Michael Eric Dyson and Marcia Dyson have added their names to the List of influentials asking Missouri’s governor to ensure that the facts “be thoroughly uncovered and reviewed” in the case of Reginald Clemons. Clemons is currently on death row in connection with the 1991 deaths of Julie and Robin Kerry on the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Clemons supporters believe he is innocent of the crimes.
“This is outrageous!” said the renowned author and lecturer about the case of Reggie Clemons. “The case should have been a slam-dunk acquittal.” Dyson pledged his family’s support in any way possible.
Michael Eric Dyson was the opening speaker at the 10th Anniversary Conference of the Black Radical Congress recently held in St. Louis. Dyson observed a supporter wearing a Reggie Clemons tee shirt and asked about the case. After being told of the elements of beaten confessions, inadequate legal counsel, prosecutorial misconduct and overall racism, Dyson expressed amazement that the case had come this far with no court relief for Reggie and other defendants. He was even more shocked that one defendant, Marlin Gray had already been executed.
There was no forensic evidence linking the young men to the crime scene. Guilty verdicts were based upon on the contradictory statements of Thomas Cummings and Daniel Winfrey. Cummings, a cousin of the Kerry sisters, was originally charged with the murders. Winfrey, the only white defendant, received a lesser sentence for his testimony against the three black co-defendants. Defendant Antonio Richardson is serving life without parole; Daniel Winfrey who was released from prison last year.
The Dysons will join Reggie’s growing List of Influentials that includes celebrities like actors like Danny Glover and authors Rachel King and Sister Helen Prejean. The list also includes local elected officials, business people, clergy and civic leaders.
The fight for justice and for Reggie’s life has escalated with the US Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold lethal injection and Missouri announcing its first execution since 2005.
