Stopping the Execution of a Redneck. “Do you like to hunt or fish?” That was the first question that Gary Wayne Sutton ever asked me. I can still hear the rolling contours of that strong East Tennessee accent. As quick as he asked the question, I responded, “Actually Gary, I’m a vegetarian.” The slight pause seemed to betray the underlying question, “How in the hell is this going to work?” Sensing the awkwardness, I asked, “Well what... Read more
During our visit on September 7, 2023, Anthony Sanchez asked if I would share the following words if he was executed. He adapted these words from a previous statement and from multiple audio/videos. If anyone is curious why Anthony Sanchez declared Mark Barrett and Randy Coyne to be the “…worst attorneys in Oklahoma.” from the execution chamber yesterday, his thoughts below go far to express why. September 7, 2023 The claims of... Read more
The Final Visit: Alone with Anthony Sanchez On His Last Day Early this morning, I visited with Anthony Sanchez for an extended clergy visit. For close to a year, we have grown closer and closer. Speaking by phone every night at 8pm, we have shared our hopes and dreams. Truth be told, I didn’t think this was how things were going to end up. We had produced such a strong case for his innocence…or at the very... Read more
“The Fight for Anthony Sanchez”: Last Minute Reflections on the Death of God and an Innocent Man “IS GOD DEAD?” Yes. I’ve seen it. For over a decade, I’ve worked with those whom our society has chosen to execute. I believe that God inhabits the least of these. I believe that God has died repeatedly…and we are the culprits of such a moral catastrophe. It takes courage to allow the mind and heart to journey to such... Read more
Anthony Sanchez on Why He Rejected Clemency With days to go before his possible execution, Anthony Sanchez has asked that I share his original reasons for rejecting clemency. He wants to make sure that nobody gets it twisted. The text is below and a link to the audio of the statement is below that. June 28, 2023 Anthony Sanchez’s Final Statement on Why He Rejected Clemency I’ve been asked several different... Read more
I arose this morning (like I do on most mornings), pondering the troubling existential questions of human existence. One fundamental question visits me the most, “Where is God in the midst of all of this bullshit?” Today, was no different. For nearly a year, I have given my life to ministering to and fighting for Anthony Sanchez. In the process, he has become one of my dearest friends. Life is cruel. Although I got to know him as someone... Read more
The Cure for Dying While Alive: On the Upcoming Execution of Anthony Sanchez Recently, I found out that a dear friend is dying of cancer. Instead of treating it as if it is an end, he treated it as a beginning. Since the seemingly grim news, my friend has made it a point to share as much connection with people as possible. Surprisingly, he tells me that the past few weeks have been anything but grim. After... Read more
September 7, 2023 Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite 212 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Re: Anthony Castillo Sanchez Dear Governor Stitt, I am Anthony Castillo Sanchez’s attorney, and I am writing to request a 60-day reprieve for Mr. Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez’s previous attorney refused to provide his legal materials tohim. He requested that Federal Judge Joe Heaton provide his file to him. He refused. Judge Heaton decided, on... Read more
Dear Honorable Kevin Stitt, My name is Anthony Sanchez. I am asking you for some help to prove my innocence. I am scheduled to be executed September 21, 2023. In 2006 I was convicted of the murder of Julie Busken and I am 100% innocent. I did not murder Julie Busken. I am writing you because you have the authority and ability to help me. Please help me by granting me a 60 day reprieve. So that my... Read more
There is danger in thinking about theological things while on pilgrimage. The roads grow longer and longer as you try to figure out the ways of both God and man. But what choice do you have? The questions seem to find you whether you want them to or not. It’s almost as if such questions pull at you every time you lift your feet…they make each step harder and harder. Sometimes you want to give up. Sometimes that seems... Read more
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