On January 29, 1993, Anthony Fletcher was convicted of first degree murder. A week later the jury decided that he should be given the death penalty, and on February 21, the court sentenced him to die.
Anthony has never denied that he was involved in an altercation with Vaughn Christopher on March 2, 1992. During that altercation, Christopher suffered two gunshot wounds, and died in hospital, 12 hours later. Anthony claims that days before the shooting, Christopher had robbed him of approximately $50. On the night the shooting occurred, Anthony saw Christopher on the street and confronted him. Christopher pulled a gun out, and a struggled ensued, resulting in Christopher being shot twice with his own gun.
The prosecution claims that Anthony intentionally shot Christopher over a drug debt. They made their case relying heavily on the testimony of eye witness, Renee Grant, who's account was further backed up by the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Hood.
Anthony has never denied that he was involved in an altercation with Vaughn Christopher on March 2, 1992. During that altercation, Christopher suffered two gunshot wounds, and died in hospital, 12 hours later. Anthony claims that days before the shooting, Christopher had robbed him of approximately $50. On the night the shooting occurred, Anthony saw Christopher on the street and confronted him. Christopher pulled a gun out, and a struggled ensued, resulting in Christopher being shot twice with his own gun.
The prosecution claims that Anthony intentionally shot Christopher over a drug debt. They made their case relying heavily on the testimony of eye witness, Renee Grant, who's account was further backed up by the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Hood.
| At the time of the trial, Ms. Grant had several outstanding charges dating back almost four years. On February 3, 1993, only a few days after Anthony was convicted, she was given probation on three of these charges. An affidavit from Dr.Hydow Park (Dr.Park was out of the country and unavailable to testify at the trial) has since stated that the deceased's wounds were not consistent with Ms. Grant's testimony but were consistent with Anthony Fletcher's account. Dr. Hood has also signed an affidavit recanting testimony that he made at the trial regarding the injuries to the deceased.At the trial, Mr. Hood testified that there was no evidence of a physical struggle, specifically regarding bruising on the deceased's chest, which he stated was caused by the bullet entering the chest wall. Hospital records clearly indicate that there were no internal injuries to the chest. Here is the x-ray report from the hospital. Had Anthony Fletcher's counsel obtained hospital records they would have been able to counter that testimony. Not only did counsel not obtain hospital records but they also did not talk with either Dr. Park or Mr. Hood prior to the trial. At Anthony Fletcher's preliminary hearing (March 26, 1992), the prosecution stated that the gun shot wounds were to the "right side and thigh". They also stated that Dr. Park would be available at trial to testify. At the actual trial, the prosecution changed their stance by stating that the fatal shot was fired into the deceased's back. The prosecutor referred to this as the "coup de grace in the back". They needed to drill into the minds of the juror's that the shot was intentional to undermine the position of the defense, that the shooting had occurred during a face to face struggle. They were allowed to make this damaging change without being challenged, because Anthony Fletcher's trial counsel never contacted Dr. Park or the hospital to determine the exact nature of the injuries. | Extracts from Dr. Park's Affidavit 29. The trajectory of the bullet that wounded Mr. Christopher's right thigh is consistent with a firing that would occur if a right-handed man pulled a pistol and a left-handed man, directly up against him and in a physical struggle with him, seized control of the gun and fired it towards the man's leg, since the physical confrontation and struggle would explain why gun was fired steeply downwards into Mr. Christopher's right thigh. 30. I therefore believe that Mr. Fletcher's account of the shooting is consistent with the trajectory of the wound to the right thigh, while Ms. Grant's account is not. 34. The shot to the decedents lower right flank, with its subsequent, slightly upwards and forward trajectory through the body, more likely occurred through a struggle over a handgun between a right-handed person who drew it and a left-handed person struggling with him face to face, because the pushing and pulling in the midst of the struggle over the gun could readily account for the gun pointing inwards and slightly upwards. Vis-à-vis the decedent's body when it went off. 35. I believe that the shot to the decedents right flank is, therefore, more likely and more plausibly explained if there were a hand-to-hand struggle shortly after the gun was drawn at the decedents right flank, which could have occurred under Mr. Fletcher's account, than if the shooting occurred, as Ms. Grant said, with Mr. Fletcher shooting the decedent front some feet away as the decedent turned. |
According to the report of operations from the hospital, the bullet entered the abdomen through the patient's right flank . Based on the x-ray report showing the position of the bullet in the patient's left upper quadrant, it is clear, that the bullet travelled laterally through the body. Clearly, the deceased was not shot from behind.
In order to further discredit Anthony Fletcher's position, the prosecution stated that there was "no evidence of close range firing on the victim's skin." The perioperative nursing record from the hospital clearly show that before surgery, providone solution was used to clean the entrance wound. In order to help determine where the shots were fired from, all that was needed were the clothes worn by the deceased. According to the office of the medical examiner, the clothing was never turned over. Read Dr. Hood's affidavit regarding this matter. Clearly, the hospital did not lose the clothing, as it is also listed on the perioperative nursing record.
It is clear that the prosecution has had to completely twist the evidence, using misleading and false testimony to make their version of events hold up. The facts are clear, the evidence supports Anthony Fletcher.
Anthony Fletcher remains behind bars while the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office decides whether to appeal Judge Younge's decision or retry the case.
In order to further discredit Anthony Fletcher's position, the prosecution stated that there was "no evidence of close range firing on the victim's skin." The perioperative nursing record from the hospital clearly show that before surgery, providone solution was used to clean the entrance wound. In order to help determine where the shots were fired from, all that was needed were the clothes worn by the deceased. According to the office of the medical examiner, the clothing was never turned over. Read Dr. Hood's affidavit regarding this matter. Clearly, the hospital did not lose the clothing, as it is also listed on the perioperative nursing record.
It is clear that the prosecution has had to completely twist the evidence, using misleading and false testimony to make their version of events hold up. The facts are clear, the evidence supports Anthony Fletcher.
Anthony Fletcher remains behind bars while the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office decides whether to appeal Judge Younge's decision or retry the case.
FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE ON PENNSYLVANIA'S DEATH ROW
For over a decade now, former lightweight boxing champ, Anthony Fletcher, has been in the fight of his life. From his cell on Pennsylvania's death row, Anthony has been trying to clear his name since being convicted of first degree murder in 1993. Anthony has maintained all along that he was acting in self defense, and is confident that after you read the evidence from his case, you'll agree that a serious miscarriage of justice has taken place.
For over a decade now, former lightweight boxing champ, Anthony Fletcher, has been in the fight of his life. From his cell on Pennsylvania's death row, Anthony has been trying to clear his name since being convicted of first degree murder in 1993. Anthony has maintained all along that he was acting in self defense, and is confident that after you read the evidence from his case, you'll agree that a serious miscarriage of justice has taken place.
A Message From Anthony Fletcher:
Truth Crushed to the Earth Will Rise Again
It has been a long, arduous road. Over eleven years since the truth was crushed to the earth in my case. The truth has finally risen!
On February 26, 2004, I received a new trial, in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia, from the Honorable John M. Younge. The court ruled that, among other things, the coroner's testimony was "flat out wrong."
Over the years, it has been a hard fight to expose this evidence and bring the truth to light. Like a true champion, I have gone every round, toe-to-toe, never giving up. In the 11th year, I have finally scored a victory!
Like any other fight, I could not have done it alone. I had a great team that believed in me and have stood by me, through every round, even when it looked like I was down for the count. To those loyal family and friends that continue to believe in me, God bless you all, and I love you all. Thanks for writing, and thanks for caring, and thank you all for allowing me to know that special part of your inner soul. Thanks for your support in love. Without you all in my corner, I would have been KO'd.
Although the rounds have stopped for the moment, the fight is not totally over. The Phildalephia D.A. has the right to appeal the judge's decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Like a beat down club fighter, they will continue to swing at the air. We have to stand firm in our faith, chin tucked in, hands up. This last round is crucial and we need all the strength and support that we can muster to come out on top. We need to raise more funds to insure a swift victory by knockout when we go back for the new trial. The D.A. cannot crush the truth this time!
We need to raise funds to bring in our own experts to fight all the false testimony that was presented at my first trial.
The fight continues and it will be long and hard fought. I am praying that you all will continue to believe in me and have faith that the truth will set me free! With love, faith and many many prayers...
Anthony Fletcher
# CA1706
SCI Greene
175 Progess Drive
Waynesburg, PA15370
# CA1706
SCI Greene
175 Progess Drive
Waynesburg, PA15370
Please send all donations to my legal defence fund at:
Friends and family to free Anthony Fletcher
Dianne Settles - President
1313 S.49th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Dianne Settles - President
1313 S.49th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere!" - Martin Luther King
No donation is too small!
Hi my name is Anthony "two guns" Fletcher. I'm 5' 10", light green eyes,
short brown hair. My reasons for joining this website are hopefully to
meet those who are interested in developing life long friendships with
intelligent, caring, and compassionate persons, that would share a
moment of their time to brighten up my days in this gloomy uncertain
environment. Also, for those who do not recognize my name and picture,
I'm the former lightweight "champ" who in my prime defeated the likes
of the named world champions, Ray "boom boom" Mancini, Jimmy Paul,
Harry Arroyo, Johnny "bump city" Bumphus. I was one of the best
southpaws in the world to be picked to prepare Sugar Ray Leonard for
his unanimous victory of the champion of the world Marvin Haggler.
Also at this time I was preparing for my own championship fight within
days of this unfortunate set back, which I now find myself on death row.
I had a pretty successful boxing career and my outstanding record speaks
for itself 23-4-1 with 12 K.O.'s. Here are some of the things I'm interested
in and like. Music, love jazz and r&b especially those songs of a man
expressing his love for his lady. I love reading all kinds of self help and
motivational books. Also, being athletic. I love boxing (as you know),
football, basketball, baseball, and a little of hockey. I'm a kind hearted
person who will give my last to help someone. Also, there is much more
to me, but this is only a small amount so if you wish to know more about
me please do write me back.
short brown hair. My reasons for joining this website are hopefully to
meet those who are interested in developing life long friendships with
intelligent, caring, and compassionate persons, that would share a
moment of their time to brighten up my days in this gloomy uncertain
environment. Also, for those who do not recognize my name and picture,
I'm the former lightweight "champ" who in my prime defeated the likes
of the named world champions, Ray "boom boom" Mancini, Jimmy Paul,
Harry Arroyo, Johnny "bump city" Bumphus. I was one of the best
southpaws in the world to be picked to prepare Sugar Ray Leonard for
his unanimous victory of the champion of the world Marvin Haggler.
Also at this time I was preparing for my own championship fight within
days of this unfortunate set back, which I now find myself on death row.
I had a pretty successful boxing career and my outstanding record speaks
for itself 23-4-1 with 12 K.O.'s. Here are some of the things I'm interested
in and like. Music, love jazz and r&b especially those songs of a man
expressing his love for his lady. I love reading all kinds of self help and
motivational books. Also, being athletic. I love boxing (as you know),
football, basketball, baseball, and a little of hockey. I'm a kind hearted
person who will give my last to help someone. Also, there is much more
to me, but this is only a small amount so if you wish to know more about
me please do write me back.
Facts of the Crime:
Anthony Fletcher was convicted ofthe March 2, 1992 robbery and murder of Christopher Vaughn. At the time of the murder, Fletcher was a 36-year-old drug-dealer and former professional boxer. He shot Christopher once in the thigh and twice in the back. He had previous convictions for robbery, drug dealing and cocaine possession. In the 1989 robbery, the victim was a 14-year-old.
Anthony Fletcher was convicted ofthe March 2, 1992 robbery and murder of Christopher Vaughn. At the time of the murder, Fletcher was a 36-year-old drug-dealer and former professional boxer. He shot Christopher once in the thigh and twice in the back. He had previous convictions for robbery, drug dealing and cocaine possession. In the 1989 robbery, the victim was a 14-year-old.
The evidence and clear and it supports Anthony Fletcher. The murder he was convicted of, was not committed intentionally but rather, in self-defense. The prosecution twisted their evidence, using misleading and false testimony to make their version of events hold up. This is unacceptable. Anthony has always maintained that he was acting in self-defense. Executing this man, would be immoral, unjust, cruel, inhumane and a miscarriage of justice.
"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King Kr.
Please do the right thing and stop this execution from happening.
"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King Kr.
Please do the right thing and stop this execution from happening.
Anthony Fletcher was convicted of the March 2, 1992 robbery and murder of Christopher Vaughn. At the time of the murder, Fletcher was a 36-year-old drug-dealer and former professional boxer. He shot Christopher once in the thigh and twice in the back. He had previous convictions for robbery, drug dealing and cocaine possession. In the 1989 robbery, the victim was a 14-year-old.
Anthony has never denied that he was involved in an altercation with Vaughn Christopher on March 2, 1992. During that altercation, Christopher suffered two gunshot wounds, and died in hospital, 12 hours later. Anthony claims that days before the shooting, Christopher had robbed him of approximately $50. On the night the shooting occurred, Anthony saw Christopher on the street and confronted him. Christopher pulled a gun out, and a struggled ensued, resulting in Christopher being shot twice with his own gun. The prosecution claims that Anthony intentionally shot Christopher over a drug debt. Anthony and his defense lawyer argue that the shooting occurred during a face to face struggle. The prosecution has had to completely twist the evidence, using misleading and false testimony to make their version of events hold up. The facts are clear, the evidence supports Anthony Fletcher. He has maintained all along that he acted in self-defense, and not intentionally.
If you want more details on the misleading evidence against Anthony, please visit his website: www.anthony-fletcher.com
In addition to signing this petition, I urge you to also use the email form in te link below to contact Governor Edward Rendell directly and express your concerns with the death penalty. Urge him to stop this execution
Greetings, Governor Edward Rendell (Governor of Pennsylvania)
We, the undersigned, urge you Governor Rendell to stop the scheduled execution of Anthony Fletcher, on August 18th. The evidence is clear and it supports Anthony Fletcher. The murder he was convicted of, was not committed intentionally but rather, in self-defense. The prosecution twisted their evidence, using misleading and false testimony to make their version of events hold up. This is unacceptable. Anthony has always maintained that he was acting in self-defense. Executing this man, would be immoral, unjust, cruel, inhumane and a miscarriage of justice. The death penalty in general, is inhumane, racially biased, uncivilized and expensive.
"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King Kr.
Please do the right thing and stop this execution from happening. Commute Anthony Fletcher's death sentence to a prison sentence.
"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King Kr.
Please do the right thing and stop this execution from happening. Commute Anthony Fletcher's death sentence to a prison sentence.
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