Usa Credit Union Michigan

Posted onDecember 15, 2011 - 7:46 pm by Admin | 0 Comments

The federal case of murder suspect Timothy Dennis O'Reilly has sparked controversy across the nation. This Michigan native is charged with killing Norman “Anthony” Stephens on December 14, 2001. During an armored truck holdup, O’Reilly allegedly shot Stephens in the back after he had already fallen to the ground from previous wounds. This occurred at the Dearborn Federal Credit Union in Michigan and was the first of several bank robberies in which O’Reilly actively participated. Now, O’Reilly and two co-defendants all face the death penalty if convicted.

Michigan’s History with Capital Punishment

Michigan was the first union state in 1847 to ban capital punishment. From 1830 to 1938, not one criminal was put to death in the state. Tony Chebatoris, convicted of murder and bank robbery in 1937, was hanged at a Michigan prison in 1938. Since that time, only one other criminal has been sentenced to death, Marvin Gabrion, who in 2002 was convicted of first-degree murder. His execution has been stalled by the appeals process.

In 2007, it appeared that federal officials had begun to push harder for the death penalty in Michigan. It was at that time when O’Reilly’s case began to proceed. Despite the state’s ban, certain criminal convictions allow punishment by execution. These include federal cases of murder and bank robbery.

However, opponents to capital punishment argue that nearly any murder is likely to be perceived as eligible for the death penalty. Those same persons also claim that the United States Justice Department is vague when naming cases that should be pursued for penalty of death. To clarify such cases, changes have been made to the U.S. Attorney’s Manual, a guide for federal prosecutors. In that book, federal officials are advised to weigh the adequacy of punishment when considering the death penalty.

Controversy Regarding the Death Penalty

The case against O’Reilly has ignited debate once again over the controversial issue of capital punishment. In 2009, Michigan was named the tenth most dangerous state in America, with two cities (Flint and Detroit) ranked among the top 10 most dangerous places to live in America. According to senate reports, Michigan also holds the most violent crime rate in the region. Such statistics are disturbing to many people, not the least of whom are Michigan residents.

Sentiments for restoring capital punishment in Michigan generally point in one direction: it is necessary for the health of the state. Most people concur that Michigan is in need of a drastic makeover, ranging from changed economic policies to institution of the death penalty. As crime continues to become more prolific across the state, many wonder if capital punishment would not prevent some acts of theft and brutality.


→ 0 Comments

Posted in apply for a zellers credit card