http://youtu.be/h4ZyuULy9zs

By Amanda Cacace

One of America's most controversial court cases came to an end last Wedensday when Troy Davis, charged with the 1989 murder of police officer Mark MacPhail, was put to death.    

The execution was met with a great amount of protest around the world due to the flimsy evidence that tied Davis to the murder. There was no gun found on the scene, and therefore no murder weapon that could tie Davis to the case. This left the evidence against Davis solely comprised of eyewitnesses. However, seven out of the original nine witnesses who spoke against Davis recanted their testimony, claiming they felt pressure by police to claim he was guilty.

During his years on death row, public figures such as Al Sharpton, Pope Benedict XVI and former President Jimmy Carter came out in defense of Davis.

Davis filed an 11th hour appeal for clemency to commute his sentence from death into life in jail, which was reviewed and rejected by the state of Georgia. Despite protests from around the world, including one on the front lawn of the White House and outside of the very jail where Davis was set to die, Davis was taken into the execution chamber.

He maintained his innocence even during the execution.

"I am sorry for your loss," Davis said. "I did not personally kill your son, father, and brother. I am innocent." For those executing him, Davis said, "May God have mercy on your souls, may God bless your souls."

After the execution, the United States Justice System was hit by great criticism, particularly accusations of racism due to Davis being  African American. Others claimed it was a lack of empathy within the state that caused the denial of Davis' request for a new trial.

Among the public figures who openly criticized the execution was well-known judge Greg Mathis.

"I don't like to contradict other judges, but Davis should have been granted a new trial, to be able to prove his innocence," said Mathis. "This was without a doubt a grave miscarriage of justice"

The decision has been met with criticism not just in the media, but also by thousands of people around the globe, not just against Davis'--- case, but the death penalty itself

"There is no excuse for the death penalty, no matter how heinous the crime," said Scott Spink, English major. "Until we as a collective human society can understand and accept this, there is no hope for moral progression."

Dear Sister of Troy,

I signed your petition along with thousands of others, may he rest in peace.  I will pick a magnolia flower for your brother.