NCJ Number
137272
Journal
Time Volume: 139 Issue: 20 Dated: (May 18, 1992) Pages: 41-44
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This narrative details the facts, legal procedures, and legal issues involved in the case of Roger Keith Coleman who was scheduled to be executed on May 20, 1992 for the murder of Wanda Fay McCoy in Grundy, Va. in March 1981.
Abstract
Coleman was found guilty of rape and murder and sentenced to capital punishment after 3 hours of jury deliberation. The case against him was built on circumstantial evidence, because no witnesses or fingerprints were found. Coleman has maintained his innocence and nearly exhausted his avenues of legal appeal, unless the governor grants clemency or a Federal court intervenes. He asserts that his initial legal representation was inadequate and that much evidence has not been heard. However, the United States Supreme Court has sharply curtailed the ability of State prisoners to approach Federal courts with challenges to their convictions or sentences. Thus, current habeas corpus guidelines now essentially restrict capital felons to a single Federal appeal. Therefore, appealing to the governor for clemency may be more productive. Photographs