA tested and determined with 99-100% accuracy to belong to Mr. Elmore. Also, where can I obtain more background info on this case? Did Mr. Elmore received adequate and thorough representation? Weren't there some compelling doubts early on? Was anything done prior to now to try and prove Mr. Elmore's innocence?
Posted by doretha at October 22, 2002 10:18 AMI, too, watched the recent re-broadcast of the Court TV special questioning the validity of the evidence imposed against Mr. Elmore.
These thoughts came to my mind:
1. I do not believe for one minute that Dorothy Edwards would let anyone in her house (except her daughter or a female close friend) while she was dressed in a bathrobe with not a stitch on underneath the bathrobe. If James Holloway was such a "friend" of Mrs. Edwards and would help around the house as he did for the many years as reported in the telecast that he did, then I think Mrs. Edwards gave him a key to check on her and help around the house as frequently as was reported; he let himself inside the house the day (or the night) she was killed by using the key. I do not believe the door was "ajar" when he came to "check" on the house as a result of his seeing Mrs. Edwards' car there (Mr. Holloway said she had told him she was going out of town for a few days). Did anyone check to see if that was true - that Mrs. Edwards was going to go out of town that weekend. If she had been planning on leaving town to go visit someone (family(?), friends(?)), certainly someone would have noted her not arriving in her not reaching the destination within the timeframe leaving point "a" to get to point "b." Surely, whoever she was going to see would have called to check on her or call a neighbor to go check on her. Did that happen?
2. Mrs. Edwards' daughter commented that her mother was very dependent on the Holloways. Understanding that to mean plural Holloways, was Mr. Holloway married, widowed, or divorced when Mrs. Edwards' died?
3. After "coming upon" the murder scene, Mr. Holloway goes to the neighbor Mildred Clark to come back with him to hunt for Mrs. Edwards. How did he know he was not taking her (Ms. Clark) into a dangerous situation - how would he know the one who had done these terrible things to Mrs. Edwards was not in the house somewhere? When he first was there at the house, didn't he call out for Mrs. Edwards (assuming that he didn't kill her). If so, and having no answer, why didn't he go next door to call the police from the neighbor's house? Why did he put on gloves when he brought Ms. Clark with him to hunt for Mrs. Edwards? I find it very suspicious that he just "happened to have" a pair or work gloves on his person in his going over to the house to see if Mrs. Edwards was at home and if she was okay. And in his "happening to have the gloves," he puts the gloves on to open the door to the closet.
4. Was the alleged large amount of pubic hairs - did it ever exist - examined? Did the examination show that the hairs were pulled, cut, or shaven? I do not believe Mrs. Edwards would have had the strength to pull out a handful of pubic hairs while she was being attacked. Her perpetrator would have had control over her and her movements while he was raping her. Did pictures of Mr. Elmore's genital area show that a handful amount of pubic hairs was missing?
5. With the advancement of forensic science since the date of her death, was Mrs. Edwards' body exhumed for re-examination for any evidence that would now be detected?
6. Were there any semen samples kept and evaluated?
7. From what I learned as a result of the Court TV presentation, I do believe Edward Lee Elmore should be allowed a new trial and all the evidence - old and new - should be re-evaluated and presented.
8. I do believe an injustice has happened in finding Edward Lee Elmore guilty of this crime and sentencing him to death.
9. It is my personal belief that Mr. Holloway murdered Dorothy Edwards. I think he let himself inside Mrs. Edwards' home, forced himself upon her sexually, and in her struggling to refuse him, he picked up the ashtray to silence/immobilize her, resulting in his killing her.
I believe that based on the evidence, that, Mr. Elmore did not kill Mrs. Edwards. The lawyers need to talk to someone higher up than that Judge. What a horrible tragedy it will be if that man is executed. Hooray for these lawyers that keep fighting for him. Let's hope someone listens to what they are saying before it is too late.
Posted by Dorien at November 22, 2002 10:33 PMThe CourtTV presentation said that Elmore's pants and sneakers had blood stains. Have those been DNA tested? If they match the victim, it would be hard to maintain his innocence. If they don't match, it would be hard to maintain his guilt.
Posted by at November 23, 2002 01:15 AMCaroline's questions are all right on point. As just one instance, who was she going to visit? Was it verified? Did the person where the intended visit was to take place confirm this? If not, why not?
Another thought occurred while I watched: blood was asserted to be on Elmore's pants - and was stated to be of the same 'type' as the victim's. Of course there was no DNA testing in 1982, so no truly definitive tests were available.
Not true, of course, today. Where is that evidence (Elmore's pants, and the blod on them). Has an attempt been made to do a match? I have no idea how this evidence was stored - but if not degraded, it may still be possible to attempt the match.
Similarly with the 40 pubic hairs. If pulled out with root, nuclear DNA typing might still be attempted. If not, at least mitochondrial DNA typing could be done. While not as specific, certainly, as nuclear DNA typing, it could immediately EXclude Elmore - or could be consistent with the mitochondrial DNA take from his hair today.
These are simple tests (or, the questions posed are easy to answer): try them to see if they can still be done - assuming evidence collected at the time has not so degraded as to make meaningful testing impossible.
Posted by Steve at November 23, 2002 01:19 AMI too just watched this on Court TV. One question that is bugging the crap out of me is How much blood evidence was found on Mr. Elmore's clothing? Looking at the photographs in the program of the crime scene, there would have had to have been quite a bit of blood on those clothes. I also wonder why there were no photographs taken of the bed during the investigation, if the suspected pubic hair was pulled out or if it was cut...and if the original investigators pulled or cut Mr Elmore's pubic hair to use in comparison, also what did they determine as the actual cause of death? In the program it was stated all of the stab wounds were superficial, not life threatening all of them were less than an inch deep. What killed her?
Posted by at November 23, 2002 02:38 AMHaving just seen the episode on Court TV, we definitely begin to question the complete question of guilt for Elmore.
But based on seeing only a building case for Elmores' innocence but still with incomplete coverage, the key issues I would comment on are:
1. DNA evidence: we cannot go further without knowing the results of who's blood it is on Elmore's pants and shoes, or fingernails.
2. As the person above pointed out... the many pubic hairs found on the bed, are they cut or do they have roots - very IMPORTANT. If they are cut - this is rather suspicious as it can indicate planting of evidence. If they have roots... back to DNA - who's is it?
3. Nobody lets anyone when dressed in a night robe unless they absolutely trust them. There was NO sign of breakin - so she knew her attacker.
4. Mr Holloway: IF Mr. Hollowoy did have keys - he cannot be ruled out as a suspect.
- What is Mr. Holloway's records indicate - he needs to be intensively examined. His DNA - temper - his job - childhood - dating patterns (habits during his life on who he was attracted to or dated) - career... we need much more bio info on this gentleman. Bio of personal info about his career, what his major was, personality, records.
- What I find is extremely suspicious is grabbing a neighbor to sort of have a witness to show off the scene to... this needs to be seriously examined. I would understand the fear of not entering a room, but to bring someone else to examine it is almost premeditated.
5. Elmore: What is his bio? Temperament - DNA? Who else did he wash windows for... need to interview them. His friends - what do they think.
Overall, there are just too many fishy things to not look at other suspects. This could be a case in which in which a typical underpriviledged individual in a definite sided area can lead to injustice. But the main issue I am waiting for is DNA evidence. Everything will be thrown out if the DNA isn't matching, and would lead to a great embarrasment and personifying other innocents people who could have already been persecuted.
The evidence for a retrial is building - missing evidence - ridiculous amounts of pubic hairs (a couple pubic hairs I would believe - but 40 is almost like planting evidence knowing it can't be proven otherwise (IE. this is before the DNA era at the time... so the killer could have known how to cover it up), the FBI profiler mentioning that this was probably done unplanned but by a smart killer, Barry Scheck involvement - a prominent lawyer wouldn't get involved on uncircumstantial evidence, Fellow prisoner lying in court and now changing his mind - this needs to be thrown out, Examiner Doctor who cannot guarantee the time of death - her time of death during the past trials also needs to be thrown out.
If the S. Carolina court feels he is guilty - then they have nothing to worry if he gets another trial along with the new tests of DNA, or do they?
Posted by david at November 23, 2002 02:56 AMi think he is really stupid and he is really brave to do that stuff over there. he is the most discusting person in the world i think.....
thanks misty williams from tennessee
If the public hairs had been pulled out, were there any found on the fingers of the dead woman? There must be a ton of DNA evidence now..as in 1982 DNA was not available. What is the explanation for the blood on Elmore's clothes?
Posted by Yvonne at February 19, 2003 09:39 AMFor GOD sake.....Test the DNA already....This is just a terrible tragedy all the way around..But even more so if this man is truly innocent....If someday he is found INNOCENT...May he sue the pants off of that so called PROSECUTION team....
Posted by Sheila at February 20, 2003 08:18 PMI truely beleive in Mr.Elmore innocents. I was looking at the "SYSTEM" and all I kept saying is I wish I had the money to get him a good defense team. Because us of color have no chance in Society today unless we have money.I can't sleep knowing that man have no chance. All i can do is keep Praying. Only god,and Mrs.Edwards know what really went on in her home that night. And if the person thats dead did this to her,well he have to answer to god and her because hes facing reality now. i hope he gets a new trail. he deserves that much before they take his life. please make sure everything work out for him.
Posted by Lakeisha Sillah at February 20, 2003 10:16 PMI WATCHED THE SYSTEM LAST NIGHT AND I ALMOST CRIED. I THINK THAT A TERRIBLE INJUSTICE HAS BEEN COMMITTED. THE EVIDENCE OR THE LACK THERE OF JUST DOESN'T CONVINCE ME THAT MR. ELMORE COMMITTED THIS HORRIBLE CRIME. I THINK THAT IT WAS EASIER FOR THE POLICE TO BLAME SOMEONE ELSE THAN TO ENTERTAIN THE THOUGHT THAT MAYBE HER NEIGHBOR COULD BE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SUSPECT. COME ON IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A CITY OR STATE WHERE INVESTIGATORS ARE NOT SO ANAL AND HAVE AN OUNCE OF INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS MR. ELMORE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ON DEATH ROW FOR 21 YEARS. THEN THERE ARE THE TRIAL JUDGE(S)..... WHAT SCHOOL DID THEY GRADUATE FROM??? IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MR. ELMORE WILL BE EXECUTED OR HE WILL DIE IN JAIL. I AM SURE THAT HE HAS BEEN DOING THAT FOR THE LAST 21 YEARS KNOWING THAT HE IS INNOCENT. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HIS NEW TRIAL WITH ALL EVIDENCE BEING QUESTIONED, MR. HOLLOWAYS BODIED SHOULD BE EXUMATED FOR DNA, MRS. EDWARDS AS WELL. I AM SURE THAT IF SOMEONE IS ATTACKING YOU NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE YOU ARE GOING TO SCRATCH DO WHATEVER TO GET THAT PERSON OFF YOU. SO AGAIN MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO MR. ELMORE AND HIS FAMILY AND ALSO FOR THE FAMILY OF MRS. EDWARDS, I JUST DON'T FEEL THAT THE STATE HAS THE RIGHT MAN.
Posted by T. LaChae at February 21, 2003 09:09 AMI think that this case is a terrible injustice to Mr. Elmore. Speaking as someone who is from the South (Georgia), I feel like the evidence against Mr. Elmore was planted. To tell you all the truth, it seems like Mr. Elmore did not have a high enough IQ to commit this crime. Ever since I watched the system last night this case has been bugging me. I am praying for Mr. Elmore because this case seems like, and is such an example of injustice. I know that at the end of The System, it said that Mr. Holloway's body was going to be exhumed, I would love to know what happened with that. I have been trying to research this crime this morning, and could find nothing about this. Can anyone out there help? Also, I think that the South Carolina court system, and the Greenwood police should be willing to admit that they made a mistake. Mr. Elmore's family has missed out on approximately 21 years of his life, and I just hope that Mr. Elmore gets released so that his family does not have to live with his execution. I also pray for Mrs. Edward's family because I know that it would have to be hard to have the man you believe murdered your mother to be released from jail after approximately 21 years. This case stinks in every way that you look at it. I hope that some of you all will help me understand your points of view, and also help me to find a way to find out more information. Thank you all.
Posted by Michelle at February 21, 2003 10:12 AMI too watched The System. I came here to see if I could find out if any DNA testing has been done since that show was filmed. Does anyone know? It would seem to me that if the blood on his pants was not the victim's then it would be hard to even place Mr. Elmore at the scene of the crime, let alone be the murderer.
I think I'll see if I can find a website for The Innocence Project.
Hey, anyone out there...I think the Innocence Project is a wonderful thing! I think there should be a LAW that every bit of evidence in any crime that could show DNA, it should AUTOMATICALLY be tested. There should never have to be any court orders, etc. It should just automatically be done.
But here's the other question...Barry Sheck, the guy in charge of The Innocence Project, uses DNA every day to get innocent people out of jail. Why is it that during the O.J Simpson trail, he acted as if DNA evidence just wasn't that reliable????? No matter how many people he helps today, I hope he has guilt that he allowd a murdered to walk free.
Posted by Cecilia at February 21, 2003 04:09 PMI, like many of you have just got done watching the Court T.V. show The System. I am a little more than intrigued as to exactly why noone would want the real killer in prison. I watched the show half in disappointment that there was no newer updates than 2001, And in total awe that the state of South Carolina is so eager to protect that of a guilty ex councilman. I have never before been so interested in a case I saw on television before. I am now pondering the thoughts of how many more people there could be like Mr. Elmore. If I could get a message to Mr. Elmore I would look him in the eyes and tell him "For all intents I believe that the justice system is a fairly good one, However, For you I am deeply ashamed at the conduct of certain persons that have had such a personal and negative force in your life!" Myself, I am a white person that has never had any racial issues and probably never will. The fact that such a travesty can be so prolonged is just mind boggling. If any single person has just watched the show I just got done watching and feels differently, I urge you to take a look into your life and try to find your sense of justice!!!!
Posted by John Ahlberg at February 23, 2003 10:27 PMI teach two Criminal Investigation classes to high school students. Many of the students, as well as myself, agree that someone else committed the crime and why was Mr. Holloway not questioned further?
We are curious to know if Mr. Holloway's body was exhumed?
Is any new info on this case available yet? How curious.
Posted by Mary at February 25, 2003 03:37 PMMr. Elmore was granted cert June 12, 2003 from the SC Supreme Court. YAAHHH!
Posted by ALL at June 14, 2003 04:00 PMI watched the Court TV presentation of "The Wrong Man" tonight. It is truly a tragedy that a woman should die in such an horrific way. I am not an expert in the field, but I have to say that there absolutely should be a new trial. The pants need to be tested, such an abundance of pubic hair is of great suspicion to me. That there was no forced entry is also suggestive of the fact that the victim knew the killer, given the fact that she was wearing nothing but a robe. I truly hope that justice will be served, and quickly. It would be a true tragedy to let a guilty man out of prison, but an equal tragedy to keep an innocent man for 21 years for perhaps no more reason than to save embarrassment for those who may have tainted, planted or hidden evidence. I hope that the eventual outcome of this conviction will give peace to both families.
Posted by Sarah at June 22, 2003 02:36 AMI saw the show last night on Court TV about Edward Lee Elmore and cannot stop thinking about it. So they are going to do the DNA testing on everything and are they going to give him a new trial based on if they find it is not a match? I was reading some of the other comments and I think that the neighbor killed her. I bet that he went over there and tried something with her and it got violent. Also if she suposedly died on the 16th of Jan why did the neighbor not discover her body until the 18th considering that he was the neighbor and like one of the family and she depended so much on them. Also, I read on another article that the skin found underneath her nails was from a caucasion not a black man. I think that he will be found innocent if he gets another trial but half of his life is gone poor man. If anyone hears any updates please keep everyone posted thanks.
Posted by Tamara Balderas at June 22, 2003 11:59 PMJust watched The System episode about this case tonight and am trying to find out what the status of this travesty is at this point in time. Many fine points presented here. One other to consider. The victim was stabbed 50+ times and her blood was all over the place, but only a "couple of drops" managed to find it's way to Mr. Elmore's pants and shoes???
Posted by Jeff at September 10, 2003 08:20 PMAfter watching the case of Mr. Elroy. I can't help but feel how in the year 2003, A black man is still considered a second hand citizen, if second hand. Being a mental health professional with the understanding of the different degrees of Mental retardation, I can attest that the things that the prosecutor says Mr. Elroy did is not feasible to a man with mental retardation. The planning, the meticulous manner in which thing were done and oh yeah the T.V. Guide set up was perfect for a neighbor who may have seen Mr. Elroy and had ample time to set it up as if he did it on the night the T.V. was set to. Because there was no proof of time of death, The neighbor could have killed the victim on Friday, knowing that Mr. Elroy worked for her on a Saturday. But it doesn't matter if he receives a new trial or not. He's been dying for the past 20 years as well as his family. Question? Where are the damn mental health professionals in South Carolina?
Posted by Bryan K. at September 10, 2003 08:55 PMI agree with Jeff about the blood. If Mr. Elmore really was the one who stabbed her, he would have been COVERED in blood. South Carolina seems to have a consipracy against him. It is amazing that the prosecution is so sure that the neighbor did not do it. Did anyone else think that the prosecutor was a total jerk? Also, does anyone know if South Carolina will allow him another trial? I think it's fishy that they keep denying the defense's requests.
Posted by Stacy at September 10, 2003 08:59 PMI TOO, JUST WATCHED THE COURT TV SPECIAL AND IN THE TITLE IT ASK.. DO THEY HAVE THE WRONG MAN? WELL IT DOESN'T TAKE A VERY SMART PERSON TO SEE BY ALL THE EVIDENCE, OR LACK THERE OF THAT THIS MAN ISN'T THE MURDER. AS STATED SHE WAS NAKED IN A HOUSE ROBE, AND IF IT WAS 9 OR SO LATE AT NIGHT SHE WOULDN'T LET ELMORE IN. HE HAD ONLY BEEN THERE TO CLEAN HER WINDOWS ONCE RIGHT? THE PROFILER ALSO SAID THAT THIS WAS A VERY SMART PERSON WHOM COULD WORK UNDER PRESSURE AT ANY TIME, NOT INSULTING ELMORE, BUT HE HAD AN IQ OF 75...I MEAN COME ON NOW! IF ANY ONE HAS AN UPDATE SINCE 2001 PLEASE CONTACT ME. ...FREE THIS MAN AND LET HIM AND HIS FAMILY ENJOY WHAT LIFE HE HAS LEFT, BEFORE THE STUPID PEOPLE FROMS. CAROLINA TAKE IT FROM HIM. THANK YOU, JENNIFER, IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Posted by JENNIFER at September 10, 2003 09:20 PMI just finished watching "the system", the story about Mr.Elmore, it is so obvious that he is innocent and the neighbour was the murderer.I would like to know what has happened to him this present day and pray that he hasn't reached an injustice fate! Is there a site where we can sign a petition to help Edward get a re-trial he so obviously deserves.
Posted by Crystal at September 11, 2003 12:08 AMI could never know what Elmore has been through, I can only pray that nobody else will ever have to indure the injustice that has been forced upon this poor black man. I shed tears while watching this show. 21 years of this innocent mans life has been robbed from him, and where I come from robbery is a crime!! Further more the evidence that was presented in all three trials surely indicates that this was a crime of passion(meaning that whoever killed this woman had to have known her personally to kill her with so much passion)over kill if you will, even so much to the point that even after she died he still kept stabbing her!!I mean think about it, if it was Elmore, why would he kill her? What was his motive? And wouldnt you think he wouldve did it as quick as possible and got the fuck out of there? Also nothing was missing from her house, not even a 10,000 dollar ring that was an arms length away from the body? I cant even explain my feelings anymore --- May god bless Elmore and set him free!!
Posted by Concerned at September 11, 2003 03:08 AMIt is stated above that on June 12, 2003 Mr. Elmore was granted cert by the SC Supreme Court. For those that don't know this basically means that the Supreme Court thinks that the evidence and transcripts of the last trial and newly discovered (it was mysteriously missing for 15 years, but was quickly located in about 15 min in the evidence room)warrant an in depth review. This is a VERY GOOD thing. I, like most of you, find it very difficult to believe that the last judge denied the motion for a new trial. Of course, I am very empathetic to the victim's family but I would not want an innocent man put to death. I can try and understand the family's refusal to really look at everything. We have become a society so focused on "closure" that it sometimes clouds our objectivity. I feel that Mr. Elmore was focused on because #1 he is African American, #2 he is not very intelligent. Of course his fingerprints were found on the outside of the house; HE CLEANED HER FREAKIN WINDOWS!!!I am originally from Louisiana and even though desegregation happened many years ago racisim is still prevalent. I also think that the pompass, egotistical prosecutor should be disbarred if for no other reason than he is a complete and total JACKASS. If anyone knows where to obtain any SC Supreme Court opinions please post them. If I find any I certainly will. Good Luck and prayers to Mr. Elmore and his poor family. I hope they know that there are so many behind them.
Posted by Nicole at September 11, 2003 03:42 AMI agree with everyone above. This is just rididculous. This man has lost 21 years out of his life. I just don't understand how it could be so obvious to everyone but the prosecuting attorneys and the judges. The pubic hairs, to me, was a dead give away that something was not right. Also, the lack of blood on Elmore's clothes and the fact that the Medical Examiner could not pin point a time of death. I was really disturbed by that. I really hope and pray that he is granted and new trial and freed. May God bless Edward and his family.
Posted by Me-Me at September 11, 2003 09:11 AMI watched The System last night about Mr. Elmore and I am so upset that an innocent man has spent 21 years in prison. It is so obvious that he should have gotten a new trial based on the fact that new evidence surfaced. I totally believe that with today's technology, that the DNA tests would show that Mr. Elmore is innocent. I feel that they wanted to pin it on the first name they were given and didn't want to fully investigate this horrible crime. I agree with whoever said that the judge doesn't want to give this man a new trial because it would be an embarrassment that they had been so wrong. I am glad that he was granted the "cert" and only hope that they are able to do the DNA testing and for him to get a fair trial. I truly believe he is innocent and hope he can live the rest of his life with his loving family.
Posted by Tammy at September 11, 2003 04:54 PMYou can keep an eye out for the decision in Mr. Elmore's case at http://www.law.sc.edu/opinions/opinions.htm The SC Supreme Court does NOT have its own website with quick posting of opinions, so it may not be posted here for a week or more. But if you don't live in SC, you're not likely to read about it in a local newspaper and this is probably the best way to find out.
Posted by Sheila Berry at September 14, 2003 08:55 AMTo Nicole and Sheila above, thank you for the important information. And speaking as a caucasion yankee, I think the entire prosecution team should be indicted, disbarred, and publicly humiliated, in the likely event that Mr. Elmore is found innocent. This injustice is HUGE! Why is this story not getting the coverage that Rodney King's got?
Posted by Terri at September 15, 2003 12:00 AMI WATCHED THE COURT TV SHOW TONIGHT, I ALSO BELIEVE THAT MR LE ELMORE IS INNOCENT. IT MAKES ME VERY SAD TO KNOW THAT HE SPENT SO MANY YEARS FOR A CRIME THAT HE DID NOT DO. BUT, I AM ALSO GLAD THAT SOME GOOD PEOPLE LIKE BARRY SHAKE(LAST NAME SPELLING MAY NOT BE CORRECT)IS HELPING HIM. DOSE ANY ONE KNOWS THE PROGRESS OF THIS CASE?
I WILL PRAY FOR MR. ELMORE.
This is going to trouble me all night because it seems so clear how bad a job the courts have done in this case. I hope they keep appealing every time they get a chance until it is granted for him to be a free man.
Posted by Rachel at September 15, 2003 03:30 AMI WATCH THE SHOW ALSO THIS MORNING. SOMETHING CAME OVER ME THAT I KNOW THAT MR. ELMORE DIDN'T DO IT. I WAS READING THE OTHERS COMMENTS.THIS ONE LADY DORETHA POSTED ON OCTOBER 22, 2002@10:18AM
BROUGHT UP A QUESTION IN HER COMMENT. AND IT WAS "IF SHE HAD BEEN PLANNING ON LEAVING TOWN TO GO VISIT SOMEONE(FAMILY(?),FRIENDS(?)) CERTANLY SOMEONE WOULD HAVE NOTICE HER NOT ARRIVING IN HER NOT REACHING THE DESTINATION WITHIN THE TIME FRAME LEAVING POINT "A" TO GET TO POINT "B".
DID ANYONE CHECK THAT OUT YET? I AM GOING TO BE PRAYING THAT THE LORD TAKE OVER THIS CASE AND THAT JESUS PUT IT IN THE JUDGE MIND TO GIVE HIM ANOTHER TRIAL.I'M PRAYING FOR MR.ELMORE,HIS FAMILY AND HIS WONDERFUL LAWYERS!!!!! MAY GOD BLESS!!!
This case seems so cut and dry. If there is doubt in anyone's mind about the guilt or innocence of Mr. Elmore....do the DNA testing. That is all it would take to determine the truth. We all obviously have our own opinions about the case but opinions won't solve this case or free Mr. Elmore. Science can and will do that if the appropriate measure are taken to test any and all existing evidence. In 1982 the technology did not exist to determine this case beyond a shadow of a doubt using science. Now it does, so there is absolutely no excuse for this man remaining in jail without ALL evidence being fully examined. The fact that S.Carolina is not taking accountability for the errors that were made, is disgusting. If this case was handled correctly...then why was some of the evidence "misplaced"? Why were there no other suspects? And finally why is the court system still refusing to acknowledge the possibility that mistakes were made?
Posted by Jenni at September 15, 2003 11:20 AMTODAY IS 9/17/03
DOES ANYONE KNOW FOR SURE WHAT IS GOING ON WITH
THIS CASE. WHEN DOES HE GET ANOTHER TRIAL WITH
S.C.SUPREME COURT?
I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS CASE FOR QUITE A WHILE.
THIS POOR MAN HAS LOST SO MUCH OVER THE PAST 21
YRS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO DONE.
SOMEONE POSTED EARLIER REGUARDING ELMORE'S IQ
WHY HASN'T MENTAL HEALTH JUMPED IN TO HELP?
IS THERE A FUND ANYWHERE SET UP TO HELP FUND
HIS NEW TRIAL?
DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING RECENT?
I concluded from watching the tape that Edward was innocent. I truly believe that Mr Holloway committed this act of crime due to the fact that his actions were suspicious. I only wish that there was a way we could set Edward free!
Posted by Karisha at September 17, 2003 04:29 PMIf Mr Elmore had over 40+ pubic hair missing, and no signs of struggle to his groin area, wouldn't that be a huge amount of hair, wouldn't he have had a bald area?? seems to me thats alot of hair to be gone from a small area, compared to the hair on his head? Another thing.. the neighbor, WHY did he feel the need to put on gloves AFTER he went and got a friend to enter the house with him? I know if it had of been my neighbor, I would have at least checked to see if they were still alive before running off. Something doesn't seem right about that. I pray for Mr Elmore and his family. A wrong has been committed against this man. IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED!! So what if the state will lose face. THIS is a human life we're talking about. He's done enough time behind bars for something he didn't do. FREE him!
Posted by Joyce at September 21, 2003 08:52 PMEver since i watched the segment on Mr. Elmore last week it has bothered me..i too feel certain of his innosence and wish that something would be done. Along with many of the other questions already posted I have a few more...#1 did they ever really say that Ms. Edwards had been raped? and #2.was the neighbor married? Perhaps Ms. Edwards and the neighbor were having an affair and had just had sex in her bed(this would account for the caucasion hair found and for the fact she had no clothes on under her robe) then after he left his wife came over and killed Ms. Edwards(this would account for all the shallow 1" wounds-she was not strong enough to stab her deeply and as a act of rage from passion it would account for the number ofwounds) then i think the next morning when the neighbor went to see her again and found her murdered he knew right away who done it and directed the attention away from hiw wife to protect her? or maybe just prevent a scandal....but again this is just speculation since the show didn't mention if he was married.
But anyway, i will keep Mr. Elmore in my prayers and hope for the best.....t.king tennessee
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Posted by tammi at September 24, 2003 04:17 AM
