From His Death Row Cell in Texas, Carlton Speaks His Mind Just Weeks Before His Scheduled Execution
Carlton A. Turner sits in his death row cell, waiting to be executed. He has an execution date of July 10, 2008. Back in September of 2007 Turner "cheated" the executioner and was granted a stay of execution just hours before his scheduled execution. The Supreme Court was then ruling whether lethal injection was cruel and unusual. Since the ruling came back 7-2, that it was not, Texas has lined up over a dozen executions. Here is my interview with Carlton, as he speaks about his thoughts on prison and the death penalty, and his life and death.Carlton, can you tell us about your conviction and how long you have been on death row? Are you guilty?
I have been convicted of Capital murder for the killing of 2 people in the process of robbery, of this charge I am not guilty. The first death came from a volatile situation which could have went either way in the end. Both were aggressors and defenders. I had the upper hand of the situation and happened to live. Either way, someone was to die at that moment. The second death was from psychological conditioning and stress. To put it simple, I blacked out as a controller of my actions. I knew what I was doing, but was not in control of my body until it was over. The taking of money was an afterthought. I knew this was the end so it did not matter whether money was stolen or not. The owners were no longer alive, so there was no sense in letting the state take it in the end. As harsh as it sounds, but my mentality at the time told me they wouldn't need it now and I needed a bit at the moment. It's not like I put it towards any long term investments and tried to get away with it. So, I am not guilty of Capital murder, but I am guilty of murder and robbery as an afterthought. If you still want to call that Capital murder, then that's just fine. It's all about perception. It doesn't change the fact that I have killed people.
What has the years on death row been like?
- executions resume in Texas
- 07-10-02 is the new execution date
Comments
Amen to what everyone else said and I echo what Dr. Marable said about living and dying alone and not feeling welcome in the world this is heartbreaking.
Very well crafted interview questions, and a fascinating glimpse into the persona of one death row inmate. In recent years, I have gone from a hard core death penalty proponent to a fence-sitter. I'm really having a difficult time determining what my position on this subject is.
Excellent interview. He sounds like a very depressed man, with good reason. Rather sad for him, but he was very direct about himself
Well, I have to say that I agree with much of what Carlton Turner says. Let's call the death penalty what it is--murder to pay back someone for a perceived wrong. It has nothing to do with justice. Besides, justice is man-made word and concept that is twisted to suit the motivation of whoever speaks it. A personal word to Mr. Turner--don't ever feel not welcome. You have as much validity as anyone else And you have as much right to being here--with or without anyone else's approval, too often steeped in narrow-minded beliefs. I wish the very best for you and your family. Dee, you did a fine job, as you always do, with this interview.
Dee, you did a really good job on this one. JUst wanted you to know that I am very behind in reading articles so will read all but might not comment every time. Trying to catch up before I go on vacation.
This is a wonderful interview!!!!!
Great interview, great choice of questions. I often wonder how it is that people choose to live when there seems to be no reason to, and it's fascinating that someone can be grateful for a few extra days of life, even on death row,
Wonderful job - many of us never really think about what their lives are like in prision
This is such a heartbreaking story. The saddest statement that I read, was: "I lived my life alone, so I would like to die this way. I have not really done anything with redeeming values and I have never felt welcome in this earth, so I am not wanting to be remembered. I want to die like the rest of the outcast before me, they are my kin, so I stand in solidarity with them." I wonder how many people feel this way? Society would probably be shocked to learn the truth. And I agree with his statement that the families are the ones who suffer the most. This has got to be one of the most heart-wrenching, faith-testing experiences that a family can go through - regardless of which side of the fence they are on.
Wow, interesting interview, that's for sure!
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