Thank you for visiting larryrobison.org

This page is an archive of the many memorial entires left here for the friends and family of Larry Robison after he was executed on January 21, 2000. We are especially grateful to those who took the time to send condolences and to express comments. We thank you very much!

This book is now closed for further comments but we leave it here as a reminder to us of all those who were so supportive to our family during our time of grief and sorrow.

There is one guestbook open for public comment located at
http://www.larryrobison.org/lkrguestbook
Please feel free to leave any comments there

Name: Dianne Norris
Home Page: None.
Date: 4/30/2003, 9:51 PM
Comments: I am sorry for your loss and I do understand. I live on both sides of the fence, my 16 yr. old daughter was murdered 14 years ago, still unsolved. My mentally challenged son at the age of 23 shot and killed his girlfriend when he caught her cheating, I live with pain every day for both my children. I do understand how you feel and I am sorry you have to live with the pain, I will pray for you and your family.

Name: Denise
Home Page: None.
Date: 4/18/2003, 2:11 PM
Comments: I have tears in my eyes now and it's hard to type what I want to say, but I will try! First, I would like to offer my condolences to Larry's family and to the victims' families. It is a very tragic and senseless thing that happened. It should NEVER have happened.
My biological father had the same disease as Larry. I did not grow up with him, but met him for the first time when I was 19 years old. He seemed normal when I met him. It was only through my half sisters that I learned something about the illness and what their life was like growing up with him. Sadly, in the end, he committed suicide.
Now, I have a 23 yr old son sitting in a county jail and will most likely go to prison for a time. I know his mental state and drug abuse is what caused him to commit the crimes that landed him where he is today.
Again, I just had to offer my sympathy and I wanted to let you know that there is another in this society who does CARE and understands. Just wish our society and judicial system would understand mental illness and help them instead of kill them.
GOD BLESS AND KEEP US ALL....
Rest in Peace, Larry...

Name: Lisa Hart
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/29/2003, 11:40 AM
Comments: My dear cousin Chuck, was horribly murdered a number of years ago. He was found lying in a pool of his own blood, in his livingroom by his much younger sister. She was barely even a teenager.

In saying this, I HAVE lived with the death of a loved one AT THE HANDS OF ANOTHER. So I "KNOW THE FEELING"... But you know what? I STILL DON'T AGREE WITH CAPITAL PUNNISHMENT!!! And the "Boys" who killed Chuck did NOT have a mental illness.

I have two views on this. 1) If people killing people is so wrong, then why are "killers" killed by people? Two wrongs DON'T make a right! and 2) If capital punishment is such "A good deterent", then there wouldn't be anyone TO KILL!!! So capital punishment OBVIOUSLY isn't doing the job that it is supposed to now, is it?

I hadn't heard of the story of Larry Robison and the murders in which he committed before today. But I have read, in great depth (I've been here for about 2 hours now!), the entire site, and I must say that I am incredibly moved and touched by the love that is still given to the families that were all involved. I am even more touched at the distance people went to helping Larry, AFTER the crime....

If the doctors had done their part in treating Larry more effectively and aggressively, perhaps, there would be 6 more souls here on Earth. I believe the medical community really let down all that were involved.

I also believe that justice was NOT served, and that the jury was not entirely educated about this disease!!! How can you convict a person of a crime that he had no control over?! If you were driving a car, had a heart~attach, seizure, stroke or whatever, and KILLED a person, are you to be held accountable for the action that was out of your control??? I haven't heard of one yet!!! Larry simply had no control of his actions, thus should he have been held accountable? I don't believe so. Maybe the MEDICAL DOCTORS THAT REFUSED HIM THE TREATMENT HE DESPIRATELY NEEDED SHOULD BE!!! (Much like a car manufacturer would be responsible upon the death of person(s) if the breaks on their cars went!) Think about it!!!!!!

My sympathy goes out to Larry and his family... And my heart aches for the families that lost their loved ones... May God help to ease your torchured hearts, and may you one day forgive Larry for his actions.

As for "Dr." TE... I think you must have skipped school the day your class learned about this disease... You have NO UNDERSTANDING of the disease AT ALL nor do you have ANY COMPASION to speak of!!! I pitty your patients....... Sad... Very sad....

Name: Melanie MacLeod
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/21/2003, 11:39 AM
Comments: I was looking at your website about Larry for an assignment that I am doing for school. I came accross the story and it just about made me sick to my stomach. I am taking the social Service Program at a community college and I cannot believe that your state refused to give him long term care because he was not violent. It made me sick because what they actually did was refuse a man that needed treatment and then offered no support. I am very sorry that this has happened to you. My father was a paranoid schizophrenic and although he never became as outwardly violent as Larry did he did have some violent tendancies that he received treatment for. I know what it is like and I know what kinds of things go though a paranoid schizpohrenics mind. I lived with it for 2 years with my father. Unfortunatly even though my father was not taken from my family through execution he did commit suicide in November of 1995 when I was 15.
I sympathize and empathize with you and your family and I just wanted to write to you to let you know that you are not alone.

Sincerely,
Melanie MacLeod

Name: Stewart Mason
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/9/2003, 5:41 AM
Comments: Gone but not forgotten, Larry and his victims. Victims All, encouraging us to improve mental health understanding and treatments.

Stewart
Community Mental Health Worker
Devon, England

Name: Tiffany
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/29/2003, 1:22 AM
Comments: I'm from Malaysia and I happen to surf into this beautiful website. It has made me feel and realise things I might not be able to learn anywhere.

Sorry for the loss of Larry.

Tiffany~

Name: Suzy
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/23/2003, 8:02 PM
Comments: Vicki,
Thinking of you and your family. This is a particularly poignant time of the year for all of us who loved Larry and were there to support him on the 21st. Thank you for continuing to keep the website up. It is an inspiration to those of us who know what a truly blessed, loving and special soul Larry was.

Name: Kerrie
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/8/2003, 10:24 PM
Comments: You have a beautiful site, and I especially appreciate the fact that you have linked to so many victim sites. Your memorial to the victims of Larry's crime is a positive step, as it is evident he was remorseful for what had happened.
Unlike others here, I see nowhere where Schizophrenia has been used as an excuse, and in no way a slight of other sufferers of this dreadful illness.
A fitting tribute to your loved one...
Peace.

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"

Name: Tricia
Home Page: None.
Date: 12/17/2002, 5:32 AM
Comments: To Larry's Family,
Please know that my heart and prayers are with you in the holiday season.
Also I am a Eucharistal Adorerat my church please accept that next Tuesday an hour of prayer will be sent up for your family.
Tricia

Name: Esmeralda Martinez
Home Page: None.
Date: 10/7/2002, 1:22 PM
Comments: Esmeralda Alvarado may you rest in peace. You will always be in my heart and memories.

Name: Ahmed
Home Page: None.
Date: 10/7/2002, 1:09 AM
Comments: I do believe eye for eye but after some many life's being taken there is no winner. We must help those that can be helped and locked the others for life. In the case that an individual should harm a child that is were I draw the line. God forgives but the law doesn't so what are we saying if we are gods children. I pray for a world that we all are equal and continue to pray for the families of the victims.

Sincerely,

ahmed , Calgary Canada

Name: LE RUYET Jean-Jacques
Home Page: None.
Date: 9/3/2002, 6:00 AM
Comments: just few words from FRANCE to say that the death penalty is the wrong way.
I suppose larry robison was a man like the other ones.
Anyway,the look we have me and my friends on the justice(much more in the southern states and especially texas)is really sad.

Name: Linda Kaye Crouch
Home Page: None.
Date: 9/2/2002, 7:00 PM
Comments: I am so glad to see that all hateful entries will be deleted. As I sit here listening to the music, I feel even more pity for those who are executed. Maybe if Larry had of gotten treatment for his mental illness, he would never have done what he did. I'm sure that Larry is in Heaven and in the presence of a just God. EXECUTOINS MUST BE STOPPED STOPPED. Sometines I think I can't take anymore when I hear of an execution.
I do not believe that God will forgive those who end another persons life in the name of justice. To Larry's family, I feel for you and the pain that will never end. Kaye

Name: Vickie
Home Page: None.
Date: 8/11/2002, 1:35 PM
Comments: Happy Birthday Larry...

Miss You!!

Love You!!

Never Forget You!!

Vickie

Name: Fabian Gastellier
Home Page: None.
Date: 6/18/2002, 1:57 AM
Comments: JUNE 2002
Phoenix, Arizona
Two years and six months. Larry, you will never be forgotten.
I love you deathrowsister.
My blue Lebanese tree planted in my French garden after Larry's death is growing up and well.
Living memory.
In loving memory..
Fabian [still in America for 2 weeks]

Name: Connie Mullins
Home Page: None.
Date: 4/9/2002, 10:14 PM
Comments: To all that are concered with mental illness.

I have already signed your memory book once, but after reading some comments from other interested parties, i feel compelled to tell the world about Orthomolecular treatment. When I brought my son home from the hospital the second time we had Steven on 4 drugs. After doing some reasearch and learning about Orthomolecular treatment we drove my son 6 1/2 hours to the BrightSpot. We now have my son on only 15 mlgs. Zyprexa and are decreasing the dose with great success. There program helped his symptoms tremendously and I am now talking to other people who have saught the same type of help. One young man impaticular was on a toxic cocktail (and in the psychiatric medical system for 5 years) just like my son and new to the Orthomolecular program, but this mother has discovered what we did. That the proper nutrients in the right dose help if not cure. She has stated that she cannot stop giving her son Nyacin because he gets worse instead of continuing to get better. I have witnessed this myself and now hear stories of positive progress with others. My son who was diagnosed with schitzophrenia is doing so much better and will hopefully continue to get better until he is completely off the Zyprexa. Biochemimbal-behavior.com is where my life changed and I begain to have hope for my son. This is where I found out about the Bright Spot in Witchata Kansas. I found out that this is where they usually get patients that don't respond to their toxic drugs.

If your son is in a hospital get him out and take him to the Brightspot. Don't let the bastards have em. They are only in it for the money. Please don't give up on you loved one. I am begging you, please DO NOT give up. The psychiatric industry is only setting our children up to fail like in the case with Larry. They are only interested in masking the symptoms instead of healing the disease. DON'T LET THEM CONTINUE TO DO THIS WITH YOUR LOVED ONE! DON'T LET THEM DO WHAT THEY DID TO LARRY AND HIS FAMILY.

Connie cmull4706@aol.com 972-741-9147 Forever greatful to Ron.

Name: Norma
Home Page: None.
Date: 4/5/2002, 9:41 PM
Comments: I TOO HAVE A BROTHER THAT HAS HAD SCHIZOPHRENIA FOR THE PAST 18 YEARS, HE IS NOW 42 YEARS OLD. THINGS GOT SO BAD THAT WE DECIDED TO PUT HIM IN AN INSTIUTION. HE'S BEEN THERE FOR 1 YEAR. WE REALIZE THAT HE WILL NEVER GET BETTER, THINGS JUST KEPT GETTING WORSE. HIS EPISODES WERE JUST TO MUCH TO BARE. I LOVE MY BROTHER. IT MAKES ME CRY JUST TO THINK OF WHAT COULD BE GOING ON IN HIS HEAD. THE THINGS HE COULD BE THINKING AND HEARING...AND HIM KNOWING THAT HE WILL NEVER GET BETTER...YOUR BROTHER IS IN A BETTER PLACE...HE WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO HEAR AND SEE "BAD THINGS" ANYMORE.

Name: Vikki Myers
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/29/2002, 4:25 PM
Comments: I am moved to tears after viewing this website. I, too, have an only son, 24, who is my only child, currently serving a plea bargain of 25 yrs. in Jester IV psych unit (Richmond, TX) for the murder of my 80 yr. old father in Jan. 1999. He was diagnosed as bipolar, with schizotypical features in 1998 after two hospital commitals. They never kept him for more than a week both times with releases saying he wasn't a threat to himself or others when there were times when he told me (his mother) that he was in indescribable pain, thought he was losing his mind, and just wanted to die. Somewhere, after graduating high school in 1995, as an honor student, and the breakup of his first love of two years of his life, doctors think he suffered a nervous breakdown without his or our knowledge. He went on to finish 2 1/2 yrs. of college in which he was involved with a touring choir and numerous campus activities before his first episode of major mania and depression. Like Larry, he was handsome, gentle, kind, loving and very sensitive to mankind as a whole. An unusually well mannered young man for his age with a giant smile and bear hugs and kisses for everyone in the family. He always made a big impression on adults in the community and everywhere he went he was noticed and admired. Of course that made me so very proud as a single parent. His alcoholic dad and I divorced when he was seven, but we remained as good of friends as was possible for our son's sake. Since his illness and now incarceration we have become more and more educated about mental illness and how it, like alzheimer's can rob not only the patient but a whole family of the life of that person that they love and adore leaving you helpless in its tormenting wake. Knowing of the ever presence of mental problems, alcoholism, and drug dependency on both sides of my son's parents, genetically, he didn't stand a chance. His first parole hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2011. None of us are actually getting our hopes up too high for a parole at that time since we know how tough the Texas system is, especially after Gov. BUSH was elected and served his time at the Austin capitol. At least this way, we won't be so disappointed if he doesn't get it then. My heart goes out to you more than words can express because I know as a parent how much love there is for your own no matter what they become in life. You may not have liked or agreed with their actions, but a good parent never, ever gives up on and ceases to love their children at any age. I will forever love my son and my father even cries out from his grave to save his tortured soul because we all knew how he suffered with his disease, but none of us knew exactly how to help him in the end. And the sad fact is, he loved my dad more than anyone and they spent many close times together even though my dad was a difficult man with some mental struggles of his own. I'll never fully understand how I lost my beautiful son to this monster that stole him from us and maybe I'm not suppose to. My faith in God's grace has saved me from its evil grips or I too would have succumed to a breakdown myself. I will continue to pray for all of you in your loss of Larry's life and I will never agree with capitol punishment and the death penalty as being equal justice, especially for the mentally ill with a previous history and medical records to prove it. I have tried in vain to write to my congressman and state rep, but I get no answers in return each time. Where do we go from here to fight for these people???? We need our voices to be heard loud and clear that this is such and injustice besides being inhumane. Please pray for me and my son as I remain........

One who respects and shares your grief,
Vikki Myers

Name: Connie
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/17/2002, 11:37 AM
Comments: To the family of Larry Keith Robison,

In looking for pictures for my son who is having to catch up on school work, i found your web site and my heart breaks for Larry and his family and for the victims of his illness. Larry did not kill those people, the schitsophrenia did. Why isn't our system attacking this illness instead of the poor victims afflicted by it? My son has developed schitsophrenia and because of this and only because of this I completely understand what happend. It is difficult for those that have never had to deal with mental illness to understand the pain that Larry experienced. My heart goes out to those people and the hope that more people will learn about this disease. Mental illness I believe is becoming an epidemic and we as a society must learn how to deal with people who are afflicted by it. Instead of putting them in a system where there is forced drugging or a prison or hospital setting, we must develope a place where people of this nature can go without fear of prosecution. A place where parents can take there children and know that they will receive love, compasion and true healing.

Connie

Name: m.c.
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/15/2002, 4:27 PM
Comments: on a beautiful spring-like day in the year 2002, ...thinking of you, all.

Name: mary erickson
Home Page: None.
Date: 12/18/2001, 4:20 PM
Comments: my brother also has that sickness but it just seems like no one really cares until harm is done.

Name: Ali Kertan
Home Page: None.
Date: 11/18/2001, 3:40 AM
Comments: This is my second visit to this site and I can't belive how some people can still defend death penalty in this century.

I am from Turkey and as a developing country, Turkey, is in process of abolishing death penalty from our judicial system.

But, you some Americans, are still defending a barbaric system in your country. The death penalty is the tool of a barbaric society that has denied the possibilities for creative human transformation.

Do you know that The United States is on an execution rampage. Since capital punishment was reinstated by the Supreme Court in the 1976 Gregg v. Georgia decision, more than 525 men and women have been put to death by the state. More than 150 of these executions have taken place since 1996. 3,500 people are on death row today, awaiting their turn with the executioner. This is a BARBARIC SITUATION!!!

Do you know that your nation exacts capital punishment in five ways: by hanging, electrocution, gas chamber, firing squad (still authorized in Idaho and Utah), and the most common method, lethal injection. Is this HUMANITY???

The United States is the only Western industrialized nation that practices the death penalty, and is by far the nation with the largest death row roster in the world. In comparison, all of Western Europe has abolished the death penalty, either by decree of law, or by practice.

I believe one day humanity will win and our children will see how United States punished people in a barbaric justice system in the 21st Century and they will understand what civilization means in those days...

Name: Tracy Beck
Home Page: None.
Date: 6/16/2001, 3:12 PM
Comments: I knew your family growing up, and I am sorry to hear of your loss. God tested your strength, and I am sure that you showed him your worth when the time came.
Tracy Beck

Name: Daniel Kelly
Home Page: None.
Date: 6/11/2001, 2:00 PM
Comments: God has taken him now and may he Rest In Peace

Name: ASHLEY
Home Page: None.
Date: 5/23/2001, 11:04 PM
Comments: I AM TRULY SORRY AND I CAN FEEL YOUR PAIN. I READ ALL THE DETAILS AND AM TOUCHED BY THIS WEBSITE, I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND THE LOSS OF ALL THE FAMILIES INOLVED. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

ALL MY LOVE,

ASHLEY

Name: jimmy wison
Home Page: None.
Date: 5/11/2001, 7:46 AM
Comments: keep u in mind

Name: Abby Matthew (From India)
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/27/2001, 1:46 AM
Comments: May God be with and comfort all the family members of Larry Robison for all their sufferings and sorrows, as well with those of the victims families as well and may God show the victims families the realization that what happened was not intended but unfortunately beyond the control of anyone.

May God also give enlightenment and intelligence to the Texas Law makers and especially President (formerly Governor) George W Bush Jr, and all other proponents of the death penalty ANYWHERE in the World that unless they repent and change their ways immediately, that God will ensure that they are themselves are put in a similar circumstances whereby they will
encounter the same anguish and suffering they have caused others.

Name: Cavatina
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/22/2001, 2:14 AM
Comments: On this anniversary of Larry's death I want to write something here, but am not sure what to say. Although I haven't written you before, I did sign petitions and write letters on Larry's behalf back in 1999, and got others to do so too. I only wish all the support he received had changed the outcome.

My son also has paranoid schizophrenia (which is why I don't use my real name, he doesn't want his diagnosis known), and I know that if he hadn't received help I could well be where you are. It's heartbreaking to read comments which say "But what about his victums," but I think those people have to be forgiven, they have no idea what schizophrenia is like, the power of it. Those of us who do know also know that Larry was as much a victum as anyone, the victum of schizophrenia, of a terribly flawed mental health system, and of a vengeful legal system. Yet in spite of it all he was a brave and loving man. May he rest in peace.

Name: Isis Kearney
Home Page: None.
Date: 11/11/2000, 6:38 PM
Comments: I am sorry for your loss. I read the case in detail, and at this point
do not know how Mr. Georage W. Bush could sentance him to death. I hope your
family will be able to pick up the pices and find a happy spot

My heart goes out to your family
Isis

Name: Tricia
Home Page: None.
Date: 10/29/2000, 4:36 PM
Comments: I learned about Larry almost a year ago and was faced at that point about
how I was living my life. Thru reading Larry's story and some of the things he wrote I worked on changeing my life around. Larry had a bigger impact on people than what people realise. Thank You I wish I had the chance to have told you when you were with us.

Name: Donna Dennis
Home Page: None.
Date: 10/25/2000, 3:54 PM
Comments: I'm very sorry for your loss. your brother however killed innocent people, found guilty and executed. my brother was murdered in 1979 and i wish his his killer was put to death,however, he died in prison. had it been your brother murdered you wouldn't feel the same way. God bless

Name: Christiane
Home Page: None.
Date: 9/25/2000, 6:46 PM
Comments: Dear family of Larry,

I'm sitting here late at night at the Internetcafe (24-7)and I found Vickie's
site quite fast.

I wonder how you all are doing and copeing with such a tragic lost of a child/
brother.
Vickie, if you got time, pleeeze let me know how things are going right now.
I don't wanna push myself onto you, but it would be nice, if you just drop me a line.

Thanx for getting me in contact with CURE!

I wish you all the best in the world and we will carry on the fight;right?
I guess 'SNAILMAIL' was my invention (smile).

Christine

Name: Guy+Sylvia Alexander
Home Page: None.
Date: 9/7/2000, 10:49 PM
Comments: To Larry, You are a Hero my Friend in your own right. May you now enjoy the afterlife in Gods precious arms you rest, till we all meet again one day on that beautiful Shore! God Bless You and YOur Family, and Dear Friends. Guy+ Sylvia Alexander

Name: Susan Cobb
Home Page: http://www.guess-what.com
Date: 7/2/2000, 10:44 PM
Comments: I miss Larry. He changed my life. The love and compassion I found through Larry changed my life only for the GOOD of the world. I hope to continue to
make a difference so that others may not suffer as he did.
We cannot change the events that happened. Yet we can work to change the way
people are treated from this day forward. God Bless Larry and all the persons he touched in his life. I will never forget. Never. Love Susan

Name: P.J. Keaveney
Home Page: None.
Date: 6/28/2000, 1:57 PM
Comments: Bournemouth. England.

I became aware of " Larry " While on a visit to My Daughter in
Baltimore. I never believed that such a Barbaric act could be
carried out by a Civilised Society on a Man so obviously let down
by the very People sat in Judgement on His Morals.
I wish Gods Blessing and Strength on the Members of His Family.
I was only aware that this Crime had been carried out when
contacting Your Web Page.

Mr. P.J. Keaveney

Name: Sarah
Home Page: None.
Date: 4/16/2000, 9:06 PM
Comments: I think that this was a very harsh punishment considering the evidence. i was doing a project for a law class and the accussed was a schizophrenic. Searching the web for a possible bail sentence i stumbled upon this sight. My heart swell with tears for this unfortunate man who now is in the aid of God. My heart also goes out to the unfortunate familt members of Larry and the victim who will never forget this and i am sure that a piece if their heart has been taken along with this icident. I send my greatest respects to Larry who is a victim of circumstance. Also i give my regrets to the people who had to pay for the untreated condition, pay wiht their lives. I shae this with everyone

For You

I stay strong but not for me for you,
Through blind torment and suffering i stay brave not for me for you,
When everyone has let me down and i have no one i keep going not for me for you,
When love turns her back and shunes me i keep my heart open not for me but for you,
When the walls around me are closing in and i'm about to be crushed when im knocked off my feet i get back up not for mr but for you,
When i want to give up and cry i keep fighting not for me but for you,
You are my inspiration, my light in the dark and everything i do, i do for you.

Name: Jennifer Taulbee
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/24/2000, 11:18 AM
Comments: This web site is so overwhelming. I am doing a school project over schizophrenia and I came to this site. I just don't know what to say. I feel for his family and friends. I have researched schizophrenia for about 2 or so months now and it is not a disease that should go with out treatment or such. Thanks for having this site, I am sorry thought the reason it has to be here. Thanks again and good luck to all. Jennifer

Name: shanna
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/18/2000, 9:37 PM
Comments: TO LARRY'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
I WAS ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR THE TEXAS DEATH ROW SITE WHEN I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE. I HAVE A COUSIN ON DEATH ROW WHO'S EXECUTION IS SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH. HE DOSEN'T BELONG THERE, BUT WHEN TEXAS HAS IT OUT FOR A PERSON IT JUST SEEMS AS THERE IS NO STOPPING THEM. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU LARRY'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU EACH EVERYONE WITH OVER WHELMIING LOVE OF LARRY.

Name: Sonja
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/17/2000, 3:45 PM
Comments: Dear family, I just want to tell you that I think I can imagine how terrible your pain is.
It´s unbelieveable: The state which wrongfully didn´t give help to Larry
because they couldn´t recognize his illness, killed him when they finally
knew about it. But until they knew about it, there had to happen something
bad which the state could have prevented. The state could have rescued 5 lifes.
And instead of feeling guilty and doing better then, the state killed one more human being.
Instead of giving help to this person, they killed him and made him the 6. victim.
I have to ask myself: "Does the word justice exist in the American law?"
A state who kills poeple, who are extremly mental ill and didn´t know what
they did when they killed human beings, can´t call itself civilized.

Name: Sonja
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/17/2000, 3:21 PM
Comments: Dear TE,
sorry but you obviously seem not to know what you´re talking about. Larry
Robison was an extremly mental ill man. Perhaps if you had read the
information which is written on this page, you would have understood better.
You can´t say there are a lot of schizophrenic poeple who
don´t kill poeple. Larry suffered an especially bad kind of schizophrenia
for many years. Have a look at the Medical Records which you can read on this Homepage.
There is written that it is usual that people, who suffer the kind of
schizophrenia which Larry suffered, become violent if they don´t get the
medication they need. Usually poeple who are ill have to take medication,
right? But although Larry´s family tried to get help for him, there was
given no help. And as you know if an ill person doesn´t get medication, the illness becomes worse and worse.
You also can´t compare a paranoid schizophrenic person and his/ her feelings to you and your feelings.
A paranoid schizophrenic person cannot think normally, cannot feel normally. In the Medical records
you can read that Larry had delusions- which is normal for this illness if
the person doesn´t get medication- and he heard voices who told them to
kill poeple in order to save their souls. When he killed them, he thought he
would save their souls. Perhaps you think this can´t be true but I just can
advise you to read something about an illness before you talk about
something you can´t talk about. Having delusions, hearing voices, having no
control. These are all symptomps of this terrible illness which Larry
Robison suffered. He didn´t know what he did. Just read the Medical Records
and get a realistic impression of the situation.

Name: Suzanne Woon
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/10/2000, 1:04 AM
Comments: To Larry's family and friends,

I would like to take this opportuntiy to express my deepest sympathy to you all. It is wrong for anyone to kill people and what Larry did was indeed wrong, but he could not be held personally responsible as he was mentally ill. It is also wrong for Americans and in particular the state of Texas to then in turn take his life. They too are murderers. Two wrongs do not make a right and I cannot understand what the country gained from executing a person who only needed professionals to provide medical treatment to prevent this tragedy from happening. My heart goes out to Larry's family and friends and I will continue to think of you for a long long time.
Larry's death was totally unnecesary and I hope that the death penalty is outlawed sooner rather than later. Peace be with you all.

Name: Suzanne Woon
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/9/2000, 11:35 PM
Comments: Dear Larry,

Although I never knew you personally, my heart aches for your loss but I know that you are now at peace with the Lord in a far better place, with no pain and suffering. All I can say now is rest in peace my friend.

Name: Lisa Ratte'
Home Page: None.
Date: 3/6/2000, 1:22 PM
Comments: Dear Family of Larry Robison,
I don't really know the words to convey my sympathy. I just want you to know you have been in my prayers and will continue to be for a long time. God bless all of you and Larry. We will continue the fight in his honor.

Sincerely,
Lisa Ratte'

Name: flaca aka cynthia
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/25/2000, 11:46 AM
Comments: http://www.freekris.freehosting.net/ seems that my link was not placed on as i made and sighned hmmm

Name: loca flaca
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/25/2000, 11:35 AM
Comments: http://www.freekris.freehosting.net/

Name: LOCA FLACA
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/25/2000, 11:31 AM
Comments: Peace rip Larry! God forgives! you are in a higher place now and no longer suffer from the mental illness! YOU ARE FREE!! Love goes out from my heart to Larry and his Family and to The VICTUMS & There FAMILY this was soo unfortunate to happen tragig and i pray people will understand excatly what mental illness is and that before biting with comments Educate yourself on THE FACTS Please!!!! I pray for the victums and there family also!! there has been Tragic Loss on Both sides! to ALL the familys KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!!
MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU ALL!! Peace and much much love! flaca ps please see my site on how justice fails it can happen to you or a loved one! never give up faith! Our god is forgiving unfortunatly people arent.pss oh great site with so much information!! if link is not veiwable heres the adress to it http://freekris.freehosting.net/ thank you

Name: Michael
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/19/2000, 10:06 PM
Comments: I did not know Larry nor had I heard about his case until I visited this website. I would like to say that the State of Texas and society as a whole gains nothing by putting Larry to death. This man needed treatment and compassion and while he should not have been released from prison ever, he certainly needed help. What do we gain when we "murder" people who have made a mistake at a time when they weren't in control of what they were doing. The 5 people killed weren't the only victims. Larry Robison, like Karla Faye Tucker and others, is a victim of his environment and of society as a whole. God bless you Larry and may He have mercy on you.

Name: Vickie
Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/lindalee73/LKR.html
Date: 2/19/2000, 12:52 PM
Comments: The above page is a memorial for Larry created by Linda Lee

Thank you Linda

Name: Vickie
Home Page: http://www.larryrobison.org
Date: 2/13/2000, 6:26 PM
Comments: COMMENT BY WEBMASTER TO MacDaddy Kontra:
I will leave your comment, but not without making a comment myself. You are quick to judge the message at this website. If you will take the time to look through this website a little closer, you will find a lot of compassion and sympathy for Larry's victims and their families as well as other families who have been affected by violent crime. There is indeed room for and a need for compassion for both victims and perpetrators and their respective families. Please take a closer look.

COMMENT TO CHRISTOPHER:
Thank you and AMEN

Name: Christopher Weiskoenig /Switzerland
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/12/2000, 1:37 PM
Comments: Dear Unknown, man or woman.
I just read your contribution on the Memorial Page for Larry Robison and I can't let your words be unanswered. It's obvious that you didn't know Larry, I wished you would have had the courage to write to him and share your bitter thoughts with him. You would have learned, that Larry was a very polite and friendly man, you would have discovered that he was very gentle and warmhearted and generous and that he loved people. You would have learned, that he would never had taken the lives of five innocent people under normal circumstances, because he was not a killer, but the circumstances were not normal. He had been diagnosed by several medical doctors to be a paranoid schizophrenic. If you like it or not, this means, that people who suffer from this terrible illness have a split personality and have no control whatsoever over their doings during a period of acute seizure. People with this illness suffer a great deal and it is indeed highly irresponsible to let them be without treatment. Larry's Family knew about this and tried to have him admitted to different mental Dear Unknown, man or woman.
I just read your contribution on the Memorial Page for Larry Robison and I can't let your words be unanswered. It's obvious that you didn't know Larry, I wished you would have had the courage to write to him and share your bitter thoughts with him. You would have learned, that Larry was a very polite and friendly man, you would have discovered that he was very gentle and warmhearted and generous and that he loved people. You would have learned, that he would never had taken the lives of five innocent people under normal circumstances, because he was not a killer, but the circumstances were not normal. He had been diagnosed by several medical doctors to be a paranoid schizophrenic. If you like it or not, this means, that people who suffer from this terrible illness have a split personality and have no control whatsoever over their doings during a period of acute seizure. People with this illness suffer a great deal and it is indeed highly irresponsible to let them be without treatment. Larry's Family knew about this and tried to have him admitted to different mental institutions. They were always turned away. Nobody can hold them responsible for what happened years later, because they wanted to prevent the terrible killing and did everything they could. If anybody can be blamed, it is the State of Texas with its nearly nonexisting social medical system and a Governour who doesn't care about it. Yes, I say it again, poor Larry, he suffered a lot, from his illness, from the punishment of the 17 years in prison condemned by a Jury that wouldn't accept the fact that he was ill. He suffered a lot in his "normal" phases, for having caused the death of innocent people and for the unbelievable pain and grief and hurt he caused for the victims families. Nobody, really nobody from Larry's family and his friends does not feel terribly sorry for the victims and their families and friends. I can imagine the hurt and pain and agony they must have gone through and I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that time will heal their wounds and that they find peace of mind again and maybe even the strength for forgiveness. I have known Larry and his friendship ment a lot to me. I have suffered from the loss of my dear friend and my heart is bleeding just as hard as anyones involved in this sad case. Larry was taken from me in a" legal act of justice". For me there is no excuse for killing, be it "legal" or criminal, it's always a crime and a sin, may those in favor of capital punishment be reminded: you can't kill people who killed people, to show people, that killing people is wrong! It is absurd and barbaric and has nothing to do with justice, it is just simple, primitive vengeance. It is a spiral of violence that never ends and it causes only more pain, hurt, broken hearts and sorrow on either side and the result of it are hard feelings, bitter words and hate. So, for the love of GOD, let us stopp this killing and start fighting crimes before they happen. Be gentle to each other, respect each other, help one another and you will see, the world becomes a better place. Compassion my friends, real, honest compassion, means understanding and forgiving. With kindest regards, your Christopher Weiskoenig / St.Gallen,Switzerland.institutions. They were always turned away. Nobody can hold them responsible for what happened years later, because they wanted to prevent the terrible killing and did everything they could. If anybody can be blamed, it is the State of Texas with its nearly nonexisting social medical system and a Governour who doesn't care about it. Yes, I say it again, poor Larry, he suffered a lot, from his illness, from the punishment of the 17 years in prison condemned by a Jury that wouldn't accept the fact that he was ill. He suffered a lot in his "normal" phases, for having caused the death of innocent people and for the unbelievable pain and grief and hurt he caused for the victims families. Nobody, really nobody from Larry's family and his friends does not feel terribly sorry for the victims and their families and friends. I can imagine the hurt and pain and agony they must have gone through and I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that time will heal their wounds and that they find peace of mind again and maybe even the strength for forgiveness. I have known Larry and his friendship ment a lot to me. I have suffered from the loss of my dear friend and my heart is bleeding just as hard as anyones involved in this sad case. Larry was taken from me in a" legal act of justice". For me there is no excuse for killing, be it "legal" or criminal, it's always a crime and a sin, may those in favor of capital punishment be reminded: you can't kill people who killed people, to show people, that killing people is wrong! It is absurd and barbaric and has nothing to do with justice, it is just simple, primitive vengeance. It is a spiral of violence that never ends and it causes only more pain, hurt, broken hearts and sorrow on either side and the result of it are hard feelings, bitter words and hate. So, for the love of GOD, let us stopp this killing and start fighting crimes before they happen. Be gentle to each other, respect each other, help one another and you will see, the world becomes a better place. Compassion my friends, real, honest compassion, means understanding and forgiving. With kindest regards, your Christopher Weiskoenig / St.Gallen,Switzerland.

Name: MacDaddy
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/11/2000, 10:17 AM
Comments: If you are going to put something like this on the internet, you should allow
dissenting opinions. So, Please Allow me to speak and do not delete this.

All, I hear on this website is "POOR LARRY". Well, What about that poor little boy?
What about the other 4 victims? I am sorry. But, I have no compassion for a calculated
murderer. He was a drug Addict. Sure, the drugs will mess with reality and maybe he did
have mental problems but, is that an excuse for taking 5 peoples lives? I don't think so!!!!

Name: Kontra
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/11/2000, 4:46 AM
Comments: He's a murderer,a serial killer,so he deserve to die.To those who blame it on Texas government or others,its not their fault.It's Larry's family fault for not letting Larry having proper medical attention.So what if theres not any medical treatment for him in Texas,they can go to other states for treatment,right?

I hope that this comments will not be deleted.I dont understand why people sympathise with Larry,what if the victims were their family members?U think all these sympathy will come?Definitely NO.

Name: Meredith
Home Page: http://meredith.miramis.org
Date: 2/10/2000, 9:42 PM
Comments: i am so deeply sorry for your loss. i can only imagine the horror you have gone through during larry's incarceration and after. i am so sorry that we as a society could not have done better by your family.

i do not see how killing somebody -- ever -- will make anything better. what larry did was murder, yes, but nobody must forget that what the state of texas did, too, is murder. as somebody said, larry was not in control of his actions. the state was. larry would not have done it had he not been psychotic at the time. the state was not, and did do it.

there was no need for one more victim to arise from this.

Name: Freda
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/4/2000, 9:00 AM
Comments: To the family of Larry Robison
Be Encourage and always look to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.
WE go though things in this life that sometimes we don't understand, but as the great
psalmist (David) said "let him do what seems to him good." Many are the afflictions of
the righteous, but God will deliver us out of them all.

May God Bless & Keep You
Freda

Name: Linda C. Miller
Home Page: http://hotyellow98.com/lcmiller/
Date: 2/2/2000, 10:09 PM
Comments: Although I never met Larry in person my heart was filled with compassion for one who endured the same illness I have been fortunate enough to overcome. I know the darkness of the mind that occassioned the tragedy as only one who has been there and come back safe can and I agonize that my country would sink to the execution of someone suffering from this horrific disorder. Larry's crime was beyond his ability to control - the crime of the state of Texas in executing him could have and SHOULD HAVE BEEN!

For all Larry's family I know your pain, too having lost my own beloved brother due to medical neglect in an Arkansas prison. I hope that time will ease our grief.

May God bless you and keep you in his arms.

Linda Tant Miller

Name: Don Lemaire
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/2/2000, 9:08 PM
Comments: Given that there are currently over 3600 people on death row it is
unlikely that we will execute them all. At the current pace of
killing less than a hundred per year it would take over 36 years to
"catch up". We'd need to use an assembly line approach - i.e.,
10 executions per day; 7 days a week for a full year or longer to
accomplish the feat. Since there are several hundred new arrivals
on the row yearly it's conceivable that the practice would be
ongoing. Public opinion currently favors execution, but would
doubtless change if mass executions became pervasive in our culture.
Most arguments, pro and con, tend to center on the applicability of
"A" death sentence for "A" murderer, but rarely consider the "big
picture" as well as the relative futility of the death penalty as a
viable solution to violent crime. Politicians have found a groove to
look tough on crime by perpetuating what amounts only to an illusion
of justice. It surprises me though, in today's investment savvy
society, that we don't call elected officials on the carpet to demand
an end to capital punishment. The billions and billions of dollars
saved by standardizing a life sentence for capital crimes could then
be utilized to better empower law enforcement which would impact upon
crime across the board which obviously would do more to stop
murderers before they kill.

Name: Sabine
Home Page: http://mitglied.tripod.de/nannyogg/index.html
Date: 2/1/2000, 12:42 PM
Comments: dearest family robison !

it is more than a week and i am still in a state of shock. i am not able to believe, that your brother did not get the care, he should get, that they did this. the pope, the european union, so many people asked for him - what was the answer ?

dear robisons, he will never be forget and i know, that every bad thing will come back once. let us work together, that no other man ever will suffer so much.

i am here, if you need me.

your friend

sabine

Name: Mary Mifflin
Home Page: None.
Date: 2/1/2000, 1:37 AM
Comments: Larry, although I never had a chance to know you, I am sure that you are a very special person...I read your last letter and feel like all of us left here on earth have lost a wonderful human being. But I am confident that you are now in a better place...please pray for all of us. I read your letter, Vicki, and cried...I too am a death row sister. My brother is on death row in Missouri. I love him very much...just as you love Larry. Your storm is now passed, mine has just begun. I hope that I come through this as you all have, with only love and forgiveness in my heart. Executions only deepen the wounds of tragedy, most especially for the family of the executed...I will continue to pray for your family. I know you must miss Larry tremendously. You will be reunited with him in heaven...a more just place than this one. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

Peace to you, Larry, and all of yours.
Love, Mary

Name: Jamie Bennett
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/31/2000, 4:48 PM
Comments: I have a very close friend who is paranoid schz. he just recently stopped taking his medication because he said it spaces him out and he sees things that are not really there. Is there any help for them. He is scared of the doctors he has seen. No one really understands what he goes through. But we try to be supportive and help him if neccesary. Other than that we can't control how people treat him or look at him like he's going to hurt someone. He has never been violent to my knowledge, but I can see from this case that you need to speak to someone before it's to late. I really feel sympathy towards your family and the victims families. I wish there was more that people caould do to help these people to get help.

Name: Tricia taylor
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/31/2000, 3:49 PM
Comments: I feel honored for haveing had my life touched by Larry Robison. I offer my prayers to Lois and Ken and the whole family. We are all very lucky as people to have been honored with the presence of Larry in our world if even for the short moments any of us had to know him wether thru letters or just seeing a news article on larry or visiting this site he still toughed each of us in his own way. Any one who lives in the western suburbs of IL are more than invited to a mass in Larry's honor at the St. perter and paul catholic church in naperville on sunday feruary 20th at 6:30 am I know it is early but it was the first mass they had available. please email me for directions to the church if you would like to attend. Again Lois and ken you are in my heart and prayers.

With love,
Tricia

Name: Christopher Weiskoenig
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/30/2000, 3:55 AM
Comments: What is the purpose of capital punishment? To do justice? Never! Capital punishment is the most primitive kind of vengeance and each execution is a symptom of, not a solution to, the culture of violence .Every death sentence is an affront to human dignity. I have lost a dear friend, Larry Robison, to this inhuman system of „Justice“. I had the privilege and honour to be his friend and penpal for many years and I am ever so greatful for this much to short a time, that I was able to share his thoughts and feelings. Although I never met him in person, I had the feeling to have known him for a very long time. Larry was a generous and sweet soul, a truly remarkable human being. A man who was able to touch your heart with his gentleness and love. The first thing that fascinated me about him, were his beautiful warm and expressive eyes, the windows to his soul. If those who judged and condemned him only had had the courage to look into his eyes, they would have seen the real values of this man and the beauty of his soul. His fate was sealed, when he was denied medical care, at a time when he needed it the most. He would never, ever have taken the lives of innocent people and much pain and sorrow could have been avoided, had those in power given him adequate help. Instead , the same people who faild to help him, judged, condemned and decided to kill him. And in doing so, they themselves became killers.The result is more grief, more pain and sadness and broken hearts .Parents lost a beloved son, a sister her much adored brother and I lost my dear friend. A cloud of sadness descended on me .The brutal bereavement left a big void in my life and an immense pain in my heart. In his last, very touching letter to his family and friends, Larry asked to be kind to one another and love one another. It is very hard for me to not hate those who killed him, and caused such great despair, but I will try to forgive them, because they don’t know what they did and because Larry would want it that way. I know that time heals all wounds and will leave only loving feelings behind, but it will take a long time...................... oh God, I miss him so and will never forget him. Goodby my friend, rest in peace, I love you.

Name: Susan
Home Page: http://www.guess-what.com
Date: 1/29/2000, 9:40 PM
Comments: I also belive that the ocean moves with grace. Love to all. - Susan

Name: Mary Curtis
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/29/2000, 2:51 PM
Comments: I would like to say that I feel your pain and Ifeel your loss. I too have a Son on death row His name is Paul Colella #045 I would like to ask that you pray for him I promise to pray for Larry His family and also for all of the other inmates at Ellis and Terell God Bless you You have touched my heart. May your lives be filled with Peace Your Sister in Christ Mary Curtis

Name: Virginia Fillers
Home Page: http://members.aol.com/shpadoinke
Date: 1/28/2000, 5:13 PM
Comments: Larry touched my life in a very special way. It's rare that a person can affect another so deeply without ever having met them. I will never forget him! In the Bible it is said that evryday we walk among angels, and I belive that Larry was one of them. Perhaps I will finally get to meet him someday in heaven.

Godbless,
Virginia Fillers

Name: fabian Gastellier
Home Page: http://maxpages.com/stopbarbarie
Date: 1/28/2000, 5:09 PM
Comments: Dear Lois, dear Ken, dear Vickie..and others. To the family I love I would write this:
Life is unfair, life is sometimes a storm, but after the storm comes a rainbow. In the darkness are the shining stars. In this unfair life is the eternity.
The cage is empty, a bird is now flying free. He had to leave us to be free, and we had to cry to set him free. But since this friday, with you all, in Walls Unit, I feel my heart full of love, full of peace and I take it as a gift after a nightmare.
Like a candle in the wind, our life is quivering. How fragile are the paths of our destiny. Just travel this life with your hands open, offered. Larry had so much to give "with a smile on (his) lips".
Larry, I never met you though I would have so. I will meet you now, this I know.
In fact, we have already met. It is a strange way of meeting someone who is now part of the universe. Here, in the South of France, a tree will grow up, day after day, month after month and year after year. I won't be there anymore when this tree will be adult -as we say. But I know that when this tree will be a big one, then his leaves will soar upwards..reaching the sky. With love, a sister from Oversea, FABIAN

Name: The One Who Called Him Home
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/28/2000, 4:12 PM
Comments: "I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine, "God said.
"For you to love while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
Or forty-two or three.
But will you, til I call him back,
Take care of him for me?"
He'll bring his charms
To gladden you and
should his stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.

I've searched the whole world over
In my search for teacher's true.
And from all those that crowd life's lane,
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love?
Not think the labor vain?
Not hate me when I come
To take him back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say---
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done
For all the joys Thy child will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should Thy angel call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

Name: Vickie
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/28/2000, 3:57 PM
Comments: Dear Mom and Dad,
I have found this passage for the two of you. I send it with love

Have you ever noticed how after a storm
the world seems so wonderfully new...
as if everyting that is unlovely
has been swept away, leaving only
that which is clean and bright and beautiful?
That's the way it is with storms
that occur in our lives.
At the time the tempest is raging,
it's so easy to focus
on the turmoil
But when we focus on that which is good
and believe with all our hearts,
the end of the storm comes more quickly...
and we find serenity
and a deeper appreciation of life.
I believe that you're
the kind of people
who have the inner strength
to walk through a storm
filled with hope
for the future.
And that is what I wish for you
with all my heart
----by Barbara Burrow

Name: Christopher Weiskoenig
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/28/2000, 3:49 PM
Comments: My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends-
It gives a lovely light!

by Edna St.Vincent Millay

I would like to dedicate this poem to my friend Larry Robison, I will always remember him as a smiling heart with wings.
Christopher Weiskoenig/Switzerland.

Name: Marianne Sormani
Home Page: None.
Date: 1/28/2000, 2:28 PM
Comments: Dear Lois, Ken, Vickie and other dear relatives of Larry,
I did not know Larry personally, but I met you, Lois and Ken, in Antwerp at our friends of the Sant'Egidio Community and the Journey of Hope and I wrote with you, Vickie. And seeing and experiencing your love for Larry and the power with which you were fighting for his life made me love Larry. I feel great admiration for you, how you loved Larry and also lived in deep integrity the sorrow of the victims' families. You have given everything for your son and brother and he has felt it and appreciated it. Larry is free from suffering now and I hope and pray that you can find peace, the peace that you deserve.
I hope we'll meet again, some time.
Peace and love,
Marianne Sormani

Name: Vickie
Home Page: http://www.larryrobison.org
Date: 1/28/2000, 8:54 AM
Comments: I love you Larry.........

Name: Karen Morgan
Home Page: None.
Date: 12/21/99, 11:02 PM
Comments: December 17, 1999

Governor George W. Bush
P. O. Box 12428
Austin, TX 78711

Dear Governor Bush,

I want you to know that you have been in my prayers daily, and I was so
happy to hear your quotes from the recent debate regarding Christ's
presence in your life and how He has changed your heart. That is
precisely what I have been praying for, and I believe sincerely in His
power to change our lives and soften our hearts so that we can be clear
about what it is He wants us to do and how He wants us to live our
lives.

Until August of this year, I was a death penalty proponent, sometimes
conflicted about it, but generally supportive of the present laws.
That was until I heard about the case of Larry Robison and his family's
doomed struggle to get him the help he needed before a tragedy
occurred. As you know, they were unable to have Larry committed for
long-term care - indeed they were told that nothing could be done
unless he became violent - and he subsequently murdered five people.
Now he has an execution date of January 21, 2000. When I first read
about Larry's case, it was as if the hand of God reached down and
touched me and opened my eyes to the truth about how the death penalty
is administered in the United States and especially in the State of
Texas. Far too many of those condemned are people (particularly men)
of color, poor, or mentally ill. I think our government could better
serve the people if we could implement alternatives to the death
penalty and find better ways to get treatment for the mentally ill and
adequate legal representation for the underprivileged. The
outrageously high cost of even asking for the death penalty is, in and
of itself alone, a strong argument for getting rid of it. That money
could be better spent in countless ways to prevent crime and especially
on treating mentally ill individuals before tragedies occur. I pray
that you educate yourself on the alternatives.

You have led a life of privilege, and on a smaller scale, so have I.
I love our country and our state, and I thank God every day for all the
ways my life has been blessed. It is time for a strong leader to stand
up and say that the death penalty is wrong and that it flies in the
face of all our claims to be world leaders in human rights. No one
wants dangerous people to be free on the streets, but there are
effective alternatives to killing them. And who better to stand up and
say that God has opened his eyes than one who has had presided over a
record number of executions in the State of Texas?

As for Larry Robison, I plead with you to grant him clemency. I am
aware that he says he is ready for his execution, but I think you and I
both know that is a symptom of his illness and that he needs
compassion. Yes, he understands his impending execution, but more
important, he did not understand what he was doing when he killed those
people because he was denied the care and medication that could have
controlled his illness.

In addition to asking for clemency for Larry Robison, I would ask that
you consider it for Johnny Paul Penry as well. His execution is set
for January 13, 2000. Mr. Penry's is another tragic case involving the
murder of a young woman, but he is severely mentally impaired and
cannot comprehend what he did, much less his impending execution. He
has the mental capacity of a 6- or 7-year-old child. It is
heartbreaking to imagine a child being led to the execution chamber,
and I plead with you for mercy on his behalf.

I will continue to hold you in my prayers, and I would like for you to
be the leader who stands tall and does what is right. You have the
opportunity to teach the American public about other ways to be tough
on crime without using the death penalty. May God continue to bless
you and show you the ways of compassion.

Sincerely yours,

Karen J. Morgan