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A Killer's Grip

Justice For All


1:14 p.m.—Earlier this morning, I put in a call to Baya Harrison III, Rolling’s lawyer.
I didn’t really think I’d reach him. His job today is to stop the legal freight train - an execution.
Harrison’s secretary told me he’s in a car headed here, to the prison. Harrison, the country gentleman lawyer, is not the cell phone type.
Just a few minutes ago, I got a call back from Harrison’s secretary. He stopped briefly to call the office. Harrison didn’t have time for me, of course, but he sent the message that he’s in a waiting game too. The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet ruled on his latest motion and he’s worried that something will happen here - like an execution - before the Court has a chance to rule.
Harrison is a hard working, good man. Weeks ago, when I met with him at his small office in Monticello, he told me that our legal system, although not perfect, is the best in the world. Rolling, he said, confessed to several brutal murders. Still, he is afforded solid legal representation up to the moment of his death. Why does Harrison do what he does? Because he trusts the law.
We, as Americans, may not be forgiving of murderers, but no one can say we aren’t fair in our justice.


Send Us Your Comments

Two wrongs do not make a right.This may satisfy the thirst for vengence but as of now there is no proof that legal execution is any sort of deterrent to murder.However the killing by the sheriffs of the murderer of the police a few weeks ago I fully endorse.This is on the spot a preventive justice and should be done to anyone pointing a weapon or theatening any law officer in the performance of his or her duty.
Exceptance of course of those with known mental problems.The rest of us should know better.

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Mary Shedden has been covering the Gainesville student murders, investigation and trial for newspapers since August 1990, the same year she graduated from the University of Florida. She's been with The Tampa Tribune since 2005.


Thomas W. Krause has reported on legal issues for The Tampa since July 2003. He completed a master's degree in print journalism at the University of Miami in 1995 and has since worked for several newspapers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. In 2001, as part of his reporting and writing about the death penalty in Georgia, Krause was one of the witnesses at the execution of Terry Michael Mincey, the first man to die by lethal injection in Georgia.


Mark Douglas is an investigative reporter for News Channel 8. He's been covering stories for more than 10 years in the Pinellas County bureau. He also teaches at The University of Tampa where he has served as an adjunct faculty member since 1997.


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