January 12, 2021 came much too fast. In fact, this whole series of executions came much too fast. What’s the rush?
When I first saw a news bulletin saying that Lisa Montgomery was scheduled for execution I was sick to my stomach. I spent 15 months with Lisa while we were both incarcerated at the Leavenworth Detention Center, better known as CCA.
During that time I came to love gentle, sweet, caring Lisa who was never caught up in the drama of being in prison. I think, for the first time in her life, Lisa found stability and security and was under the much needed care of a psychiatrist and medications.
I knew she had received the death penalty, but I didn’t believe it would ever happen. The federal government hadn’t executed anyone in nearly 20 years.
The roller coaster ride that followed was an emotional whirlwind. Stays of execution followed by desperate government appeals. Time and again our hopes were raised and then dashed. It was apparent the government had the upper hand and ALL the power.
At 1:31 am, my friend Lisa left us. My heart is breaking…