Along with co-defendant Tommy Ward, Karl Fontenot was convicted twice in the kidnapping and murder of Donna Denise Haraway from an Ada convenience store in 1984 and sentenced to life without parole. The inept handling of reports, evidence, and all other vital documentation from this case clearly falls within a known pattern of police misconduct that the lead detectives and agents working on this case were known to commit, Payne wrote in the opinion, filed in federal court in Muskogee. The discovery revealed that every detail of Mr. Wards confession not previously known by police was either erroneous or uncorroborated, Wards attorneys wrote in a brief accompanying Mondays motion. By Tom Ward. Denice doesnt have a famous, wealthy author/film producer or people seeking five minutes of fame to stand up for her, the family said. Along with co-defendant Tommy Ward, Karl Fontenot was convicted twice in the kidnapping and murder of Donna Denise Haraway from an Ada convenience store in 1984 and sentenced to life without parole. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Tommy Ward Ward updates 2022 elected civic leaders provide insights and updates on projects and priorities in the city of ottawa. . Appears the state will retry Karl Fontenot, who was released 2 years ago and subject of #netflix special . The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 2nd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. [Warning: Spoilers for "The Innocent Man" ahead!]. Once again, USA Wrestling will publish regular update on the 2022-23 state high school champions for both boys and girls. The 29-year-old had a career year in 2022, batting .281 with 23 homers, 65 RBI, 73 runs and five stolen bases over 495 at-bats in 135 games last season. You have permission to edit this article. Ward and the Angels agreed on a one-year, $2.75 million contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The ruling found that there was evidence of Fontenots innocence, including statements provided by other witnesses that placed Fontenot at a party at the time of Haraways disappearance, a string of obscene phone calls to Haraway before her disappearance and affidavits from witnesses stating that Fontenot did not resemble the individuals who were seen in the store during Haraways disappearance. Share Tommy Ward Former Ada resident Thomas Jesse Ward, convicted of a murder he insists he did not commit, was ordered on Dec. 18 to be set free. Thomas Ward On Friday, former Ada resident Thomas Jesse Ward, convicted of a murder he insists he did not commit, was ordered to be set free after more than 35 years in custody. In a 190-page opinion, U.S. District Judge James H. Payne ruled in 2019 that Fontenot did not receive a fair trial because of numerous constitutional violations. The Frontier is a nonprofit focusing on investigative and watchdog journalism. The conclusion of "The Innocent Man" docu-series notes that Ward's post-conviction filing has been opposed by the state, but that a judge will review the case in 2019. Ward, now 60, was convicted in 1985, along with. Courtesy The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the conviction of one man in the 1984 murder of an Ada. Court upholds overturned conviction in Innocent Man case, Train ride home turns unusual for county commis, School district to offer tornado assistance to families, OU women's basketball notebook: Sooners focused, Digging out: Tornado damages home, downs power lines; minor injuries reported, Judge sides with homebuilder in lawsuit against city, Maverick's brings dive bar feel to Campus Corner, HOME & AG: Invasive species attacking garden favorite, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office identifies inmate who hanged himself, Cleveland County Detention Center inmate hangs himself, Norman man arrested in connection with murder of woman found at Lake Thunderbird, Southern Baptists oust Saddleback Church over woman pastor, Lawsuit blames jail death on medical neglect by contractor. Send Flowers. Tommy Ward andKarl Fontenot were sentenced to death in 1985 for the murder of Denice Haraway, despite the fact that their confessions didn't match the crime they were accused of. 1085, this court hereby vacates and sets aside the judgements and sentences entered against Ward on July 10, 1989, dismisses the charges originally filed against him in Pontotoc County case number CRF-84-183 and re-tried in Pottawatomie County case number CRF-1988-208; and discharges Ward from the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.". Read More. Thomas Jesse Ward has now spent 35 years in prison for crimes he did not commit, the brief states. Tommy ~ not sure where we disagree. The newlywed college student worked as a clerk there at night. Attorneys representing Tommy Ward continue to fight for his release from jail. The six-part true crime Netflix series was released back in 2018, and . Forget Me Not EP available now on all major platforms. Tommy Ward, one of the subjects of Netflix 's true-crime doc series The Innocent Man, is a step closer to freedom after a judge vacated his conviction. Murphy said she was pleased with the outcome. The inept handling of reports, evidence, and all other vital documentation from this case clearly falls within a known pattern of police misconduct that the lead detectives and agents working on this case were known to commit, Payne wrote in the opinion filed in federal court in Muskogee. In October, Atoka County District Judge Paula Ingeallowed Wards attorneys to conduct some limited additional discovery in the case, including submitting some written questions to Steve Haraway. Fontenot was retried in 1988 and again sentenced to death. The Love Island and YouTube stars have been feuding online . Feb 2009 - Present14 years 1 month. During Wards re-trial, the prosecution stated that the missing blouse was the only material detail from Wards confession that was not disproven, uncorroborated or known by police beforehand, so that detail could not have been given to Ward to include in his confession. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. matlab app designer popup message female comedians of the 90s kalena ku delima dr charlie ward show. He was found guilty in the 1984 Ada case. The state judge went a step further, vacating Wards conviction and ruling he could not be retried. The wards now take 10 damage from the buyer's attacks when above 50 health. The blouse Ward said she was wearing was nowhere to be found. The case gained national attention in 2006 after author John Grisham published The Innocent Man, a nonfiction book that touched on the case in addition to a number of other dubious murder convictions in Ada in the 1980s. The appeals court opinion points out discrepancies in the states case and found that evidence favorable to Fontenot was withheld by the prosecution. Then cast your vote, State board approves new academic standards with Ryan Walters' last-minute revisions, Jackson Arnold then: 'I never rooted for Baker.' Though there was no physical evidence tying the men to the crime and Haraways body had not been found, both later gave confessions to police about kidnapping and murdering Haraway. Taking pride in "being able to do a little bit of everything," he has a six-pitch mix that includes a four-seamer, two-seamer, cutter, slider . She was 24. Please consider subscribing and. Williamson and Fritz were both later exonerated, and their story was also covered in Grishams 2006 bookThe Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Townand the 2018 Netflix series. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. 6 Newcastle in overtime. "Tommy" Ward Jr. 1942 - 2022. He was born on July 9, 1948 to Tom and Winnie Miller Ward. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ordered separate new trials because of a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court opinion on defendants being tried together. "They have now been in prison for 31 years, serving hard time for a murder committed by someone else. The victim, Donna Denice Haraway, disappeared from a McAnallys convenience store in Ada on April 28, 1984. But, she does have her family, the Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma, friends and many good people that worked to find her killers and bring them to justice that will never forget her or who is responsible for her death.. During the trial, Haraways husband Steve Haraway and her sister Janet Weldon, said they knew the blouse, which Weldon had bought for her sister, was missing soon after Haraways disappearance, but did not report that she might have been wearing the blouse to police until after Wards confession several months later. Both are filled with distortion and are completely one-sided when it comes to the case against Ward and Fontenot. Pallbearers are John Hassellbrock, Terry Hassellbrock, Gene Hassellbrock, Chuck Ward, Donel Thomas and Tommy McCrory. While Fontenot has been free on bond since late 2019, Ward remains incarcerated. Public interest in the case was reignited when the book was adapted into a 2018 Netflix documentary of the same name and that went into further details about the case. Both are filled with distortion and are completely one-sided when it comes to the case against Ward and Fontenot. The state, represented by Attorney General Mike Hunters office, has appealed the Fontenot decision to the 10thCircuit Court of Appeals, where the case is still pending. Several of the documents have been used in court to raise questions about potential misconduct by investigators, the fairness of the two mens trials and their guilt in Haraways murder. In December, a state judge threw out Wards conviction. Season Two. Fixed a bug where a Gem of True Sight stolen from the enemy . Ward's attorney, Mark Barrett, will also be filing an appeal for exoneration. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. In early 2019, a trove of previously-unreleased case documents were uncovered at the Ada Police Department by Wards attorneys. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. However, in 2019, Wards attorneys began to uncover evidence that police may have known about the blouse prior to Wards confession. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. But a Pontotoc County district judge ruled last month that prosecutors withheld key evidence in the case, including witness interviews and police reports, and ordered Wards release. Investigators, such as OSBI Agent Gary Rogers and Ada police detective Dennis Smith, also testified during Wards retrial that they were unaware of the missing blouse until Ward told them about it in his confession. Tommy Ward's brother is speaking out, saying there is new evidence that proves the wrong men were convicted in the 1984 murder of Donna Haraway in Ada. Attorneys for one of the men convicted in the 1984 robbery, abduction and murder of Donna Denice Haraway in Ada are asking a judge to vacate his conviction and sentences after they say newly uncovered evidence shows investigators elicited a false confession and hid evidence showing details of the confession were fed to the defendant by police. During his confession, which occurred during the final 30 minutes of the interrogation and was the only videotaped portion of the questioning, Ward said Haraway was wearing a button-up blouse with blue flowers printed on it, according to court records. Ward was arrested after his video-taped confession on October 18, 1984, and has remained in custody for over thirty-five years. Increased health of Observer Ward from 8 to 100. He ordered Fontenot to be permanently released from custody or granted a new trial. At his second trial, he claimed he was at a party. TOMMY WARD. Monday, March 14, 2022 1:59. by N.Morgan. At his first trial, he claimed he was at his mothers house on April 28, 1984. Share. Both are model prisoners. Tuesday, they filed a brief with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Its important to recognize this is now the second court saying this confession is not backed up by anything, its refuted at every turn.. Fontenot, Wards co-defendant, was ordered released by a federal judge in 2019, and the state is also appealing that order. In Wards case, a state judge overturned his conviction in December, but the Attorney Generals Office appealed the case to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, which ruled he was to remain incarcerated during the appeal. During closing arguments, the prosecutor told the jury That blouse is tied to this Defendant like an anchor to a boat and he cant shake it, according to court transcripts. News9.com is proud to provide Oklahomans with timely and relevant news and information, Both have excellent teams of lawyers who continue to work for their release.. The state judge went a step further, vacating Wards conviction and ruling that he could not be retried. Still takes 2 attacks to destroy from enemies. Ways to honor Tommy Ward's life and legacy. Contact. The state could ask for a rehearing before the entire court, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, allow the case to be retried or allow Fontenot, who was released from prison in 2019 following the federal judges ruling, to be permanently freed. Allowing Mr. Wards convictions and sentences to stand would perpetuate a gross and tragic miscarriage of justice that has robbed Mr. Ward of what should have been the prime years of his life. In that testimony, Ward said he and another man, Marty Ashley, had been to the store and that witnesses who saw him there had been correct. Fontenot and Thomas Ward were convicted of killing Ada convenience store clerk Donna Denice Haraway in 1984. Also, they said another man, Odell Titsworth, had participated in the robbery, kidnapping, rape and murder with them. The newlywed college student worked as a clerk there at night. This photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections shows Tommy Ward, who has spent 35 years in prison in a murder case featured in the book and television series The Innocent Man'. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! A federal appeals court has upheld a decision to overturn the conviction of one of two men in the 1985 kidnapping and murder of an Ada convenience store worker. 2 Entries. Tuesday, they filed a brief with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. 1. pietrodleone May 19, 2021 12:17 pm . Most significantly, both men said Haraway was stabbed to death, and Fontenot told police the body had been buried near the Ada power plant. Oral arguments have yet to take place in that case. Attorneys representing Tommy Ward continue to fight for his release from jail. Oklahoma inmate records show that Ward is now serving out a life sentence, and Fontenot is serving life without the possibility of parole. "They said I had a choice to write it or tape it. Later, when Haraways body was discovered, details of that confession did not match the evidence, such as what Haraway was wearing, how she was killed and where her body was taken. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. In December, a state judge threw out Ward's conviction. Winds light and variable. Ward and Fontenot were sentenced to death on January 21, 1985 after being found guilty of murdering Haraway. Due to the passage of time, the Court is of the opinion Ward will not be able to receive a fair trial, District Judge Paula Inge wrote. Ward was retried in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison. The investigators seem to have taken on the role of prosecutor, judge and jury, determining that the only relevant evidence was evidence that fit their theory of the case.. Many of the documents that the federal judge cited in his decision in Fontenots case wereuncovered for the first timeby Wards attorneys in early 2019 as they sought further evidence from investigators. The Oklahoma Innocence Project, an organization that helps to exonerate those wrongfully convicted, attempted to take on Fontenot's case in 2013, but itsappeals were denied in 2015. The State lacked a plausible motive and had no physical evidence linking Mr. Fontenot to the crime, it said. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Both Ward and Fontenot claimed their confessions were coerced and steadfastly maintained their innocence. Want to support our mission to hold powerful people accountable, give a voice to the voiceless, and shine a light on darkness in Oklahoma? The judge specifically found Ward was prejudiced by the state's failure to disclose to his defense suspects and leads considered dead ends. Fontenot and co-defendant Tommy Wards initial convictions and death sentences for Harways death were overturned, but both were again convicted on retrial with Fontenot again receiving a death sentence and Ward being sentenced to life in prison. In early 2019, a trove of previously-unreleased case documents were uncovered at the Ada Police Department by Wards attorneys. San Francisco's only injury issue during the game came in late. We could write an entire book refuting the falsehoods and distortions contained in the book, series and briefs filed by the attorneys.. According to court records filed Dec. 18, a district judge wrote, " this court finds that the factual contentions made by the petitioner, Thomas Jesse Ward, in his amended application for post-conviction relief are sufficient as a matter of law to establish a prima facie showing the petitioner is entitled to post-conviction relief. But what is most important is that evidence previously withheld from the defense has so thoroughly undermined the States theory that the conviction can no longer stand, Wards attorneys wrote. Donna Denice Haraway was abducted from this Ada convenience store, where she worked as a clerk, in 1984. The circumstances surrounding Ward and Fontenot's confessions were suspicious from the start, and in fact were later proved to be inconsistent with what had actually happened to Haraway: Her body was ultimately found years after she vanished, 30 miles away from where the duo said they had deposited it. "The investigators seem to have taken on the roles of prosecutor, judge and jury, determining that the only 'relevant' evidence was evidence which fit their theory of the case," Inge wrote. The Pontotoc County District Attorneys office relied solely on investigators to provide it with the evidence needed to prosecute the case without questioning whether the investigators had turned over all exculpatory and/or impeachment evidence, Judge Paula Inge wrote in her December order. mail Ward was retried in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison. Murphy said one of the issues in the opinion that stood out was the courts findings that the confession offered by Fontenot one of the biggest pieces of evidence that led to his conviction was likely a false confession. In the statement Friday, the victims family pointed out that Ward made a second admission about being in the store after witnesses testified against him at his preliminary hearing. DIED. Both Fontenot and Ward were sentenced to death after being convicted at trial in 1985 even though the body had not been found yet. The two insisted they were innocent, but still ended up convicted of Haraway's murder. (Jan 22, 2022) 8k (XC) 2022 24:32.4. But both men recanted their initial confessions and now. Investigators with the Ada Police Department and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation developed Ward and Fontenot as suspects in Haraways disappearance. The convictions were based almost entirely on accounts they said they retrieved from dreams. Ward and Fontenot were both granted a retrial a few years later, and again found guilty of Haraway's death. Low around 45F. We ask the question why? the family said in its statement. Fontenot was released in December 2019 at the age of 55 after a federal judge ordered he be released or retried. Were very happy, Karl is ecstatic, and were just waiting to see what happens next, Fontenots attorney, Tiffany Murphy told The Associated Press on Thursday. The state has 120 days from the date of Tuesdays ruling to decide whether to retry Fontenot, according to the ruling. On April 28, 1984, Haraway, a 24-year-old clerk at McAnallys convenience store in Ada, went missing. The Court of Criminal Appeals ruled Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 that 60-year-old Tommy Ward remain imprisoned while the state appeals the lower court's ruling. Both men later recanted their confessions and stated they were innocent of the charges against them. Email. Honorary pallbearers are James Gibson and Bennie Hassellbrock.Funeral services will held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. After not playing in 2020 and undergoing Tommy John surgery in June of '21, Ward made 13 starts across four Minor League levels while going 0-2 with an 2.28 ERA in 51 1/3 frames this past season. In making the ruling, the judge for Atoka and Coal counties also pointed to police misconduct and newly discovered information from withheld documents. Burial with be at Highland Baptist Church Cemetery in Molino, Florida.FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 S. Hwy. . Dream A Little Dream Of Me | Tommy Ward & Sarah Stipe Tommy Ward 42K views2 years ago Puppy Love | Made Famous by Paul Anka Tommy Ward 25K views2 years ago I Love You For Sentimental. High 63F. Ada store clerk Denice Haraway was abducted and killed on April 28, 1984. You can cancel at any time. 1500 3:59.49. tommy ward released 2022 Thomas Ward, a man convicted for murder and featured in Netflix's true crime documentary The Innocent Man, is set to be released after a judge vacated his sentence on Dec. 18.. According to Grisham, their conviction was "all about winning," not about the truth, nabbing the real killer, or what was right. That murder investigation has been the topic . The world is on fire and the flames just keep getting higher and hotter! 29., is entrusted with arrangements. Free Tommy Ward and Karl Fontenot. Wards and Fontenots confessions to Haraways kidnapping and murder that both men recanted days later, saying that police had fed them details they used in their confessions. Miss Sheila and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of a great man. On Tuesday, a three-judge panel for the 10th Circuit upheld the lower courts ruling overturning Fontenots conviction by a 2-1 margin, and gave the state 120 days to refile charges against Fontenot, though it is unclear whether that will happen. Keep up-to-date with everything that happens in your world. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Tommy has been recommended for parole at least twice, but turned down by the board in Oklahoma. Tommy's legal team dedicated to freeing Tommy Ward from prison for a crime he did not commit.. Tommy Ward- The Innocent Man's Legal Team's Page | Ada OK Anyone that has could not believe Ward and Fontenot are innocent men, the family said. The family questioned whether the judges actually watched the videotapes of the confessions. Were reviewing the opinion and to determine what our next steps will be, said Alex Gerszweski, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Attorney Generals office. In response, Steve Haraway said he and his sister-in-law spoke to Ada police detectives the day after Donna Haraway went missing, and at the request of the detectives went through Donnas things to see what was missing. Pursuant to Title 22, O.S. Published: 12 Mar 2022, 08:00. A federal judge vacated Fontenots conviction in 2019, months after The Innocent Man a Netflix series based on novelist John Grishams only nonfiction book renewed national attention to the case. John Thomas "Tommy" Ward, 72, of Reidsville, passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022. A panel of judges finds that prosecutors had an extremely weak case against Karl Fontenot. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to service. In making the ruling, the judge for Atoka and Coal counties also pointed to police misconduct and newly discovered information from withheld documents. Haraway's disappearance and subsequent death came. The judge also called the evidence against Ward circumstantial and said nearly all of the details in his . If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Source: Briar Creek Township Police Department. Tweet Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. The judge excoriated police and prosecutors for misconduct and declared newly discovered evidence about Fontenots alibi and other suspects provides solid proof of his probable innocence.. However, Haraways body was discovered the following year more than 20 miles from the location Ward said Haraway was killed at and was killed by a single gunshot wound rather than multiple stab wounds, according to court records. To plant trees in memory, please visit the, I remember leading Wayne to Christ in the early 1980s, I remember leading Wayne to Christ as Savior in the early 1980s, Faith Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory (North). Shot by Shot: Tracking Oklahoma police shootings in 2023, Listen Frontier: Sen. James Lankford speaks with The Frontier about abortion, immigration and more, Frontier content sharing and collaboration terms. ADVERTISEMENT Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Along with co-defendant Tommy Ward, Karl Fontenot was convicted twice in the kidnapping and murder of Donna Denise Haraway from an Ada convenience store in 1984 and sentenced to life without parole. The only thing that has changed is the release of the so-called true book by John Grisham, followed by the Netflix series. Several of the documents have been used in court to raise questions about potential misconduct by investigators, the fairness of the two mens trials and their guilt in Haraways murder. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals is now considering Ward's appeal.. The judge found Tommy Ward didn't get a fair trial. SP 8.09m 26' 6.5" 8K (XC) 24:32.4. The States deliberate and successful efforts to hide the truth from Mr. Ward, the court, and the jury led to Mr. Wards convictions, Wards attorneys wrote. The organization has not offered an update on the status of their efforts. Ward, now 60, was convicted in 1985, along with Karl Fontenot, now 56, in connection with the disappearance and murder of Donna Denice Haraway. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Because the facts of the case and the proof against Ward and Fontenot havent changed. Milton Glaser (1929-2020 . The tribulations faced by the pair are depicted in Netflix's latest true crime docu-series, "The Innocent Man," based on the John Grisham book of the same name. Because of a retrial error, he later was resentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The only evidence the state used in convicting Ward was a confession that he later claimed was spun wildly from a dream he reported, and only came out after intense pressure and hours of brutal interrogation. Tommy Ward Ward and co-defendant Karl Fontenot were convicted in the 1984 murder of Denice Haraway in Ada, Oklahoma. Most significantly, both confessed the clerk was stabbed to death and Fontenot told police the body had been buried near the Ada power plant. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. In the statement Friday, the victims family pointed out Ward made a second admission about being in the store after witnesses testified against him at his preliminary hearing. Im very happy, very relieved for Karl and his continuing quest for innocence to prove the fact that he had nothing to do with Donna Denice Haraways murder, Murphy said. Tommy DeWeese, Kevin Kasel, and James (Toodles) Ritchie ran in the primary for Mooresville Town Council Ward 3 on May 17, 2022. Local prosecutors again secured their convictions, based largely on their confessions. Read more. Anyone that has could not believe Ward and Fontenot are innocent men, the family said. Overcast. However, she would never be seen alive again. . Of course, this testimony of Ward is never mentioned in the book or movie.. Jan 28, 2022 Karl Fontenot, Tommy Ward. She had been shot in the head. Both cases occurred around the same time period in Pontotoc County, were prosecuted by now former Pontotoc County District Attorney Bill Peterson, were based on investigations led by Ada Detective Captain Dennis Smith and OSBI Agent Gary Rogers, involved dream confessions that were used as the basis for conviction, relied on testimony from the same jailhouse informant who said she overheard defendants in each case confess, and undated interview reports, Wards attorneys wrote. Of course, this testimony of Ward is never mentioned in the book or movie.. "Everything about their confession has been proven wrong by the discovery of the body," attorney Janet Davis noted in the documentary. Community Update: A Warzone Special Briefing for Our Players. For more information on The Frontier, visit readfrontier.org. By Eric Shorey Denice Haraway of Ada, Oklahoma went in for an ordinary day of work at her convenience store job on April 28, 1984. In a motion and brief filed Monday on behalf of Tommy Ward, one of two men convicted of Haraways murder in Ada and who was featured in the John Grisham book theInnocent Manand 2018 Netflix series of the same name, Wards attorneys state they have found evidence that shows police extracted a false confession from Ward, and that prosecutors suppressed other exculpatory evidence.