Black Flag 219 index
Amelia Johnson
Ali Khalid Abdullah of the Political Prisoners of War Coalition informs us of the case of Amelia Johnson, aka Bahiya Shakur, an Afrikan American woman serving life in Texas. She allegedly kidnapped and murdered her husband, Darius Leon Powell. She was convicted on circumstancial evidence. The Court-appointed lawyer didn't interview any of the witnesses who could testify on her behalf. Other alleged witnesses were compromised by the District Attorney's office. Amelia believes that the DA knew she was not guilty but were desperate to obtain a conviction. The third prosecution witness was Amelia's son, who was accused of being involved in the crime and threatened with a life in jail unless he implicated his mother. Amelia advised him to blame her, if only to spare himself from a lifetime inside.
As well as trumping up charges, the DA gave out negative press statements about Amelia, which the reporter involved later apologised for printing.
Amelia is continuing to fight to clear her name, and would appreciate donations and letters.
Attorney Myrtle J McDaniel, c/o Amelia Johnson Legal Defense, PO Box 2032, Temple, TX 76503 USA
Bahiya Shakur (Amelia Johnson #640983), 1401 State School Rd, Gatesville TX 76503 USA