Louis Jones Killed by the United States
Louis Jones was killed by the United States on March 18, 2003
left: Copyright © 2003 Barbara M. Jones
Information from US Bureau of Prisons: #27265-077, Louis Jones, age 53, black, male, death sentence, Terre Haute USP, HWY 63 South, Terre Haute, IN, 47808, (812) 238-1531
Letter from Louis Jones, December 27, 2002:
Hey Coop,
How are you? Here's knowing through the loving grace of Almighty God this note finds all well with you. I'm okay here. Praise the Lord Almighty.
Thanks bunches for your support with the Web page. News, at one time was spread by word of mouth, then TV and radio. Now that everything has gone (e)lectronic it (news) travels further, faster and stays around.
At present my clemency plea will be submitted to the Justice Department on Monday, 30 Dec. My attorney and I have a lot of things other than just asking to not kill me. It's hard to feel optimistic with the current climate of things happening out there. However, I do have hope and faith and I know that's enough.
Again, thanks for your support.
Take care,
Louis Jones
E-mail from Barbara Jones, January 7, 2003:
Hey Dave, I am Louis Jones' Daughter and I think that what you are doing is really good. My father is a very good man and grandfather. If it was not for him being in my life the way he has even after his incarceration I would not be as strong as I am today. Love him very much and he means a lot to me and others. Thank you!
Barbara M. Jones
E-mail from Jeannette Brown, February 1, 2003:
Hey Dave,
I am Louis Jones' niece Jeannette Brown. I really think what you're doing is really good. The last time I saw my uncle Louis, I was very young. My uncle is a really good man. We all love him very much. We thank you for your support.
Thank you,
Jeannette Brown
E-mail from Jamie Robinson, February 19, 2003:
First, I would like to thank you for all the support and love you have given my uncle through this time. I want it to be known that Louis Jones is a wonderful man and has played a very strong and significant role in my life. He was my only father figure -- PERIOD. I grew up with him. He has always been an outstanding father and husband. I will always look up to him. I will always love him.
I know that what he did was terribly wrong, and my deepest regards and sympathy go out to the victim's family.
Everyone deserves a second chance -- I love you uncle Jr. -- your niece -- Cousin Jamie (That is what he called me) --
Jamie Robinson
E-mail from Lt. Col. Edward A. Sbrocco, February 28, 2003:
Dave,
I would like to write a note in support of Louis Jones. Could you assist me in getting it to the appropriate folks?
I was SFC Louis Jones' platoon leader in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light), from June 1986 through July 1987. As my first platoon sergeant, SFC Jones taught me many valuable ideas and values that I've put to use over my 20-year career. Every soldier in our 30-person platoon would tell you that SFC Jones was the epitome of a professional senior non-commissioned officer who served as an unequaled role model. He was the ultimate team player and often assisted others in need without their asking. He could chastise a soldier with the best of them, but would always build that soldier right back up. He knew how to get the very best out of soldiers and make them feel all the better for it. He was never above doing exactly the things that he ordered soldiers to do. It is most unfortunate that he is in his present condition, but I strongly believe that he should be considered for clemency, given the reasons cited in your web page, and because of my personal experiences with him.
Again, please let me know how I can assist Louis Jones' clemency request for life imprisonment, versus his presently scheduled lethal injection.
Sincerely,
Edward A. Sbrocco
LTC, USA [Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army]
E-mail from Gloria Jones, March 1, 2003:
Dear Dave,
My name is Gloria Jones, older sister of Louis Jones. I first of all want to thank you for being there for my brother. Many thanks to his lawyer, Timothy W. Floyd; the Rev. Jason Fry, who befriended my brother from the very beginning; and, of course, all the Christian brothers and sisters who give moral support to my brother. I can never give enough thanks to each and every one that has touched my brother's life in a positive manner during this last eight years.
I was at the trial in Lubbock, Texas, of my brother. The family then and now offers our apologies and condolences for their loss of Tracie. I truly believe in my heart that my brother was not in his right mind when this act was committed. I know my brother Louis is deeply sorry for all the pain and suffering this has caused Tracie's family and his. You see, when this is all over with, there are no winners. The fate of my brother is not in man's hands.
The fate of my brother is in God Almighty's hands. Louis has suffered a great loss this last eight years. He lost our wonderful mom shortly after his trial, whom he always referred to as old girl. Louis and my mom had a special kind of son and mother relationship. All of this was too much for my mom's heart. Shortly after my mom's death, at the bedside of my dad, I remember his last words, while he was crying: "my son is in jail". I never saw my father cry until that night. All I could say was, "Dad, it will be okay"; he too died of a heart attack. The next to pass was the youngest, our baby sister, who was taking a bath and died of a heart attack. Her youngest daughter found her looking up at the ceiling -- something that will be with my niece for the rest of her life. So, you see, I know that my brother carries this heavy burden on him for the McBrides, and for his own family. We as Louis' family carry this burden as well, but each of us in our own way. But! -- let the record show that Louis served his country well, and was proud to do that, with 22 years. Not to mention two sisters to retire with 20 years. The deceased younger sister served with 8 years, and two younger brothers served with 4 years and 7 years. We also had an aunt serve our country, two uncles serve, and two uncles retire from the military. I as a sister and niece will always be proud of each and every one of them for this. Let us pray that our sons and daughters of our America all come back unscarred, safe and sound. Our country has a lot to face; I pray and hope, if and when the time comes, that we as a country come together as families and individuals, and, at the drop of a dime, are ready to fight for our beautiful America.
Louis, know that we, as your siblings, do, and will always, love you. I pray and think of you each and every day.
Big Sister Glo
A Personal Testament
The account below is not intended to promote any particular tradition of religion over any other (the core virtues of Buddhism and Christianity are "virtually" identical) -- I am only recounting what I remember.
In about October 2002, about midnight, I had a dream in which I was the one they were taking to poison.
There was a vision of coiled catheters (like in blood banks), with capped IV needles on them; then (in the disconnectedness of dreams), they were making me drive them on a dark street to the "death house". I decided to resist, and picked up a light I normally use, to shine it in their faces, behind and beside me, but it had been disabled.
Just before I then awoke (you might say, "pale and shaken"), a voice seemed to come from the dark sky, with words meaning, "As you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me."
