updates

Update May 21, 2006:

Heath has since been working with a clergy-friend on his clemency application and has recently been offered the services of an attorney, pro-bono, to help him file; it looks as though that is going to happen very soon! PLEASE sign the web-petition now in order for your support to be included in that filing! While we are still accepting donations and maintaining Heath's Defense Fund, signatures are what we need the most at this time (see the Support Heath page). Thank you!

Update September 1, 2005:

Again the search is on for an attorney to represent Heath. For reasons beyond his control, Craig Lambert has had to temporarily suspend his law practice for an indeterminable amount of time. Results and details of our search will be forthcoming. As always, thank you for your support and help Heath by donating to his defense fund... no amount is too small.

Update April 29, 2005:

As of today, Heath's application for clemency has not been filed. His attorney is still

in the process of review and conducting interviews needed to represent Heath before the Clemency Board. As you can imagine, this process is slow but we intend to be thorough in our efforts. You can help by signing the form to advocate clemency and if possible, donating to Heath's defense fund. Your help and support are greatly appreciated.

Update December 17, 2004:

On November 1, 2004, Craig Lambert was hired as Heath's legal representative.

As previously mentioned, he is an attorney based in Arkansas that specializes in post-conviction cases. Mr. Lambert is now in the process of reviewing Heath's case and will apply for Executive Clemency after the first of the year. At this time, we are still gathering funds needed to adequetly represent Heath and signatures to advocate clemency. Thank you to everone that makes this possible and for your continued support.

August 22, 2004:

The deadline for an appeal in Heath's case was June 1998, one year from the date of his sentencing. Lacking qualified legal representation, no appeals were filed on Heath's behalf during that time. Executive Clemency is now Heath's only chance for the possibility of a sentence reduction. This is a process of review of Heath's case by the Clemency Board and a recommendation to the Governor, who then approves or denies the request.

Our intentions are to finally obtain a paid, qualified attorney to represent Heath in his bid for clemency. The clemency hearing date was first set in November 1999 but was indefinitely postponed because Heath's attorney at the time, Cheryl Maples, became ill and quit practicing law. That hearing was never reset and because of newly enacted guidelines for the Clemency Board, Heath must reapply.

After Ms. Maples, Heath was represented by an out-of-state attorney who had his own agenda in representing Heath and that relationship was severed. This attorney was later disbarred for unethical practices. More recently, Heath was represented by Dr. Robert Blackwelder, a former law professor in Alabama. Dr. Blackwelder's belief in Heath is unwavering but, due to serious health issues and his inability to travel, he is unable to continue representing Heath. Dr. Blackwelder continues to offer his guidance and support.

An in-state attorney, who specializes in post-conviction cases, has now been chosen to represent Heath. What we lack are the funds to obtain his counsel.

Once hired, this attorney will again start the process of review. Our firm belief is that there are many mitigating circumstances in Heath's case that have never been heard on his behalf. Our hope is that you will offer support by visiting the Support Heath page of this website. On behalf of Heath, his family and friends, Thank You.