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Name: SIMONE
Email: @@@@
Date: 12/21/2008
Time: 1:36:47 PM

Comment

I read Rocco's full story,it's incredible how an innocent was murdered ! I'm very disappointed for the decision taken 8 years ago, he can prove his innocence but now is too late. I'll remember his case, I wanna send him a great hug. God will give you a special place in the sky ! Simone from Italy

Name: MICHELE BELLINAZZO
Email: @@
Date: 8/3/2008
Time: 9:01:21 PM

Comment

It's been almost 8 years now since Rocco was murdered. I was too young then, to fully understand *everything*. Now his innoncence has been proved, and again nobody seemed to care much. Curse mr. gilmore (no capital letter for him), curse all those who put obstacles to the fight for the truth, curse those who started all this tragedy by killing poor Sarah. Non ti dimenticheremo Rocco.

Name: PIA DE SIMONE
Email: @@@
Date: 9/14/2007
Time: 11:07:35 AM

Comment

Dear Tony and Jane It's been seven years since that sad day, but I will never forget. The children who wrote to Derek have turned 18 this year and have turned out to be fine young men and women. It is my hope that they will never forget him, or the things he taught us all with his example. My love to all. Pia De Simone

Name: LUISA
Email: @@@
Date: 5/31/2007
Time: 3:31:37 PM

Comment

Ciao, sono Luisa da Napoli (Italia). Volevo lasciare un segno del mio passaggio, dire ancora una volta che, sì, Derek era innocente, che amo le sue poesie e che forse, nonostante tutte le battaglie, non vedremo mai la giustizia sulla terra. Ma Dio, che conosce il cuore degli uomini, sa bene quale sia la verità. Non la possono mascherare, nè nasconderla ai Suoi occhi. "L'Eterno è lento all'ira e grande in potenza, ma non lascia affatto impunito il malvagio" (Na. 1:2-8). Derek avrà giustizia in cielo. Ma la pena di morte va abolita a ogni costo, e continueremo a lottare per far sentire questo urlo di dolore contro le ingiustizie. Derek, non ti dimenticheremo mai... Un abbraccio affettuoso a tutta la famiglia.

Name: Danielle Barnabei-Bright
Email: @
Date: 3/23/2007
Time: 8:07:05 PM

Comment

Today, I am working online and thought of Derek. Though I have not spoken to Jane in awhile, I think of her often, as well as the life of my cousin who I didn't get an opprutunity to know well. My thoughts and prayers are with the family always. Though there's not always justice in the world.... one day we will learn who really murdered Sarah. Then and only then, will Derek finally rest in peace. And Jane will be able to breathe a little easier. All my Love- Danielle Barnabei-Bright

Name: FRANCESCO CODECACSA
Email: @@@@
Date: 9/27/2006
Time: 4:28:34 PM

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I'll never forget the pain and deep sorrow I felt for Rocco's life, a probably innocent man murdered by an evil man. It's terrible to think how in America, the land of freedom and justice, can happen terrible events like that and how can Truth be falsified. Francesco Codecasa - Varese - Italy

Name: BONNIE KNAPP
Email: @@
Date: 9/12/2006
Time: 11:37:51 AM

Comment

All is not lost, his innocense can still be proven, if he is truly innocent, and you are sincere and determined. Evidence can be re-examined by professionals and new more advanced DNA Tests can be done by experts. The State can be sued and his family recompensated for their loss, pain, and suffering. Alot of lawyers would take on this case pro-bono, just for the publicity, or a small fee. It takes more than talk, it takes action. The tests will either prove he was innocent or guilty, at least you tried, and believed. Noone, even lawyers, or experts, can say if he was innocent unless the facts and tests back up those claims. BONNIE KNAPP-Wichita, Ks

Name: BONNIE KNAPP
Email: CUBFANINKANSAS@wmconnect.com
Date: 09/08/2006
Time: 1:46:29 PM

Comment

All is not lost, his innocense can still be proven, if he is truly innocent, and you are sincere and determined. Evidence can be re-examined by professionals and new more advanced DNA Tests can be done by experts.  The State can be sued and his family recompensated for their loss, pain, and suffering. Alot of lawyers would take on this case pro-bono, just for the publicity, or a small fee.
    It takes more than talk, it takes action. The tests will either prove he was innocent or guilty, at least you tried, and believed. Noone, even lawyers, or experts,  can say if he was innocent  unless the facts and tests back up those claims.

                                   BONNIE KNAPP-Wichita, Ks.

Name: GIANLUCA MAGLIANO
Email:
Date: 11/30/2005
Time: 1:36:27 PM

Comment

Dear Mrs Jane, after 5 years, I already remember the tragedy of your son. I want to encourage you to go on with your battle against capital execution and against the sharks like governor Gilmore who puts political interest before the human life. I don't care if your son is innocent or not (I think he is innocent), I will pray for him because I want that your son will be one of the last victim of this politic. Gianluca Magliano Caserta - Italy

Name: Phil Galasso
Email: k2pg@worldnet.att.net
Date: 9/16/2005
Time: 4:10:15 PM

Comment

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Barnabei family on this fifth anniversary of the murder of Derek by the Commonwealth of Virginia. My prayers are with the Barnabei family on this sad occasion. While the United States loves to lecture the rest of the world on human rights, often through the barrel of an M-16, it allows Virginia to maintain a kangaroo court system worse than the courts in many Third World "banana republics". Virginia itself is a reeking cesspool of corruption commingled with good, old-fashioned Southern bigotry, a land where "Yankees", "Eye-talians", and "fish eaters" (Roman Catholics) are not welcome outside of the few suburban counties surrounding Washington, D.C. The truth must come out and the real killer(s) of Sarah Wisnosky must be found and brought to justice. Then and only then can Derek rest in peace. Rot in Hell, James Gilmore III! Philip E. Galasso West Creek, NJ and Wilkes-Barre, PA

Name: GALDINO ZENERE
Email:
Date: 5/19/2005
Time: 6:53:45 AM

Comment

TO FORMER GOVERNOR GILMORE Mr. Gilmore, did you sleep well in the past 5 years? No remorses, no doubts, no regrets? No repentances? Anyway, the day has come finally and you should wake up. I was waiting all long for this moment. I never stopped hoping for this. You should start as from now to feel uneasy, Mr. Gilmore, to phisically touch the nightmare approaching you, the nightmare of the truth, the disclosing of your intrigues. You should start to imagine to be sentenced to prison (of course not to death, Mr. Gilmore! Hands off Cain!!) and even worse, to be held up to public scorn. Can you see the face of Rocco Bernabei? Can you hear his last words, Mr. Gilmore? " I am truly innocent of this crime, eventually the truth will come out.''. Yes, it will come out. He may even have been guilty, Rocco. But there were too many doubts and an extremely high number of blunders which slipped into the investigation. So why killing him? Almost the entire civilized world (John Paul II included) asked you to stop, to wait, not to do it. So what now if it will be proved that serious, if not intentional flaws within the Virginia crime laboratory occured? Will you be saying "Sorry, I made a mistake?" In that case you will be flooded with violent and ourageous shouts of anger. Be ready. This will happen. Unlike other events, people didn't forget the case of Rocco Barnabei. It was in our mind, in our breast, in our body - I would say it was living with us. Unforgettable! This case proved to represent an intellectual and moral divide between the two shores of the Atlantic. And I felt ill. I was not really ill, but I felt so. A cancer. A beast. The only positive (though such word may sound terribly cruel to Rocco's mother), the only positive aspect of this tragedy lays in the consequences that it will have on the public opinion as to the abolishment of death penalty in the US. Do you realize at least this, Mr. Gilmore? Do you understand, that if no death penalty had been reinstated years ago in Virginia, Rocco Barnabei might have still been sitting in the state prison waiting now for the results of the re-examination? Alive, and not dead and with excellent chances to be freed soon. This can't happen now, we all have no power for making this happen, while the possible true murder/murders are walking along American streets. I leave you to your private law practice, Mr. Gilmore. You are seriously getting clients who trust you? Galdino Zenere, Padova - Italy

Name: PIA DE SIMONE
Email:
Date: 5/12/2005
Time: 2:43:50 PM

Comment

Hey everybody, it looks like the light wants to shine through! I hadn't heard the news, but today a woman stopped me outside the supermarket in Fossacesia, Italy. She told me what she had heard and even started crying, thinking about the horror of it all. She asked me to send everyone her most ardent wishes that the truth will finally come to light. We have not forgotten Derek, his battle, his mom (we love you Jane!)... and his last words still ring true in our ears. Have faith everybody! Maria Pia De Simone

Name: tony di piazza
Email:
Date: 5/11/2005
Time: 6:21:54 PM

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Alarming indifference from crime lab boss The Virginian-Pilot © May 10, 2005 This is the first of two editorials on an independent report released Friday that found fault with the way the state crime lab analyzes DNA results. Unfortunately, Dr. Paul Ferrara still doesn’t get it. For months, the director of the Virginia Division of Forensic Science (DFS) insisted that the lab had done nothing wrong in its analysis of evidence in to the case of Earl Washington Jr. Now he’s implying that the mistakes were minor. Ferrara was wrong when he told The Virginian-Pilot last June, “They can say what they want; we are standing by those results.” He was wrong when he told the Chicago Tribune last October, “I’m not going to admit error when there is none.” And he’s wrong now when he describes a damning audit by the accrediting arm of his profession as a critique of “one sub-sample five years ago based upon current technologies and standards.” The seven-month analysis by ASCLD/LAB, which has prompted Gov. Mark Warner to order a review of 150 additional DNA cases, points to an assortment of errors by the lab stretching from 1993 to 2004. And it casts a shadow over numerous other prosecutions, convictions and imprisonments that relied on the lab’s DNA work. The bulk of those problems in the audit stem from the work of analyst Jeffery Ban who, it is sobering to note, is the Virginia lab’s lead DNA scientist and sits on a national panel on DNA testing standards. The audit raised serious questions about Ban’s failure to outright eliminate Washington during the first DNA testing in the case in 1993. At the time, then-Gov. Douglas Wilder cited the iota of doubt as the reason for reducing Washington’s death sentence to life, rather than releasing him. Washington served 17 years in prison, including 9½ on death row, before he was pardoned, though not proclaimed innocent, by former Gov. Jim Gilmore in 2000, based on a new round of DNA testing. In the more recent tests, the audit found that Ban correctly eliminated Washington from DNA on a blanket on the bed where 19-year-old Culpeper housewife Rebecca Williams was slain. That DNA was matched by the state’s data bank to Kenneth Tinsley, who is serving life in prison for another rape. However, when it came to DNA recovered from Williams’ body, Ban got wrong results on one test. In a second, Ban discounted as unusable a slide from which a California scientist got what the audit calls “clear and definitive results.” According to that analysis by Dr. Edward Blake, sperm found in Rebecca Williams’ vagina also belongs to Kenneth Tinsley. It is time for someone in authority in Virginia to apologize to Earl Washington Jr. for years of false imprisonment and for the cloud of suspicion that continues to haunt him, even since his release. Is there another case in the annals of DNA testing in Virginia in which genetic material on both a victim’s body and the bed where she was slain has been linked to an individual, Tinsley, and that person has neither been indicted nor identified as the lead suspect in the case? No. The mistakes at the Virginia lab do not stop with Ban, however. Perhaps even more perplexing, as questions swirled last year about the lab’s performance, it attempted additional testing and performed an internal review. For the most part, the lab found no errors in Ban’s work. Clearly, the Virginia state lab cannot be trusted to police itself. Four entities deserve credit for exposing dangerous flaws within a crime lab previously considered to be on the cutting edge of DNA testing nationally. The New York-based Innocence Project pushed relentlessly for a comprehensive, independent audit. Dr. Robert Shaler, the point man on the Sept. 11 victim identifications and the director of forensic biology for New York city, risked the rebuke of colleagues by putting professionalism above cronyism to criticize the work of fellow scientists. Gov. Mark Warner ordered the audit and, despite pressure to do otherwise, released the entire report. And ASCLD/LAB silenced doubters by issuing an exacting critique. Unfortunately, the list of those performing admirably does not extend to Dr. Ferrara. His defensive posture is disappointing and unsettling from a lab that, while doing many things right, has enormous power to obstruct criminal prosecutions if it errs. So long as Ferrara wrongly diminishes the serious errors in his lab, Virginia policy-makers take a huge risk in standing by him. Tomorrow: Restoring confidence in the lab.

Name: tony di piazza
Email:
Date: 5/11/2005
Time: 6:17:26 PM

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Some Va. death cases may be reviewed BY FRANK GREEN TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER May 10, 2005 Give your opinion on this story Former death-row inmate Earl Washington, Jr. FILE PHOTO Any Virginia death-sentence cases that relied on "low-level" DNA testing will be considered for review, officials said yesterday. In low-level DNA testing, the evidence contains amounts of DNA at or below normal detection limits. Reviews of sample cases were recommended by an independent audit, released Friday, that found the Virginia Division of Forensic Science erred in the case of pardoned death-row inmate Earl Washington Jr. The audit raised serious questions about the quality and accuracy of the state lab's work. RELATED Case to be reviewed? Some Va. death cases may be reviewed It recommended reviewing a sample of 50 low-level DNA cases - and/or cases handled similarly to the Washington one - to determine if there was a much larger problem. However, Paul B. Ferrara, director of the state lab, has decided to re-examine the work done in 161 cases. A spokeswoman for Ferrara said yesterday that he will look at all of the capital cases during the DNA era to see if any used low-level DNA testing, to determine whether they should be reviewed. The low-level DNA death-sentence cases - if any - will be given priority. Some of those cases reviewed may be of men already executed, she said. A spokeswoman for the Virginia attorney general's office said yesterday that the office did not keep a tally on the number of capital-murder cases involving DNA evidence. Ferrara could not be reached for comment. There are now 23 people on Virginia's death row. Ferrara's spokeswoman said the review of the 161 cases will be conducted by experts both outside and inside the state lab. No timetable was available. Ferrara's intent is to review a sample of three cases handled by each of the lab's 40 DNA technicians and all 41 cases handled by Jeffrey D. Ban since 1999. The audit said Ban, a high-ranking technician, erred in the Washington case. Washington was pardoned by then-Gov. Jim Gilmore in 2000 when testing failed to find Washington's DNA at the scene of the crime, but found that semen on a blanket at the scene was from a convicted rapist serving life sentences for another rape. Ban was faulted for testing involving biological material found in the victim's vagina. Ban incorrectly ruled out the presence of the convicted rapist's DNA, the audit said. The audit endorsed the results of an independent DNA test that determined the convicted rapist's DNA was present in material from the victim's vagina. Gilmore said Friday that all of the DNA tests, including the independent one, did not prove Washington was not involved in the crime - only that a jury, hearing the DNA evidence, likely would not have convicted him. The audit could emerge as an issue in the gubernatorial campaign, which pits a former civil-rights lawyer who opposes the death penalty for religious reasons against an ex-attorney general who favors expanding capital punishment. Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, the presumed Democratic nominee, said through his press secretary yesterday that he favors the review that will be conducted. "This issue is above politics," said Kaine spokeswoman Delacey Skinner. "It's about justice being served." Kaine says he is against the death penalty because of his Catholic faith, though he has indicated that - as governor - he would not block an execution. Skinner said, "The DNA testing is one of the more powerful tools we have at our disposal for pursuing justice in the criminal-justice system. It is important that we ensure that it is exercised accurately." Former Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore, the presumed Republican nominee, had little to say about the report to Gov. Mark R. Warner on the state's DNA testing program that set in motion the review. But Kilgore welcomed statements on Friday by Ferrara, who said the report did not suggest widespread problems in the program. "Although Jerry has not fully reviewed the report, in reading Paul Ferrara's statements, we agree with him that we are gratified that the audit does not find a systemic deficiency within the forensic lab, therefore this appears to be an isolated incident," said Kilgore spokesman Tim Murtaugh. "We will review the report." Murtaugh said Kilgore, who had opposed additional DNA testing in the Washington case, could have more to say about the audit of the DNA testing program. Contact Frank Green at (804) 649-6340 or fgreen@timesdispatch.com Staff writer Jeff E. Schapiro contributed to this report.

Name: tony di piazza
Email:
Date: 5/11/2005
Time: 6:11:49 PM

Comment

http://www.roanoke.com/editorials%5C23368.html

Name: THE NEW YORK TIMES
Email:
Date: 5/7/2005
Time: 2:12:19 PM

Comment

Saturday may 7th, page A1 Lab's Errors Force Review of 150 Virginia DNA Cases By JAMES DAO WASHINGTON,

Name: FRANK SLATON
Email:
Date: 2/3/2005
Time: 2:26:36 PM

Comment

Thought I’d forget? Not a chance. Although there are those that believe the murder of Sarah Wisnosky was solved and closure was achieved upon the execution of Derek, let it be known that in my mind and in the minds of so many others, this case remains unsolved. This case continues to fester in the hearts and minds of those whom are determined to ensure the persons actually responsible for the murder of Sarah and the subsequent execution of Derek are eventually brought to justice if not, before a court of law most certainly on their judgment day before God. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad”. 2 Corinthians 5:10 - Be aware, we know for certain the true killers are walking among us, who they are along with their accomplices who also know exactly what happened on that September evening in 1993. To these cowards let it be known, I see you… I know where you have been hiding, I know where you live, the coarse your lives have taken, and the accomplishments you have realized, and of coarse the secrets you carry. We have been watching you as you go about your day to day activities and live your lives with those closest to you, knowing and wondering in the back of your mind how different it would have been had the truth come out. Your day is coming no matter how hard you try to forget and feel that this is a thing of the past. Because, it will never be forgotten and will always be something you will ultimately face in the future. Remember the last time we met? How scared you were! How hard your heart pounded! How dry your mouth got! How nervous your stomach felt and the thoughts that were racing through your mind! Take a good look around you, will you recognize me? It has been a long time since we last met face to face or maybe it has been very recent. See you again soon… I really enjoyed our last conversation. “So heavy are the burdens for those whom have sinned by taking the life of another, it is impossible for the weak to carry this burden on their shoulders forever”. Frank Slaton, Private Investigator, 3 February, 2005

Name: CHRIS STECHER
Email:
Date: 1/15/2005
Time: 8:42:40 AM

Comment

Yo Derek. Miss you man. Your name will be cleared. I promise. Chris Stecher

Name: ceci
Email:
Date: 10/2/2004
Time: 6:20:09 AM

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Hi! My name is Cecilia and i write in a long time with some american death row inmates. With 2 friends we decided to organize a demonstration and a conference here in Modena, next may 2005. At the conference there will be some of the most important abolitionists . Rick Halperin and Magdaleno Avila will speak, then we'll have a rappresentant of the Coalit and Delia Perez, sister of Louis Perez , inmate at the Polusky unit, Texas. We simply want to let people see that all inmates are human being, as you and me. We need to let people know about all this....so please, anyone interested in it, can write me to cecipdm@yahoo.it Thank you all, Cecilia

Name: anonynous
Email: xxx
Date: 9/21/2004
Time: 9:04:09 AM

Comment

I dont intend to stir up old memories. i started researching this case after some friends moved into the house, and the legend that surrounds it. Having been born and raised in Virginia beach living a privlidged life, I have lived on both sides of the law. i've seen how morally corrupt many, if not most of the lawmakers are as well as those empowered to uphold them. Time and time again the police label you, resulting in countless convictions ruining the lives of people who simply don't fit into the neat Virginia "type". Money does make problems go away. Norfolk is a small place... believe it or not, no one wants to convict one of their own. I believe most high society Virginians will do anything it takes to uphold there "pristine" image of the state. Virginia is a weird place... especially the hampton roads area. a place that is so rich in history and tradition. Maybe the old timers that have the ultimate power mean well..... but they do more harm than good. I wish I could better explain what I'm feeling, but I dont have the vocabularity for it. Look back in history, often times people do anything, often crazy insane things in retrospect, to make sure their ideals are not compromised. The states is so heavily rooted in religion, something that is SUPPOSED to be kept seperate from the state, but it's not, organized religion, especially in the south is widely corrupt and just big business. People dont want to admit va beach locals are killers... because we believe ourselves to be better than that. Snobs, Virginians are snobs. I myself am no better. From birth we are taught racism and prejudice.. those who have less money have less self worth. We live within the tight contraints of society because the people really have no power. Ppeak out, and you'll be ignored or tossed in jail. All the children in my family have done things that shouldnt have let slide. Judges have dismissed charges with little more than a wink to my parent and a friendly "I'll see you on the {golf} course" I'm amazed judges can speak across the bench in such a cavalier manner in a setting such as a courtroom. Who you are and who you know shouldnt matter there, only the facts... did you do it, or did you not. but I find very little of that. who you are, how do you look, do you APPEAR to fit in the the "good person" type they have drawn in their minds? later in my life I found myself accused of more serious charges. this is where I really start to understand Derek's struggle. My father, who was always present at prior cases decided to sit this one out. The charges were so ridiculous everyone refused to believe I'd be convicted. I walk into the court room completely having faith in my lawyer, a friend of the family that doesnt even practice trial law anymore. Sure enough as I stood accused, my draw dropped when I heard what came from the prosecutions mouth... I wanted to cry out, I shook my head in disgust with a brief sigh. the story the "victim" portrayed didnt even match the story she had givin when the charges were filed. My lawyer did point this out, having her written testimony of hers in his hand, he showed it to the judge who didnt even care to hear what my counsel had to say. I'm just an average looking guy, and was standing accused of assaulting a beautiful woman. {my gf at the time} everyone wanted to believe the words that came out her mouth.. despite my lawyers frail attempt, the judge obviously ignoring him, looked directly at me and said "I do not believe you are a credibal person" basically stating everything I say is a lie. It was clearly a my word against yours case. I had no way to prove I didnt do it, then again they had no way to prove I did. In my version of the case I snatched something from someones hand and plopped it onto the desk, in there version I snatched the item and threw it full force against the wall, depicting my state of rage and violence. yet the device oddly enough wasnt broken, and was in perfect working order to this day. from experience everything I've ever chucked across the room while throwing a tantrum broke, and never worked again. long story short.. when in doubt, they convict. I was immed. hauled off to jail from the courtroom. we appealed, the judge denies bail. even though I was let go on my own recog. when charged. The judge wanted to see me punished, even if his ruling was later overturned. That's it. That's all there is to it. Of course a few days later I stood in front of a different judge and told my story, he actually laughed at me saying I got the short end of the stick, set me an appeal date and I was free to go. Free at last. I'd say it's funny that everytime I go to court I see someone I know.. usually in there for ridiculous driving offenses. It's common practice to get a lawyer to keep you out of the pokey on your first date, appeal to a higher court and oddly enough the conviction rates drops at least in half. Why is it every vb area local knows you don't stand a chance in district court, but an appeal almost always rules in favor of the defendant. V B is a corrupt. Period. It's my home, and in many ways i love it dearly. but I wish for change, an honest society. The way we did things 100 years ago just doesnt work anymore. I think it's ridiculous additional dna testing wasnt done. Even now after his death, why not release it and let independent studies be made? In all this mess I see little mention of Sarah. Just the unfortunate topic of a heated debate. The state never gave a shit about her, because she wasnt one of our own. If that girl had been a prominent someones daughter of norfolk/va beach I guarantee sloppy police work never would have happened. Stones would not have gone unturned, but they had a girl that didn't matter, an easy person to pin it on. open and shut. I dont know if Derek is or is not innocent, no one really does except him, and sarah. but i believe there is enough evidence here to if nothing else, prove our system is failing us. Most people just agree with what our officials tell us. Many are even disgusted by what they read in these pages and never do anything about it. I ask you all, no i beg you all. don't let unjustices like this just slide... there's a very real chance the person who murdered Sarah still lives amongst us right here in our home town. Next time you tuck your little girl into bed think about it.... if her life was taken form you, would the police investigation depicted here (only 3 pages long??} satisfy you? would you have NO doubt this was the man that did this to your family? i certainly wouldn't. So next time you put your faith, your confidence and even you life in the hands of our local police and politicians. Remember what you have seen here. Maybe we aren't in such good hands after all..... the problem? I think we put too much faith in the system and not enough in ourselves. The lawmakes have absolute power. If you aren't a high level political figure, or rich you stand no chance in the fight against them. these are exactly the principles our founding fathers fought to avoid, and oddly enough the very principles that are the cause of Virginia being so rich in history... and tragedy. I truly believe our system has failed us, and pity the lives that will be forever altered before someone decides to do something. I know much of this letter may stray from the point... for that I apologize. name withheld... I fear the corruption

Name: Dan Moore
Email:
Date: 9/4/2004
Time: 9:27:02 AM

Comment

From: Dan Moore Barnabei Family - I find myself thinking of Derek often and with this important anniversary upon you I wanted to let you know there is at least one more person with you in his prayers. I spent enough time with, growing up, Derek to know he was a genuinely a gentle person and did not commit the act in which he was irreversible punished for. Mrs. Barnabei I'm glad I as able to meet you and talk to you for a couple weeks and everyday I pass the library I think of dropping by to offer at least a hug. I'm always afraid to open a healing wound. Craig, I know from our discussions, is taking good care of you. I will pray also for Sarah and her family. I hope those responsible for "both" deaths get the chance to be steamrolled by the Virginia State justice system. Virginia has certainly not seen my tourist dollar since 2000. I sincerely hope you are all finding some kind of peace, especially this month. -Dan

Name: micole
Email:
Date: 3/27/2004
Time: 8:52:21 AM

Comment

caro amore mio, ora ti posso anche scrivere in italiano. Tu sei lassu e puoi capire tutto...ma che dico, tu sei sempre riuscito a capire tutto. sono ormai trascorsi 4 anni da quando il tuo sorriso ha smesso di nascere ogni giorno, ma io ti sento sempre accanto ame, insieme all'altro mio grande angelo Marilyn. Sono passati 4 anni ma io, come tante altre persone non ti ho dimenticato. Sei stato, sei e sarai per sempre nel mio cuore Rocco. ti amo piccolo mio, tua adorata Micole

Name: MARTINA QUARATI
Email: @@
Date: 9/18/2003
Time: 8:55:32 AM

Comment

I did not forget. I am writing with delay because a relative of mine is really ill and I spend my time near him...but Jane, Tony, everybody. I cannot forget the way Derek moved my soul forever. I love you Martina Quarati

Name: TONY DI PIAZZA
Email: TONYD4399@ATT.NET
Date: 9/15/2003
Time: 8:42:37 AM

Comment

I understand Jackie's doubts and frustration in not being able to adequately settle the doubts in her mind. In my mind there is still no doubt that Derek was innocent. One thing that could have shed light to the case were the remaining pieces of evidence which could have been subjected to DNA testing. However that's not what the investigators and later in the case the governor's office wanted. They were afraid of the truth and were it might lead. We still hope that someday, someone will have a guilty conscience and shed more light on this case.

Name: Jackie Perkins
Email: @@
Date: 9/15/2003
Time: 8:32:48 AM

Comment

3 years have passed. There were many of us who followed Derek and Sarah's case holding our breath every step of the way. Not a day goes by that I don't think about it. No one would want their name and reputation associated with a cold blooded murderer. From the moment I became involved, once in a while, in the middle of the night, my skin would crawl at the possibility that the one and only person responsible for the death of that innocent creature was Derek, that I was so gullible and stupid that I warn't able to see through the desperate attempts of a guilty man just "trying to get out of it". I don't know if people who have never been involved in a case such as this one can understand the way it nags at you.and just how bad it makes you WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH. Sometimes I think ".it was his DNA. In America, innocent people don't die for crimes they didn't commit. The blood was in his room. He acted like the killer, that's for sure. disappearing for the three months that followed. Wake up, BE REAL. The truth is staring you in the face. Then I think, ENVELOPES PACKED WITH DNA DON'T MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEAR FROM POLICE FILES, THEN REAPPEAR... OPENED. PIECES OF VITAL EVIDENCE FOR A MURDER CASE DON'T WALK OUT OF THE ARCHIVES. INVESTIGATORS DON'T FAIL TO APPLY THE MOST BASIC AND ELEMENTARY RULES OF INVESTIGATION. WITNESSES FOR THE PROSECUTION DON'T NORMALLY SUPPLY AN ALIBI FOR THE DEFENSE. Then, I guess for me, comes the key. The one thing that bothers me more than any other kink in this case. CRIMINALS AREN'T ABLE TO CLEAN UP ALL THE VICTIM'S DNA FROM THEIR CAR. I find solace when I read about the efforts of Seth Tucker and Derek's legal teams to save him, Frank Slaton's refusal to give up, Tony Piazza's dedication and time to his web site, the thorough articles published by Mike Kernels in Port Folio Weekly, the attention by the staff of RADIO 24 in Milano Italy, the numerous interviews that Craig and Jane gave working non-stop to save him, and in the fact that if you type the name Derek Barnabei and run a search on the internet, 50 pages with hundreds of articles referring directly to his case pop up, filled with the names of people who took the time to read about Sarah and Derek's story.. and talk about it. QUESTION IT. Those of us who got involved, did it not just for Derek, but for Sarah, and for potential victims of criminals that walk free when the system fails to put them in a place where they can't harm others anymore. Who knows. Maybe they got the right man. Who knows. Maybe they didn't. I don't know which idea bothers me more. We just wanted an answer. Derek. Sarah. WE'RE OUT HERE AND WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN. Jacqueline Perkins

Name: Matteo Cretella
Email:
Date: 6/12/2003
Time: 9:11:12 AM

Comment

Ciao Tony Il mio inglese è molto approssimativo ma voglio dirti grazie lo stesso.Ho digitato il mio nome per gioco ed ho visto la pubblicazione su internet delle tantissime dichiarazioni di affetto e di solidarietà nei confronti di Rocco e della sua famiglia.Ho conservato il trafiletto di un giornale con la sua immagine,è l'unica immagine che mi è rimasta di lui, ma basta a ricordarlo.Ciò che resta è comunque la volontà di continuare a combattere e a muovere la coscienza di tutti coloro i quali sono contrari all'assurda legge della pena di morte. Con affetto Matteo Cretella

Name: Matteo Cretella
Email:
Date: 6/12/2003
Time: 9:11:08 AM

Comment

Ciao Tony Il mio inglese è molto approssimativo ma voglio dirti grazie lo stesso.Ho digitato il mio nome per gioco ed ho visto la pubblicazione su internet delle tantissime dichiarazioni di affetto e di solidarietà nei confronti di Rocco e della sua famiglia.Ho conservato il trafiletto di un giornale con la sua immagine,è l'unica immagine che mi è rimasta di lui, ma basta a ricordarlo.Ciò che resta è comunque la volontà di continuare a combattere e a muovere la coscienza di tutti coloro i quali sono contrari all'assurda legge della pena di morte. Con affetto Matteo Cretella

Name: MARTINA QUARATI
Email: @@@@
Date: 4/19/2003
Time: 8:58:39 AM

Comment

I will always love you and be with you. Never forget, never. Martina Quarati

Name: ROLLINGSTONE 2000
Email:
Date: 1/21/2003
Time: 9:09:48 AM

Comment

sad!!! life is sad! Hope the truth comes out someday.

Name: TONY DI PIAZZA
Email: TONYD4399@att.net
Date: 12/21/2002
Time: 10:07:07 AM

Comment

Dear Anonymous at least the supporters of Derek with pride add their name to the messages. On the death penalty, the USA has little to be proud of. As an American I don't find any pride in the fact of being on the same side as all the third world nations along with Iraq, Iran and so on.

Name: ANONYNOUS
Email:
Date: 12/21/2002
Time: 10:02:26 AM

Comment

If this gets posted I will be surprised/ I am sure you are adament censors of conflicting views. It is interesting to me that the children/grandchildren of mass murderers are so vehemently opposed to capital punishment. I am saddened by the loss of life. I find it remarkable there are no references to Sarah. Many of your posting are interesting, and there are several examples of your myopic view, which is so typically European. These are great examples of the selectiveness of the Euro mentality, which bends so easily to follow its current ruler.

Name: LAURE, MARINA,SOPPHIE
Email:
Date: 11/29/2002
Time: 9:15:25 AM

Comment

Hello ! we study in BAC PRO accountancy in Saint lô in France. We have studied Barnabei's story on your site with Mister Dimitch, our english teacher. We think that Barnabei was accused for a crime he didn't commit. We are for the abolition of the capital punishment. Our heart goes out to your family. LAURE MARINA SOPHIE

Name: ADELAIDE AND MELANIE
Email:
Date: 11/29/2002
Time: 9:14:14 AM

Comment

Hello ! We are French girl student who study accountancy. We have studied Rocco's story. We are disperated and disgutied for the american system !!! Our thoughts to Rocco's mother and his family. Adélaïde and Mélanie.

Name: CONNIE
Email:
Date: 11/27/2002
Time: 10:01:57 AM

Comment

Hello, I met Derek when he was on Death Row at Sussex. I was one of the nurses there at the time and I used to go by and talk to him each and every day. I got to know him pretty well and I know that Derek was innocent. After working in the prison system for so long, you know who is innocent and who is just trying to get attention. Derek was not one to try and get attention. He was always the perfect gentleman. I was also working at Greensville Correctional Center the night they took his life and it was not a pleasant experience at all. How do you go about your work while watching the clock and hoping that 9:00 pm will never come? Anyway, I just wanted to write and let you know that Derek was a kind, sweet young man, who I know for a fact, was and still is innocent, and I will never forget him............ Connie

Name: FLO HAVARDERIC
Email:
Date: 11/27/2002
Time: 10:00:50 AM

Comment

Hello ! We are study accoutancy in France. We have studied Barnabei's story on your site. We have been shocked for Barnabei and for you. We have been surprised because the police investigation didn't seem serious. For us, the police didn't work properly. We are sorry for Barnabei and his family. It's too bad because we haven't got real proof. Sincerely yours.

Name: ALINE EURY
Email:
Date: 11/27/2002
Time: 9:59:35 AM

Comment

Hello ! We are French girl studients who learn accountancy. In the english class, we have studied Rocco's story. We have been shocked by it. We think that Rocco was accused and executed for a crime he may not have done. For us, the investigation is unfair : the police should search the pieces of evidence which are missing ?!? Rocco, we are of all our heart with you... Accédez au courrier électronique de La Poste : www.laposte.net ; 3615 LAPOSTENET (0,13 ?/mn) ; tél : 08 92 68 13 50 (0,34?/mn)"

Name: ENRICO DI BENNARDO
Email:
Date: 9/14/2002
Time: 9:39:32 AM

Comment

Two years exactly. Impossible to forget. I wonder if by any means... in any way one could be of help somehow, it is frustrating. My thoughts to Rocco's mother and everybody near to him. Enrico Dibennardo (Sicily)

Name: ELEONORA
Email:
Date: 9/8/2002
Time: 1:10:20 PM

Comment

ciao sono Eleonora, e la lotta continua....... questo è stato l'ultimo desiderio di derek e credo ke noi abbiamo il compito di farla continuare! ABOLIAMO LA PENE DI MORTE! facciamolo per derek.

Name: Alessandro Melis
Email:
Date: 8/13/2002
Time: 9:57:50 AM

Comment

E' difficile, ma non bisogna dimenticare. Alessandro - Pisa - Italia

Name: TAMMY AUSBERGER
Email:
Date: 7/15/2002
Time: 8:44:25 AM

Comment

Hello, My name is Tammy and I knew Derek . we grew up in the same town. I remember a nice guy that always had a hug and a hello! Not the person that was described in all of the newspaper articles and headlines.I tried to e-mail a newspaper a couple of weeks before they killed him.To let Derek know that I was thinking of him.Now when I pray he is always in my prayers and I hope that he knew that I was praying for him then.What a horrible thing a young man a father,son and brother gone!!! i remember hanging out at the beach seeing him on the boardwalk playing pool. that is how I will always remember Derek. With love Tammy (Augsberger ) Yoxheimer

Name: MATTEO CRETELLA
Email: @@
Date: 6/14/2002
Time: 9:39:45 AM

Comment

Sono italiano come Rocco e la sua famiglia,e da molto tempo seguo ilsuo caso.Dopo la sua esecuzione il governo italiano che pure si era mostrato molto interessato al caso di Rocco ha mollato,e così decine di altre esecuzioni saranno eseguite negli Stati Uniti. La televisione italiana seguì con una lunga trasmissione la notte terribile e scioccante della sua esecuzione anche se sarebbe meglio chiamarlo martirio,e con essa l'Italia intera.Ho con me un articolo di un noto giornale italiano,con la foto di Derek,è un ricordo indelebile nella mia memoria,quell'assassinio lo ha compiuto lo stato della Virginia ed il suo governatore,assetato di vendetta e di notorietà. Voglio con la presente,anche se a distanza di ormai 20 mesi esprimere la mia solidarità alla sua famiglia,e dire loro che per quanto io nel mio piccolo possa mi batterò affinchè Rocco e tutte le altre vittime della barbare leggi in vigore negli Stati Uniti,non siano dimenticati MATTEO CRETELLA

Name: MORENO BALZANI
Email:
Date: 5/15/2002
Time: 11:30:33 AM

Comment

Scrivo da Firenze, città che molti americani conoscono e amano per la sua cultura e la sua bellezza. Scrivo dal paese che per primo ha abolito la pena di morte, centinaia di anni fa, considerandola ingiusta e inumana. Anche Rocco Derek Barnabei, come Cesare Beccaria, porta la sua testimonianza in tal senso. Non sono religioso ma credo che anch'egli, come Gesù, ha dovuto subire dagli uomini il suo martirio per portare a noi tutti un messaggio di pace e giustizia. Il libro di Patrizia Mintz, che ho riletto da poco, è un nuovo Vangelo, una testimonianza preziosa miracolosamente scampata alla furia dell'odio e dell'egoismo. E questo libro sopravviverà anche ai suoi aguzzini, a coloro che vollero la sua morte e non fecero niente per evitarla. Questa è la rivincita di Derek sulla morte e sull'oblio. Terremo sempre a mente la sua vicenda, la sua lotta, la sua grande, profonda umanità. E ci servirà per vivere, per essere migliori, per credere ancora in un mondo più giusto e più umano, per noi e per i figli che abbiamo da far crescere. Un grande abbraccio agli amici di Derek, e ai suoi cari. La vostra lotta continuerà...e un giorno vedremo la vittoria, grazie al vostro coraggio e al coraggio di Derek Rocco Barnabei. Moreno

Name: MORENO BALZANI
Email:
Date: 5/15/2002
Time: 11:30:14 AM

Comment

Scrivo da Firenze, città che molti americani conoscono e amano per la sua cultura e la sua bellezza. Scrivo dal paese che per primo ha abolito la pena di morte, centinaia di anni fa, considerandola ingiusta e inumana. Anche Rocco Derek Barnabei, come Cesare Beccaria, porta la sua testimonianza in tal senso. Non sono religioso ma credo che anch'egli, come Gesù, ha dovuto subire dagli uomini il suo martirio per portare a noi tutti un messaggio di pace e giustizia. Il libro di Patrizia Mintz, che ho riletto da poco, è un nuovo Vangelo, una testimonianza preziosa miracolosamente scampata alla furia dell'odio e dell'egoismo. E questo libro sopravviverà anche ai suoi aguzzini, a coloro che vollero la sua morte e non fecero niente per evitarla. Questa è la rivincita di Derek sulla morte e sull'oblio. Terremo sempre a mente la sua vicenda, la sua lotta, la sua grande, profonda umanità. E ci servirà per vivere, per essere migliori, per credere ancora in un mondo più giusto e più umano, per noi e per i figli che abbiamo da far crescere. Un grande abbraccio agli amici di Derek, e ai suoi cari. La vostra lotta continuerà...e un giorno vedremo la vittoria, grazie al vostro coraggio e al coraggio di Derek Rocco Barnabei. Moreno

Name: EDUARDO
Email: @@
Date: 3/13/2002
Time: 8:52:42 AM

Comment

Come possono tornare in famiglia a fare i padri o le madri coloro che hanno giustiziato un uomo? Uccidere legalmente è certamente più perverso che uccidere per odio... La legge degli uomini non può inoltrarsi in ciò che è ignoto ali uomini stessi. Gli uomini che muovono la macchina della morte legalizzata sono peggiori delle loro vittime. Non dimenticheremo mai nessuna vittima dell'inciviltà. eduardo milano italia

Name: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDY
Email:
Date: 2/11/2002
Time: 10:50:06 AM

Comment

Study challenges use of death penalty [CNN.com] Monday, Feb. 11, 2002 <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/mi_email.gif> Email this article <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/mi_print.gif> Print this article <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/mi_boards.gif> Talk about it <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/mi_anchor.gif> Top stories <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/x.gif> ADVERTISEMENT <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/x.gif>

An academic study released Monday warns that "serious, reversible errors" in cases involving capital punishment are crippling the U.S. legal system.

The report, from a group of Columbia University law professors, updates a report issued two years ago that said more than seven of every 10 death penalty cases filed between 1973 and 1995 were reversed because of errors made by judges, juries and prosecutors.

The professors said the study was not designed to present a moral argument for or against capital punishment. Their concern is what they view as the failure of the current system to perform the way it should.

The latest study says there is a correlation between the number of cases eligible for the death penalty and the risk of legal mistakes.

"It puts you at very high risk of having high error rates," said Columbia law professor James Liebman, the study's author. "It also puts you at high risk of sentencing people to death who will later turn out to be innocent."

The report cites political and social pressures to expand the use of the death penalty by prosecutors, and notes that other factors can affect the outcome of capital cases, such as race, and the quality of local law enforcement agencies.

The study also says that state courts are overworked -- and underfunded -- to the point they can no longer monitor the quality of cases passing through the system.

The key recommendation of the study is that states should apply the death penalty less often.

"If we are going to have the death penalty, it should be reserved for the worst of the worst," according to the study, which suggests a public consensus be found on crimes considered universally heinous to justify the taking of a life by the state.

Saying the U.S. legal system is collapsing under the weight of error-filled death penalty cases, the study also recommends the burden of proof in capital cases be increased to eliminate "any doubt" of guilt. The current standard requires no "reasonable doubt."

It says the death penalty should not be imposed on juveniles and defendants who are seriously mentally ill. And it urges that judges be required to inform juries that life without parole is a sentencing option.

The report concludes the "time is ripe to fix the death penalty, or if it can't be fixed, to end it." <http://dailynews.netscape.com/global/art/b.gif>

Name: ANDRE AZZELLA MALTESE
Email: @@
Date: 1/24/2002
Time: 8:27:42 AM

Comment

Carissimi Amici

Sono un Brasiliano, ma mia Nonna e Nonno sono Italiani, cosi, mio sangue e anche un po Italiano. Mie occhi sono pieni di lacrime. Un gran BASTA per la pena di morte. Non voglio piu vedere essere umani morti, per la putrida giustizia americana.

La grazia del Signore Gesù sia con tutti voi.

Andre Azzella Maltese

Name: PAOLO GENTA
Email: @@
Date: 1/17/2002
Time: 11:53:45 AM

Comment

As many other that time, when Rocco died, I was deeply struck and fully upset for the lack of any caution in handling with that prosecution, although there were so many doubts and uncertainties in the acts that in any other civil country these would prevent a jury to seriously proceed with the death penalty.

During the death deadline count-down there was a strong and poignant feeling of depression among all those who cared for the real truth coming out about that story?it was as though a ?dead man walking? would for ever cross the trespass towards the world of beyond, without any chance for a backstep, in full awareness of his desperate end.

And so it happened, without ourselves being able to even slightly influence such a deed, nor to hope it would not occur again in future in the US or wherever else...

So I managed to gather some rationales against death penalty, which could offer bright arguments to anyone willing to dialectically defeat those who still hang on it ?and obviously I landed on Beccaria´s Book on the matter: this was the very first defence of the civil rights regarding a country against individual crimes.

I put together a very brief and easily understandeable collection of those arguments, quoting the most relevant passages from the original Beccaria´s book (english).

I hope this could be helpful as a kind of little handbook on the issue, for those who would like to defend the argument by finding EXACTLY the right points and sentences to be quoted when confronting with death-penalty ?supporters?.

Wanna have a look on this?

Well, then go to: http://digilander.iol.it/taucher/Articles/Beccaria.html

May this be helpul, at least for remembering Derek´s sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Derek.

Paolo Genta,

Milano ? Italia

Age 39, M.A. Philosophy

Death Penalty oppositor

Name: Paul O'Connell
Email: @@
Date: 12/11/2001
Time: 9:21:43 AM

Comment

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF DEREK BARNABEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name: KC JONES
Email: @@@
Date: 12/10/2001
Time: 8:53:17 PM

Comment

Murder is murder. I don't understand how the government thinks that just because they make the decision - that it becomes justified. The first 2 priorities you learn in life are "Forgive and forget." and "Two wrongs don't make a right." I do believe that people should be punished for their crimes, but the court systems should not have the authority to take a persons life. And people shouldn't be so ignorant to the fact that there is always a chance that they are wrong. There is no logical reason for the death penalty. Do people think it will actually stop crime? "Violent crime is a social problem. To say that we can eliminate it by killing the criminals is like saying we can eliminate poverty by killing the poor." It's not really about justice. It is about revenge. People are bitter, angry, and irrational. And they think murder is the solution...does that make them sleep better at night? [sadly, most would say "yes."] Some might use excuses such as, "Why should I waste my tax dollars so that criminals can live out their lives in prison?" But the truth is, execution costs almost 5 times what 40 years in prison does. The death penalty is not justified, illogical, irrational, uncivil, and cruel. The government should wise up, and make some changes. I'm sorry that your family and community had to be affected due to the heartless government that is forced upon us. I hope that your loss can work as another step towards the abolition of the death penalty forever.

Take care. Kc.

Name: Dott. Claudio Giusti
Email: @@
Date: 11/29/2001
Time: 7:08:46 PM

Comment

COMMITTEE “3rd JULY 1849” For human rights, against the death penalty web site http://web.tiscali.it/comitato3luglio1849/ E-mail comitato3luglio1849@tiscali.it c/o <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

DOTT. CLAUDIO GIUSTI VIA NULLO BALDINI 14, 47100 FORLI', ITALIA TEL. 39/0543/550867 39/340/4872522

Forlì, 27th November 2001

A WARNING FOR PROSPECTIVE TORTURERS

Dear Americans, In your newspapers there is currently an argument about the opportunity of torturing some suspect terrorists. I suggest you to let the prospective tortured have a complete medical check up: because if you torture a cardiopath or someone in bad health, you will have a dead suspect at the end of the process. If you don’t believe me ask the School of the Americas: they know everything about torture. I also remember you: that the prohibition or torture is absolute, that torture is a crime under international law and that in time of conflict, like this, is a war crime, that torturers and their inciters can be put on trial in ANY country.

Best regards

Dott. Claudio Giusti

COMITATO “3 LUGLIO 1849” Per i diritti umani, contro la pena di morte COMMITTEE “3rd JULY 1849” For human rights, against the death penalty web site http://web.tiscali.it/comitato3luglio1849/ E-mail comitato3luglio1849@tiscali.it c/o

DOTT. CLAUDIO GIUSTI VIA NULLO BALDINI 14, 47100 FORLI', ITALIA TEL. 39/0543/550867 39/340/4872522

La Repubblica Romana fu il primo stato sovrano a scrivere nella propria costituzione l’abolizione totale della pena di morte, il 3 luglio 1849.

Il Comitato, ispirandosi alla tradizione libertaria ed abolizionista del nostro Paese, si batte contro la pena di morte e per il rispetto dei diritti umani indicati agli articoli 2 – 21 della Dichiarazione Universale.

The Roman Republic was the first state to write in its constitution the total abolition of the death penalty, on 3rd July 1849 .

This Committee follows this tradition fighting against the death penalty and for the human rights listed in the articles 2-21 of the Universal Declaration of 10th December 1948.

Name: LAURA RIDI
Email: laura.ridi@tin.it
Date: 9/14/2001
Time: 2:38:24 PM

Comment

Firenze ITALIA - 14/09/2001

Rocco, we'll never forget you.

Laura, Anna, Elena, Angela

Name: MARTINA QUARATI
Email: martinq@tin.it
Date: 9/14/2001
Time: 2:33:24 PM

Comment

Dear Mrs.Barnabei, I really do not know if this letter will reach you. America is now under a modern apocalypse and Italy, too. Apart from this, I just wanted to write a short letter of support; I was about to reach you in Siena when I read that the meeting won't take place today. I can understand this, the situation is too hard for you to take a flight. Anyway, I have an only way to be with you all during this anniversary: the Internet. My name is Martina Quarati; I am 19 years old and thanks to your son I have become an online activist (a sort of) and I correspond with a Death row inmate in Florida (a woman), whose case is similar to Derek's. And of course I am a member of the Foundation you started after Derek's execution. I have always been against the Capital Punishment, but every time the media focused the attention on a death row inmate's case I have always remained motionless, still…perhaps I was too young to act. But when I started being aware of your son's situation I made up my mind…I am ashamed to say that I followed the case only at the "end"…15 days before the execution. I started to understand better how painful, unjust, deeply wrong a situation like this can be. And how good, strong, deep, your son was. Anyone deserves a "legal murder". But your son was different…I could understand it even if I was so far from all of you. The day after I saw you and Craig on a TV show and I cried all my tears. I felt like a part of me had died. I felt the same pain when my grandmother died because of a cancer on May, 2001.But at the same time I am sure Derek has a Granny in Heaven. I promise I will never end this fight, Jane. Now I am young, but I will spend my entire life fighting. I love all of you, God bless you Martina

P.S. thank you Mr.Di Piazza for the opportunity to express once more the support.Do you remember me? Best regards Martina

Name: ALESSANDRA ALBANESE
Email: alexa_75_99@yahoo.it
Date: 9/9/2001
Time: 2:32:29 PM

Comment

Salve, mi chiamo Alessandra e sono una studentessa universitaria. Io non conoscevo Rocco ma ho seguito per parecchi mesi la sua vicenda tramite i media. Vorrei dire che sono rimasta disgustata dal comportamento del governatore della Virginia e che la pena di morte è una cosa che fa veramente schifo.Per questo motivo ho aderito alla FONDAZIONE ROCCO BARNABEI. Ho sperato con tutto il cuore che Rocco non venisse ucciso e spero che questo ragazzo adesso abbia ritrovato la serenità che aveva perduto. Spero vivamente che la morte di Rocco non sia stata vana. Colgo l'occasione per porgere un affettuoso saluto alla mamma di Rocco, che ammiro molto per la sua forza.Cordiali saluti Alessandra

CIAO ROCCO riposa in pace

Name: WAYNE PENDLE
Email: W.Pendle@elsevier.co.uk
Date: 9/7/2001
Time: 3:19:40 PM

Comment

Dear Tony

Just visited the website relating to the execution of Derek. I used to be an avid supporter of the Death Penalty until i learnt more about the injustices committed by Government.

This has been the final straw for me personally, there's another case of an Death Row imate called Kenny Ritchie. Kenny is currently on Death Row for the alledged murder of a child. The child was left alone by her mother who went to a party and the child had a history of making fires in the home. Surely that night a fire was started and Kenny was on a Murder 1 charge.

The tragic consequences of this like Dereks, was the the 'Forensic' evidence was not only circumstancial (in other words not with reasonable doubt). The Governor of Orange was a prosector due for election and wanted a death case under his belt. Derek under the advice of his defense attorney, was to choose a non-jury trial and the trial lasted foir 3 days in the presence of 3 judges.

Richie had broken his and was intoxicated when he supposedly climbed onto a shed then through a window with paint thinners to start the fire, impossible. The fire chief indicated that this was an accident however a fire marshall thought otherwise. The carpet was thrown out into a skip and then retrieved later as forensic evidence, this was in fact contaminated as a result, it still became evidence, i just can't see the logic behind it.

Ritchie was given a deal by the prosecutor to the effect if he confessed to thed crime he would be given 10 years. Ritchie said NO, he could now be a free man instead of on death row, that's what is incredable, effectively Ritchie has signed his own death warrant such that he can prove his innocence. Ritchie was also given the option of Lethal Injection instead of Electrocution. The he denied because he thought that he was endorsing the governments wish to have him executed, Richie will surley die soon as his appeals will run out, i'm not sure that any justice system is perfect, certainly not here in the UK but then we don't have the death penalty anymore. Like Derek, Richie also should have the chance of innocent until proven guilty byond reasonable doubt, unfortunatley because of ill-prepared attorneys and career hungry judges this basic human right is ignored.

Sorry to waffle on but i can't sit about and wait for someone to die when the facts prove that they are innocent, if more people set your example, then government would not be allowed to abuse the system and or it's people.

Regards

Wayne Pendle

Name: Tribute to Derek Rocco Barnabei
Email:
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 7:34:00 AM

Comment

They tried to crush him body and soul,
By forcing him to live in a dark, stinking hole.
No sunlight, no warmth, no fresh air,
Confined in a cell, lonely and bare.

Trapped in this underground city,
He could have succumbed to self-pity.
But he heard the anguished cries of others,
Those without friends, fathers or mothers.
He reached out to comfort and console,
Never losing his dignified self-control.

When the time drew near for him to die,
Even though it was difficult to say good-bye,
He had the courage of a lion,
With God's own strength on Mount Zion.

Lies and corruption took away his life,
With his flesh he bore the strife.

No longer grieved by this veil of tears,
He has gone to the One who will renew his years.
Unfettered and free, he lives with God's people,
In the heavenly temple with a shining, gold steeple.

The light of his life will never grow dim,
For in our hearts we shall always remember him.

Catherine Pinzka

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 7:34:00 PM

Comment

To Derek's Mother: I admire your courage and I'm close to you with my heart! To Derek's Brother: Please, be close to your mother now, she need you more than ever! To Tony: Thank you for everything! To Governor Gilmore: How can you sleep at night? To American Law System: SHAME! To Derek: I don't know where you are now, but I'm sure that a piece of my heart is with you!

Elisabetta Brenna, Milan, Italy

Name: STELLA WASSERMAN
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 4:24:43 PM

Comment

Hi there, my name is Stella. Like Rocco, I am half-Italian and I am probably as proud as him of my Italian blood. However, I was "lucky" enough to be raised in a country where injustice may also happen from time to time BUT NOT TO THIS EXTENT. I was raised in Germany (luckily not 60 years

Cara Ilaria,

penso che col tuo messaggio di questa mattina volevi riferirti a ciò che ho detto ieri al riguardo della necessità di calmarci. In nessun modo ho insinuato che dobbiamo dimenticare Rocco Barnabei. Anzi, ho detto addirittura di santificarlo se fosse necessario (in senso iperbolico naturalmente). Però, cara Ilaria, la vita continua e noi non possiamo stare a flagellarci e farci venire un infarto. Se veramente crediamo nella vita eterna, allora sappiamo che per Derek è finito il calvario ed è cominciata la gloria. Per la sua famiglia è iniziato il periodo di risanamento, ed anche per noi deve essere così. Facciamolo con serenità e obbiettività. Dopo tutto, anche Cristo era innocente e lo hanno crocifisso lo stesso. Derek aveva trentatré anni, come Gesù.

Auguri,

Donato ago). The first two weeks of September were meant to be some kind of holiday for me. They turned into a complete nightmare. My trip covered a great part of Tuscany, especially the Chianti region (oh, hello Ms. Dougherty or whatever her name was). I went to Siena and kind of fell in love with this town. Then the media started intensifying their reports about the Barnabei case. Being a long-time penpal of another death row inmate (he's currently imprisoned in Texas and his case is not unsimilar to Rocco's at least as far as the handling of the evidence is concerned) I was near to freaking out. Moreover, as a medicine student I have just learned how the three substances that were used for killing Rocco are used to easen a patient's pain (potassium chloride apart) for example in an operation. How, how on earth can a medical doctor (or physician or whatever they call it in the U.S.) silently stand by WHEN A MAN IS BEING MURDERED IN FRONT OF HIS/HER OWN EYES, by substances that were designed to help ill people undergoing an operation AND ONLY FOR THIS REASON!!??? Don't they have some kind of hippocratic oath over there??? This kind of behaviour is even more than perverse, it leaves me without words. Dear Barnabei family, dear Tony, dear message board readers/contributors, I cannot express how sad and sickened I feel. My only hope is that Rocco has gone to a better place. P.S.: Spero che noi italiani non dimenticheremo mai quello che é successo a Rocco. Vorrei sentire il Sig. Gilmore ammettere ad alta voce che il caso Barnabei è stato UN ASSASSINIO. E nient' altro. Faremo un putiferio.

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 1:57:44 PM

Comment

ToDerek's family and all who have worked on his behalf, I want to extend my deeply felt sympathy. I believe this was a terrible injustice, and I hope that by our feeling some of your pain, it may somehow make your burden a bit more bearable. I am feeling frustrated because I don't know how to wake up the citizens of our country to the barbarity of the death penalty. I would not even have heard about this if I didn't read America Oggi (practice for my Italian lessons). We must find a way to get the message out: that the death penalty is wrong, wrong, wrong; and that it is often administered unfairly. I am certain that Derek is in a much better place now, and that he knows what we are feeling. We must work to change this system, for him, and for so many others whose fate still hangs in the balance. God bless Derek and God bless all of you. Mary in New Jersey .

Gentile Signora Barnabei,

la voglio ringraziare per ciò che la vicenda di Suo figlio Rocco mi ha insegnato. Grazie per il Suo atteggiamento fermo e sereno. Spero, Lei senta il calore umano delle tantissime persone che nel mondo hanno sperato fino all'ultimo di vedere Rocco salvo e con la possibilità di dimostrare la sua innocenza. Un forte abbraccio a Lei ed alla Sua famiglia.

Guglielmo Tesi

Name: LUIGI GRIFFA
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 12:24:42 PM

Comment

Dear Barnabei family

Through television and press, by everything you shared with us about his life, his last days and moments, Derek has become a family member of many people all over the world. We all lost a close parent that night. Your sorrow is our sorrow too . Your hope is our hope too. Let me share with you I have prayed for him all these days and will continue to do it. I have celebrated Holy Masses for him and will continue. We know that Derek has been, is and always will be loved by our Saviour. I have and will keep praying for you too. I will also pray for those who did not understand, who believe they can be in peace now because "justice" has been done. Innocent or guilty, is anybody better now because Derek died ?

Luigi Griffa Priest (of Italian descent)

Luigi Griffa

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 12:19:44 PM

Comment

I picked up my local newspaper this morning (The Times Herald -- Norristown, Pennsylvania) and when I read the acticle about Derek I was sick to my stomach and became very sad. I can only imagine how those who are closest to Derek are feeling.

I am sorry for you loss and for the injustice placed on everyone. I know that Derek is in a better place. When I go to church this weekend I will light a candle for Derek and one for the entire family. My prayers are with you.

Erica (Norristown, Pennsylvania)

dear jane i hope the other mesages got through to you. i wish to be near you all through mail. thanks to Rocco for the psalm, that surely was his story. we are a couple of evangelic new born christians an together with our little church in Montecatini, in Tuscany quite near Siena, we interceded a lot during that night, the Lord gave me, while I waspraying at home following the news, Isaiah 50:9 please read it because I would have given it to Rocco had it been possible. if you like please reply, and whenever you come over here,Jane, you are welcome here at our home. keep fighting, the Lord will go in front of you. love Stefania, Claudio and the members of the church of Monsummano Terme

CARO DONATO DE SIMONE, NON POSSIAMO DIMENTICARE COSì L'IMMOLAZIONE DI UN'ANIMA INNOCENTE. SCUSAMI.

ILARIA

Name: .
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 8:41:16 AM

Comment

E' incredibile quello che anno fatto.Non ci sono parole x descrivere questo orrore.Spero solamente che tu' non sia morto invano, che con la tua morte finisca x sempre questo tipo di giustizia sommaria.

Ciao Rocco ti ricordero' x sempre.

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 8:39:26 AM

Comment

Ringrazio tutti quelli che hanno apprezzato i miei messaggi al riguardo di questo scellerato fatto di sangue eseguito con gelida determinazione da parte dello Stato della Virginia con la collaborazione della Corte Suprema degli Stati Uniti e, dato l'avviso alle varie ambasciate europee di stare attenti a possibili atti di vandalismo, anche del Dipartimento di Stato. E' roba da vomito (mi scuso per il termine volgare, ma certe cose devono essere dette tali come sono). E che dire dei News Media Americani? A detta del Philadelphia Inquirer, il caso "ha destato scarso interesse negli Stati Uniti." Nessuno ne ha parlato. Nessuno ne sa niente. E gli Italo Americani? Beh, quelli poi lasciamoli stare. L'Italo Americano comune non ne sa niente. come il resto dell'America dato che in America, come si è detto, "il caso ha destato scarso interesse," Ma quelli in autorità, quelli che si riuniscono tutti gli anni per parlare ad nauseam di Sacco e Vanzetti, quelli che discutono di Una storia segreta," quelli che ogni tanto fanno polemiche sul linciaggio degli Italiani nella Luisiana, e altri fattacci perpetrati contro la nostra gente che venne qui per lavorare portando sulle loro spalle curve l'onere di un'America adolescente e in crescita, quelli dove sono? Non un detto, non una parola da essi. Dante lo disse meglio: "Misericordia e giustizia li sdegna, non ragioniam di lor..." Adesso che l'America ha risposto agli appelli dgli Italiani, degli Europei e perfino del papa con una sonora pernacchia, che si fa? Dal momento che gli Americani capiscono solamente il linguaggio del portafoglio, basta non comprare più prodotti Americani, non bere più Coca Cola e Pepsi Cola, e non mangiare più quella porcheria che vi passa i vari McDonald's.

Comunque, adesso che tutti abbiamo detto la nostra, è tempo di calmarci. Derek Rocco ha portato la sua croce fino al Calvario con dignità e coraggio. La sua corona è assicurata perché se l'è guadagnata. Il modo migliore di onorare la sua memoria è di non fare dimenticare al mondo il suo volto tragico e pur sereno. Santificatelo se necessario (tanto, è facile diventare santo oggigiorno - solo Padre Pio deve aspettare, chissà perché?). Il motto preferito di Rocco era REURGAM. Aveva creduto veramente che sarebbe riuscito a sormontare questo suo infame destino. E noi dobbiamo dire con lui, Resurgam perché la morte terrena non distrugge l'uomo. Egli vivrà per sempre nei nostri cuori. Sua madre, povera moderna Addolorata, ha seguito il suo cammino passo per passo sulla via Dolorosa che è durato più di sette anni. E' stata una donna forte e coraggiosa che non si è arresa agli strali del destino e ha continuato a lottare fino alla fine. Speriamo che riesca a farsi una bella gita tra gli Italiani che l'amano, con serenità e pace in vacanza questa volta. Se la merita. A suo fratello Craig gli ho detto che forse iniziare questo periodo di risanamento col suo sposalizio era la cosa migliore che poteva fare. Che si faccia una bella luna di miele, e gli ho promesso che al suo ritorno gli svelerò il segreto di come trattare una donna ( sempre se mia moglie me lo permatte!) E i suoi carnefici? Che Dio abbia miserdicordia di loro. Mio figlio spesso mi critica che dopo cinquantatré anni d' America io parlo degli Americani in terza persona e non in prima, distaccandomi da loro. Io rispondo che, nato in Italia (in provincia di Chieti) già cittadino Americano, io mi sento sia Italiano che Americano, ma io mi identifico con la grande America di Jefferson, quella veramente libera, lungimirante ad un mondo di pace ed armonia. Quella di oggi è una pozzanghera di sudiciume morale e di sangue. Il caso Barnabei lo dimostra. Speriamo che le cose cambino al più presto. Preghiamo per Rocco, dunque e continuamo a lottare per l'abolizione della pena di morte. Più importante ancora, cerchiamo di far capire ai nostri giovani che per vivere in armonia tra di noi è necessario ordine. I valori morali si acquistano dagli esempi delle generazioni che ci hanno dato vita, ma bisogna imitarli e non sganciarsene da esse. Altrimenti, i casi simili a questi saranno destinati a continuare. Auguri a tutti.

Donato De Simone

RESURGAM

To Ms Barnabei, and to all of Derek's friends and family. I write from Florence, in Tuscany. I cannot find words to express my infinite sadness, not to say shock and anger, for what has happened. I sincerely feel this tragedy has gone beyond any form of understanding. The pain you must all be feeling must be overwhelming. Although I began to hear of this case only recently, it has changed something inside me. I have never been in favour of capital punishment of course, but Derek's case has particularly struck me -- and not because he was of Italian origin either. I think it's because I simply cannot come to terms with this horrendously grotesque story. What is frightening me more than I can say is having to reach any conclusion about America as a nation -- a nation that plays a determinant role, alas, in the world's affairs. A nation we Europeans turn to as a model, whose trends we copy, whose language we imitate.....what an incredible shame. What a monstrosity. America is a sick nation. All this crap about democracy and human rights... Americans don't even know the meaning of the word. America is inconsistent, a huge paradox. America's "democracy" only means money. Money is their language, the force which drives them to lunacy and legalised crime. Derek is only another victim in this bloody history of crime. The world has watched, quite desperately impotent, as his life waned, together with all his hopes. A dying man, a dying nation. I have no words of comfort to you, dear Ms Barnabei, and to Derek's friends. I can only say that the ultimate judgement is not of this world, but of the world above. Derek is with you, I am convinced. We are too.

It is unbelievable and ignoble that the american Department of State warned american tourists in Italy from eventual retorts. I wuold like to remind to those obtuse and "diligent" officials that Italy is civil country with a great Democracy deep-rooted in more than two thousand years of history.It is very clear that some american measure the other countries with their own metre. Lanfranco Cresca-Rome,Italy

Rocco, when I knew that Supreme Court didn't accept the request to delay the execution I was listening Pink Floyd's music with my daughter and I tought to you and Craig. Therefore I want to dedicate to you "Green is the colour" hopening that green is the colour of your new life. Gabriele.

Dear Jane,

so many things have been said, there is nothing else I could add to the loving and supporting messages that you have already received. The only thing I can say, being myself a mother, is that I am totally with you. I have the highest respect and trust in you and a great deal of love. You know, when I saw at the Tele you were hanging up the telephone before your precious kid was killed and you were aware of what was due to happen in a short time, I was overwhelmed by solidarity and also by a terrible sensation of surrender to something horrible and completely unjust.Anyway, I am writing just to tell you that, since September 15, on my table there is a white rose, and there will always be, offered up to your beloved son. Every morning, when I get up I look at the rose and say "Hello, Derek. I won't forget you, the world won't forget you" Dear Mum Jane, Derek's death and the people who wanted it so badly have made your kid a martyr. They will surely get what they deserve, but I feel in my heart Derek doesn't care anymore about these petty issues. He is in the Light of God and is enjoying the company of the the Holy and Dear Ones.

A big big hug from

Antonella - Rome, Italy

"Che debbon pensare gli uomini nel vedere i savi magistrati e i gravi sacerdoti della giustizia , che con indifferente tranquillità fanno trascinare con lento apparato un reo alla morte , e mentre un misero spasima nelle ultime angosce,aspettando il colpo fatale , passa il giudice con insensibile freddezza , fors'anche con segreta compiacenza della propria autorità a guastare i comodi e i piaceri della vita?Ah ! diranno essi, queste leggi non sono che i pretesti della forza e le meditate e crudeli formalità della giustizia:non sono che un linguaggio di convenzione per immolarci con maggiore sicurezza,come vittime destinate in sacrificio,all'idolo insaziabile del dispotismo. L'assassinio,che ci vien predicato come un terribile misfatto,lo veggiamo pure senza ripugnanza e senza furore adoperato.Prevalghiamoci dell'esempio.Ci pareva la morte violenta una scena terribile nelle descrizioni che ci venivan fatte,ma la veggiamo quasi affare di momento.Quanto lo sarà meno in chi,non aspettandola,ne risparmia quasi tutto ciò che ha di doloroso! ............Parmi un assurdo che le leggi che sono l'espressione della pubblica volontà;che destano e puniscono l'omicidio,ne commettano uno esse medesime,e,per allontanare i cittadini dall'assassinio,ordinino un pubblico assassinio....." C.Beccaria,dei delitti e delle pene AMERICANI:VERGOGNATEVI!!LO DICO DAL PIù PROFONDO DEL CUORE!AVETE UCCISO UN INNOCENTE!AVETE BRUCIATO UNA VITA INUTILMENTE! NON SO CHE DIRE.......SONO TERRIBILMENTE AMAREGGIATA.... E TERRIBILMENTE DISPIACIUTA PER IL POVERO BARNABEI... Daniela,Benevento

Cara Ilaria,

mi hai colpito molto per la tua sensibilità. Spero per te che tu possa superare serenamente questo dolore. Io ti suggerirei che, quando passa questa fase iniziale, magari sarebbe una buona idea iscriverti a qualche associazione di abolizione della pena di morte. Alzati, e fa qualcosa per aiutare coloro che si impegnano da tanto per questa nobile causa. Servirà molto di più delle lacrime....anche se nessuno potrà toglierti il diritto di piangere. Questa tragedia è una ferita per tutta l'umanità, ma a volte le ferite servono per impedirci di morire totalmente. Derek è stato un dono per tutti noi. Non nasconderlo sotto una coltre di tristezza. Lui deve brillare come una luce, perchè è luce riflesso del Cristo. Ti abbraccio. Pia

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 7:27:48 PM

Comment

Hi, my name is Manuela, I'm 18 years old and I write from Milan, Italy. I wrote some days ago...today I'm disperated and disgustied for the american system! I wanna say only something to Rocco's mother, a great, incredible women that loves his son to death. I know that everything is strong but Derek now is in a wonderful place, full of love and peace and Jane he'll never leave you, he'll be close to you, by your side for all your life.

I'm sorry, I'd really do something more that this but I can't! I promise, in all my life I'll fight for Rocco and people like him that from the justice received only refuses...I'll bring Derek in my heart for all my life! Bye

MANUELA

Gentili compatrioti ed amici

sono un italiano come voi e soffro come voi

il dolore e la rabbia non debbono consentire che vengano dette delle assurdità che in primis nuocerebbero all'onore di Colui che amiamo e per la cui morte per mano omicida abbiamo sofferto, Rocco.

La colpa di quanto è successo non è in alcun modo del Popolo Americano.

Il manipolo di criminali giustamente definiti pazzi dal Professor De Simone, colpevoli della morte di un uomo per una meschina ed alquanto ottusa "ragion di stato", o più prosaicamente per difendere il loro disgustosi e piccoli mondi in disfacimento non vanno confusi con la maggioranza del popolo americano alla cui spiritualità va il mio plauso ed il mio amore.

La terza vittima di questa orribile tragedia è il Popolo della Virginia.

Splendido, il Professor De Simone, ha detto parole degne dell'oratoria di un Cicerone, anche se scritte in lingua straniera, ha detto che Thomas Jefferson, la quintesseza del Virginiano ed i Padri Fondatori di codesta grande patria avrebbero VOMITATO se avessero visto una tale cricca di topi vili e codardi alla guida di una grande terra.

Gli americani faranno giustizia di questo crimine, ne sono certo.

Sto scrivendo centinaia di e-mail a tutto il personale docente e non docente delle Università della Virginia invitando tutti semplicemente a prendere visione del sito; ne ricevo risposte gentili e stupefacentemente interessate. Il pilastro su cui si fonda la vita e la consistenza dell'infezione Gilmoriana è la certezza che questo fatto verrà dimenticato e che la gente non se ne occuperà, grazie anche alla latitanza dei media.

Ebbene ognuno faccia la sua parte per scardinare le fondamenta di questa certezza. Non scrivete più insulti, invitate chiunque lo desideri a prendere visione del sito, che è composto con l'amore di chi vuole testimoniare. sostituitevi col vostro PC ai media pilotai e portate in giro la verità.

In nient'altro che in un simile sforzo Rocco continuerà a vivere, in nient'altro che nella negazione recisa della merda Gilmoriana in ogni sua forma, foss'essa anche il semplice oblio.

I nazisti contavano su questo, sull'oblio. Coloro che rimasero furono chiamati alla testimonianza.

Ogni persona in più consapevole dei fatti in Virginia è il solo vero attacco possibile. Ed intanto che fate questo sappiate che lo fate non solo al Governatore della Virginia ma a tutta la merda del cosmo.

Ringrazio Toni di Piazza il prof. De Simone ed il webmaster di esistere. Io continuerò a fare la mia parte.

E' assolutamente ignobile che il dipartimento di Stato americano abbia messo in guardia i connazionali dalle reazioni degli italiani. E' proprio vero, gli americani hanno un cervellino piccolo così.

Dr. Renato V. Gorni MD

VIRGINIA,GILMORE VERGOGNA!

this is not the America I used to dream when I was a little boy. Mrs jane,Graic I'm very near to you.The image of Rocco will always remain inside of me.Mrs Jane I have read on an italian neewspaper that you took legal steps against governor Gilmore so,please,don't give him any chance,fight very hard and never give up.He must be punished for having sacrificed Rocco for his bloody and dirty political career.May he have nightmere each time he goes to sleep for all his life long. I love you Lanfranco Cresca Rome,Italy

Non avere paura… Ti ho chiamato per nome, tu sei mio. Se dovessi attraversare il mare, sarò accanto a te… Se dovessi attraversare il fuoco, non sarai riarso, e le fiamme non ti bruceranno (Is 43)

Luca Cappellaro

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 1:59:00 PM

Comment

Dear Mr Di Piazza, as you know Derek's misadventure was closely followed in Italy. All of us were disgusted by his execution. It was clear enough from the beginning that Derek was the victim of a sort of summary justice where it is important to have a scapegoat to kill in front of people rather than the actual murderer. I read the documents on your web. It seems there was no real evidence against Derek but only some pieces of evidence. In Europe noboby would be condemned, on the basis of pieces of evidence, to a great/lomg sentence. USA society seems to be very rough and violent in its mentality. In USA justice seems to stop its development some centuries ago...! If so, how can you prove Derek's innocence, if you have already had many years before his execution? Regards

Fabio Agostini Rome, Italy.

Dear Tony, I can't believe it really happened....I hoped till the last minute something good could happen but Derek was executed and my only hope now is the world of who really believe he was innocent will never forget and one day, hopefully soon, it will possible to show everybody that Derek was innocent... I can't express my feelings, I cried so much and I feel so bad... Graziella

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 1:57:30 PM

Comment

Dear Mr. Di Piazza, I would like to thank you for the incredible work you have done and are doing to keep us informed on this terrible case. Now that Derek's life has been taken away from him we feel a sense of impotence and defeat. The media will soon forget, as always. But I believe that Derek has moved something in the public opinion and I hope we can all continue in his name the struggle for justice and the unconditional abolishment of death penalty. Please, keep us updated on what we can do to support the continuing efforts of Derek's relatives and friends in relation to this cause. thanks again. Francesco.

-Monsieur le Gouverneur,

Ce n'est cetainement pas une adolescente comme moi qui pourrait ce permettre de vous donner des conseils sur les directives que vous devez prendre dans votre honnorable métier. Mais s'il vous plaît comment pouvez refuser de faire les analyses de la peau retrouvée sous les ongles de la malheureuse victime? Ces analyses ne prouveraient-elle pas par "a+b" l'innocence ou la culpabilité de l'accusé Mr barnabei? Seriez-vous pret à envoyer un homme dans le couloir de la mort sans avoir la certitude de sa culpabilité? Je suis sûre que vous saurez faire le bon choix.-----------

I'm sorry... i'm sorry to know that another man was killed by the death row, maybe he was innocent or maybe not, i don't care about this, it doesn't matter. I read a sentence on a t-shirt, once, it said: "how can you teach people that killing people is wrong by killing people?", well i believe that's the truth: killing people is wrong, whoever you are! And killing an innocent man is more than wrong, i'm petrified... they are not human beings, they're more than beasts. I'm truly ashamed to be human when it comes to these people: the governments who still, in the year 2000, support the death penality. With all my love and affection to Derek's family. Polly - Milan - Italy

Hello Americans (if any of you are reading this), I just went through the guestbook and I would like to express my opinion about how I (and, I'm sure, many others) see your justice system. Not that I'm thinking that many of you will read this, but nevertheless....

I think that everybody who is reasonable would have had doubts concerning evidences of a crime which has disappeared for several days, and then misteriously reappeared. There IS a reasonable doubt in this, so for the US law Derek was still innocent. It seems to me that too many people had the power to act like they wanted, instead of applying this simple basic principle. It seems to me that at a certain point it was too late to get back without the risk of putting in discussion the whole institution of justice in the US. If they got back, a little crack would have been "appearing" in the system structure....

I think this is not the first time we see the US institutions acting arbitrarily, denying their own laws and hiding everything "under the carpet". for instance, some times ago, here in Italy, more precisely in Cavalese, an American military pilot, while playing like a kid with his fighter plane, has killed 40 of our people because he didn' t respect the rules about the minimum height he should have been flying to get back to the military base over there... Maybe he was thinking he was Tom Cruise in "Top Gun"? Well, he was flying breaking all the rules, and in the end he hit the wire carrying a cable-car full of tourists. I don' t think that that wire was higher than 30-40 metres from the ground...

Well, IN THIS CASE there is no reasonable doubt the pilot was the killer, but he walked away... Not even a couple of years slammed in one of your beautiful jails! Of course he didn't PLAN to do this, but please be serious! HE WALKED AWAY! And we Italians agreeded that it was right to let the pilot be transferred in the US, and go through a trial in the US. But the result of the trial... Well, in my opinion it has been OUTRAGEOUS for the families of the victims. I just wonder what' s the opinion of the Americans regarding this crime, because I' m afraid the media didn' t talk about it that much over there, right?

This is your justice, and, more generally speaking, your system. Be proud of it... Or do something about it. I still hope there is somebody over there who is not "son of the television", somebody who is able to draw conclusions on his own.

Una storia da raccontare (Nomadi)

Il vento passava le sbarre fischiettando canzoni

tristi, e porta ricordi di vita, come nastri e

colori già visti,

la casa, gli amori, gli amici l’ultimo libro sul

comodino, il ricordo dei giorni felici, il mare,

il cielo, i colori, il vino…

e c’è un'altra storia da dire, una favola da

raccontare, un amore che non può finire, una

pagina da inventare,

e c’è un’altra storia da dire, un aquilone che

non sa volare, un uomo che presto andrà a

morire, una pagina da colorare…

ed il sole passava le sbarre, caldo d’amore ma

un po’ affannato, riscaldando l’ultimo giorno,

quello più lungo di un condannato,

e la luce inventava l’ombra,

e suggeriva il suo desiderio,

diventare domani luce,

svanire nel nulla e nel mistero.

e c’è un’altra storia da dire, una favola da

raccontare, un amore che non può finire, una

pagina da inventare,

e c’è un’altra storia da dire, un aquilone che

non sa volare, un uomo che presto andrà a

morire, una pagina da colorare,

e domani sarà un altro giorno, con uno di

meno su questo mondo, ed una sedia che

scaricherà, rabbia e violenza in un solo secondo,

e domani sarà morte amara, un omicidio

legalizzato, un’ingiustizia chiamata legge, un

boia di nero mascherato…

Tratta da “Una storia da raccontare” dei “Nomadi” ed. Warner Chappell music italiana

Thank you America, This is a big example of injustice!!!

Fabrizio from Brescia

Faccio parte di quell'enorme schiera di coloro i quali vorrebbero la pena di morte per la pena di morte, per dire che nessuno stato puo avvalersi il diritto di negare la vita umana ad un uomo. Alfonso Veneziano

IN MEMORY OF Derek Rocco Barnabei

Name: elsa
Email:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 11:10:10 AM

Comment

Vorrei rispondere al messaggio di Ilaria, che ha richiesto un commento da parte nostra.

Io non credo che la sorte toccata a Derek Rocco sia da attribuire a Sara. Qualunque atteggiamento poco serio lei possa avere avuto non giustifica la reazione di quei 3 ragazzi che l'hanno violentata ed uccisa. Pertanto essi rimangono gli unici responsabili di quel crimine. Per quanto riguarda le conseguenze di quell'omicidio, Derek Rocco ci e' andato di mezzo a causa di altre persone: coloro che hanno alterato la realta' dei fatti, i 3 ragazzi che non hanno parlato e tutti quelli che li hanno coperti. Riguardo al Governatore Gilmore, poi, la verita' e' che lui ha capito benissimo che Derek Rocco non era colpevole o che almeno non c'erano prove concrete contro di lui, ma (come purtroppo si e' reso conto anche Rocco), non ha VOLUTO fermare il meccanismo per troppi interessi coinvolti: i suoi prima di tutto e " l'onorabilita' " delle persone responsabili del delitto di Sara, in quanto potenti o in vista. Questo spiega anche perche' ci fosse tutta questa fretta di eliminare Rocco e perche' nessun appello, neanche quello del Papa, lo ha minimamente mosso. Era gia' tutto deciso. Questi elementi sono lampanti a noi europei e a pochi americani, e questi, purtroppo, sono anche i vergognosi ed inaccettabili motivi per cui un gruppo di persone, che non valgono niente, hanno deciso di ammazzare premeditatamente e consapevolmente un uomo innocente. Io mi domando se i genitori di Sara fossero davvero convinti della colpevolezza di Rocco o se qualche dubbio fosse sorto anche a loro perche', che ne siano consapevoli o no, non e' stata resa giustizia a loro figlia - non ancora..

Elsa, Milano

Name: VARIOUS
Email:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 8:28:37 AM

Comment

DEAR TONY, I THINK DEREK TOUGHT US VERY MUCH. I READ PSALM 55, THE ONE DEREK READ BEFORE DYING, AND I CRIED FOR A LONG TIME. EVERY NIGHT, BEFORE SLEEPING, I THINK OF HIM AND CRY. HE SUFFERED TOO MUCH, TONY. I FEEL DEREK'S SOUL INTO MINE, SPEAKING EVERY DAY, HE IS TELLING ME THAT HE IS LIVING INTO LORD'S LIGHT AND GRACE. THANK YOU, TONY, YOU DID YOUR BEST TO TRY TO SAVE OUR BELOVED DEREK. I AM SO UPSET, TONY, IF I THINK HOW DEREK FELT THE FEW TIMES BEFORE BEING MURDERED, HE WAS ALONE, DESPERATE, HE WAS SO AFRAID, AND HE WAS ALONE! TONY, I'M THINKING DEREK EVERY MOMENT, I FEEL SORROW FOR WHAT PEOPLE DID TO HIM! COLDN'T YOU PLEASE WRITE ME SOME WORDS TO COMFORT ME, I THINK DEREK WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON, EVEN THOUGH I NEVER KNEW HIM, HE WAS A DEEP MAN, IN HIS INTERVIEWS HE SHOWED A LOT OF LOVE, A DEEP HEART AND A DEEP BELIEF IN LORD. I WON'T FORGET HIM, I' LL NEVER FORGET HIM. THANK YOU, TONY!

LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU AND TO JANE BARNABEI.

YOURS SINCERELY,

ILARIA

DEREK, TI AMEREMO PER SEMPRE.

Non voltarti indietro a cercarmi ,potrei non seguirti non guardare avanti cercandomi,potresti non scorgermi ma cammina al mio fianco e non mi abbandonare mai Ciao Rocco,mi mancherai tantissimo

I LOVE YOU ROCCO. ROCCO IS AN INNOCENT MAN. gilmore YOU ARE GUILTY AND YOU HAVE KILLED A MAN. ARE YOU ABLE TO SLEEP? NOW ARE YOU HAPPY? MAYBE YOU ARE THE MOST UGLY PERSON THAT EXIST IN THIS WORLD! NOW ALL THE WORLD HATE YOU. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN LIVE UNTILL THE THOUGHT OF ROCCO WILL CRUSH YOU! Elisa

ciao derek, non potrai leggere questo messaggio che ti lascio a quttro giorni dall'omicidio che il governatore della Virginia ha compiuto ai tuoi danni. prima di ora non ce l'ho fatta: il dolore era troppo forte. scrivo solo per dirti una cosa: ho capito il tuo messaggio, il tuo non deve essere un sacrificio inutile ma l'inizio di una battaglia. per quanto mi riguarda, ok. ciao derek, Antonio D'Agostino

I am an Italian mother who shared with Jane the anguish of +ACI-that+ACI- night. I tried to read as much as possible about this case, I wrote 10 times to Gilmore .... and I cried too. Jane, I am spiritually by your side and believe me, I feel Derek as a son of mine and trust he is still with us. Yours sincerely Meena Annovazzi, Torino, Italy

E' una vergogna che la tanto osannata America si comporti così. Una VERGOGNA per tutto il genere umano. Una VERGOGNA per come si stanno svolgendo i fatti in questo ultimi giorni, nei quali assistiamo impotenti al comportamento di un essere, non posso definirlo in altro modo - paragonarlo ad un animale sarebbe offensivo per quest'ultimo, che per mere ragioni politiche manda a morte un uomo. Basterebbe poco, basterebbe il beneficio del dubbio. Ma il Governatore Gilmore vuole il suo spettacolo, se lo sta già pregustando, sembra quasi di vederlo quando ha accettato di far eseguire i test del DNA su reperti che sapeva sarebbero stati inutilizzati. Una vergogna per tutto il genere umano che sbandiera tanto la propria civiltà. Gli animali non si ammazzano così tra loro, non conoscono la vendetta.

Il reverendo che assiste Rocco ha detto che la pena di morte è il modo degli americani per illudersi di controllare la violenza e per sentirsi in pace con la propria coscienza. Che la loro coscienza li tenga svegli da oggi in poi, che li tormenti. Chiunque manda a morte un uomo non merita altro. Chiunque approva la pena di morte non merita altro. Chiunque goda della morte di un uomo non merita altro.

Forse non servirà a nulla tutta la mia indignazione, ma la vita DEVE essere fatta di indignazione per cose del genere.

Un saluto a Rocco, che ha quasi la mia età e che potrebbe essere mio fratello. Un incoraggiamento a lui, alla sua famiglia e a tutti quelli che sono convinti della sua innocenza.

Un pensiero per tutti coloro che come Rocco sono nel braccio della morte, innocenti o colpevoli non importa.

Daniela Briganti

VORREI PERMETTERMI DI DIRE UNA COSA: SARAH ERA UNA POCO SERIA E HA TIRATO IN MEZZO UN INNOCENTE NEI SUOI CASINI E BORDELLI CON GLI UOMINI. LA SUA MIGLIORE AMICA AVEVA DETTO CHE SARAH ERA ANDATA A LETTO CON DEREK SOLO PER DIVERTIRSI, E CHE STAVA INSIEME AD UN CERTO KENT ED AD UN ALTRO: UN MARINAIO. POI LA FESTA E I 3 RAGAZZI DEL COLLEGE CHE VOLEVANO FARSI UN "GIRO A 4" CON QUESTA SIGNORINA. LEI LI HA RIFIUTATI E SCHERNITI SULLA LORO VIRILITA' E LORO STESSI PRIMA LA HANNO VIOLENTATA E POI UCCISA PER PUNIRLA. POI IL POVERO DEREK, SOLO PERCHE' NON ERA UNO DI QUEGLI AMERICANI CHE SI PULIVA IL CULO CON IL DENARO, E SOLO PERCHE' FREQUENTAVA QUELLA POCO DI BUONO DI SARAH W. E' STATO CATTURATO ED INCRIMINATO, FINO ALLA SUA CONDANNA A MORTE! LUI E' MORTO DA MARTIRE INNOCENTE, LUI VOLEVA VIVERE E AMARE!!! IO PIANGO PER LUI, PER QUELLO CHE HA PASSATO IN 7 ANNI DI CARCERE, E PRIMA DELLA SUA MORTE. VOGLIO DIRE QUESTO, POPOLO DEL SITO DI DEREK: E' TUTTA COLPA DI SARAH SE DEREK CI E' ANDATO DI MEZZO! E IL GOVERNATORE JIM GILMORE E' STATO ANCORA PIU' RESPONSABILE PER NON AVER CAPITO O PORTATO ALLA LUCE LA VERITA'! ASPETTO VOSTRI COMMENTI.

DEREK TI AMEREMO PER SEMPRE

ILARIA

Name: MICOLE MORELLI
Email:
Date: 8/17/2002
Time: 9:46:23 AM

Comment

Dear Rocco, I know that it's too late write you now... every day, every night you are in my mind... I love you from three years ago I saw your photo in a newspaper...I tried to write you a lot of time but I was too young to express my love like i would...sorry for my bad english but I'm 15 and I have some difficulties...but I think that you understand the more important thing...I love you!!!!! you are my angel,you guide me...I know that soon your vengeance will arrive... Mr Gilmore you will for your dead...and,ok, now it's the best moment for Mr bush but soon he will paies!rocco I love you, I love your family... a day, I hope not very far from today I will go in USA, cause one of my biggest dream is visit your grave! I love you very much!your best friend Micole Morelli, Reggio Emilia, Italia

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