Archive for November, 2008

Bad — but not unexpected — ruling in the Shanley case

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Dear Friend of Justice,

I learned today that Judge Neel turned down the new-trial motion in the Paul Shanley case. While this decision saddens and angers me, it was what I was expecting. I attended the trial and the hearing on the new-trial motion. Neel made it obvious that he didn’t understand the issues involved, including the difference between repression and forgetting.

I have not read the decision and I am not in a hurry to do so. I don’t want to lose my appetite completely on the day before Thanksgiving. If you have a strong stomach, let me know and I will send the document to you.

Robert Shaw, Shanley’s appellate attorney, is intelligent, dedicated, and hard-working. I know that he will do a stellar job before the Appeals Court. My hope is that he will draw three fair, intelligent, and courageous judges.

-Bob Chatelle

Posted in Innocents, Memory, Shanley | No Comments »

More Pen Pals Sought

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

Dear Friend of Justice,

Recently I asked for a few people to write to the prisoner that I’ve been calling “Kevin.” But there are a great many people behind bars who need correspondents. (I have a list here:

http://www.bobchatelle.net/please-write-to-a-prisoner/

There are three I would like to mention whom I think would especially benefit from some outside friends.

One is Elsie Oscarson, wrongfully convicted of sexually abusing her own children. You can read about her case here.

Elsie’s address is:

Elsie Oscarson
T80574 (Algon unit)
MCI-Framingham
P. O. Box 9007
Framingham, MA 01704

The other person is Ryan Smith, falsely accused at 13 and sent to prison at 15. (Read his story here.) Ryan is currently scheduled for release in June, when he turns 25. He needs help preparing for this transition. If you’d like to write to Ryan, please email me.

The third person is Paul Litchfield, another innocent person convicted in Berkshire County. You can read Paul’s story here. Last Saturday, Paul’s sister, Patricia, died after a long battle with cancer. It has been very difficult for Paul, not being able to be with his family at this time. You can send a sympathy card or note of condolence to him:

Paul Litchfield W80607 T103A
NCCI Gardner
500 Colony Road
PO Box 466
Gardner, MA 01440

In a couple of weeks, when the holiday season is upon us, I will post a message asking people to send cards to prisoners.

-Bob Chatelle

Posted in Innocents | 1 Comment »