Comments for Helen Fogarassy, Writer: U.S. and Global Politics

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by admin

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:36:34 +0000

Thank you for your comment Robert. Any ideas on how to get Frank out?

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by robert rankin

robert rankin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:02:11 +0000

I served time with Frank in the old central prison in the 1960s we used to eat lunch together in the prison hospital we talked and I dont think he could have comited this crime his demeanor did not indicate this I think they unjustly imprisoned the wrong man

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by admin

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:09:20 +0000

Thank you for your comment Arlene. Have any ideas about what we can do to get poor Frank out and into his younger brother Richard’s care?

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by Arlene Pulley

Arlene Pulley — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:31:52 +0000

If the Jury had been sure Wetzel was guilty they would have given him the death penalty. With a life sentence in NC you are eligible for parole if the Commission believes you have been punished and if you are not a danger to society. I was on the Commission for four years and if I could have found two other Commissioner to sign with me I would have paroled him. He is not a danger and should be paroled in my opinion!

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by helen

helen — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:27:07 +0000

You’re absolutely right, Gregory. The most suspicious aspect of Frank’s case is that he has not been allowed a rehearing of his case even though he was convicted in pre-Miranda days. Please see the new blog on how Frank’s situation reflects the workings of law as implemented by flawed humans. Please encourage signing of the petition to grant him clemency. Finally, please draw attention to the foundation that has been set up in Frank’s name to help youths escape the legal trap in which they can be caught due to early misadventures.

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by Gregory von Richter

Gregory von Richter — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:47:13 +0000

The State of North Carolina had a chance to let this issue just go away quietly had they paroled him 30 years ago. The State is about to be greatly embarrassed in front of the whole world when Wetzel dies. Most now view that court procedures were skimpy at best, and the state should have considered paroling him when the real truth started to emerge. As I see it–The State of North Carolina is hold no cards in this deal. This case will be studied and become a part of American Jurisprudence for the next 200 years. Whether you believe Wetzel or not–his death behind bars will become a media event.

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by helen

helen — Sun, 29 May 2011 23:14:42 +0000

George, I’m truly sorry the patrolmen’s families suffered as a result of their deaths but that has no bearing on Frank continuing to be imprisoned if he did not commit the two shootings that took place 50 miles apart within 20 minutes. Bianca Wetzel was a news reporter when she met Frank and fell in love with him while piecing together the parts of Frank’s conviction that did not make sense to her. She may have been a bit eccentric, as anyone would have to be to marry a man in prison, but character quirks don’t necessarily imply skewed vision. Finally, the jury was not convinced by the evidence presented by the prosecution against Frank. As you’ll see in the blog posting “how the media locked up Frank Wetzel and threw away the key,” the jury would have given Frank the death penalty had they not had doubts about his guilt. I look forward to hearing from you once you’ve reconsidered the facts.

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by helen

helen — Sun, 29 May 2011 23:05:56 +0000

John, please read the articles accessible through the blog post “How the media locked up Frank Wetzel and threw away the key.” The jury foreman said that Frank did not get the death penalty because the jury was not convinced Frank had committed the crimes. Is that not reasonable doubt, which should have gotten Frank exonerated rather than convicted. I look forward to hearing from you once you’ve read the article.

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by helen

helen — Sun, 29 May 2011 23:02:13 +0000

Steve, have you tried driving 50 miles in 20 minutes lately? How easy do you think it was in November 1957 late at night? Not to mention killing two law-enforcement officers to boot, an activity in which Frank had no skill, regardless of other unlawful acts he may have committed. Look at the facts again. You may change your mind. All best even in the meantime and looking forward to hearing from you again.

Comment on Does 88-year-old Frank Wetzel Deserve to Remain in a North Carolina Prison after 50-odd Years? by helen

helen — Sun, 29 May 2011 22:57:27 +0000

Thanks for expressing your view, Terry. I think Frank should be granted clemency immediately. Please sign the petition aimed at that goal and get others to do so as well. God bless reason and justice!