"THANK YOU TO THE FIFTHE ESTATE AND THE CURRENT FOR THE TREMENDOUS TREMENDOUS JOB THEY DID ON BOTH DOCS...
MY FAMILIY IS HEALING, ONE DAY AT A TIME....PLEASE DON'T FORGET THE OTHERS THAT HAVE LOST IN THIS....JEAN AND JOHN, VALIN'S SIBLINGS....FOR SO LONG JEAN WAS CONDITIONED TO BELIEVE THIS AND NOW...WELL...CHAOS FOR HER AGAIN AND JOHN....
ALSO OUR OTHER BROTHER'S LESLIE AND DARRELL...LESLIE IS THE OLDEST AND DARRELL THE YOUGEST....THEY TOO WERE MISLED BY THE "PROFESSIONALS" OF THAT TIME. THEY ARE PART OF THIS FAMILY TOO AND WERE AFFECTED AS MUCH AS ANYONE....THINGS ARE LOKING UP THOUGH...DURING CHRISTMAS OF 08 WE SPENT CHRISTMAS WITH MA (MOM)...THIS WAS THE FIRST CHRISTMAS IN OVER 25 YEARS WE SPENT ALL TOGETHER....IT IS NOW 09 AND JUST BEING HOME IS MAKING THE STRUGGLE THAT I FACE NOW WORTH WHILE;"
WILLIAM MULLINS-JOHNSON | | POSTED JANUARY 11, 2009 12:09 AM;
MESSAGE TO THE CBC FROM WILLIAM MULLINS-JOHNSON FOLLOWING BROADCAST OF "A DEATH ON THE FAMILY."
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A previous post contained some of the comments initially received by the CBC following broadcast of this fine television documentary; The CBC has received numerous more comments since then; Here are some of them:
COMMENTS
The Mullins-Johnson story raises so many questions:
How can the tunnel vision of a man like Dr. Rasaiah, who, for reasons of his own, thinks the worst, ever lead to a story that feeds on itself? This is not an isolated incident. Remember the Truscott story?
How and where were Dr. Rasaiah and the now infamous Dr. Smith trained? Do they need to go back to school? How responsible are those who hired them?
What is being done about the terrible judgements they made? What about the myth of "experts" over people with common sense in courts?
What help has been or can be given the victim and his family? Can one ever recover from a prison sentence of the worst kind?
Could the fact this family was aboriginal have accounted for justice having gone so terribly wrong? One only needs to look at the cases of Leonard Peltier and John Graham to know justice can very easily go very wrong for aboriginals. Even today I would wager from what I have seen that looking a bit Indian is never a great advantage in a court room in Canada.
Congratulations to Gillian Findlay and Fifth Estate researchers for a thought provoking - albeit shattering - piece of journalism.
J. A. Wade | | Posted January 13, 2009 12:38 AM
It's terrible that this program did all it could to try to take away all the credibilty of Dr. Rasaiah instead of showing both sides of the story. If you read Dr. Rasaiah's documents and letters that are found at the end of page 3 of the timeline (which for SOME reason seemed to be overlooked on the program), he shows how he supports his finding. His letters also show how "the expert" Dr. Knight (who by the way made his findings by pictures only) contradicts himself many times in his findings and his own past research and texts. How come none of this was brought up in the program?
Dr. Rasaiah did everything right, and did things the way he should have. He is an expert pathologist, and well respected in the medical community across Canada and the U.S. During the investigation he sought the advice of other experts such as abuse experts, ect...
To me, that is someone doing everything in his ability and using all available resources to get the proper result.
People should examine all the documents themselves instead of just watching a TV program intended to pull at people's heart. Dr. Rasaiah provided the facts that he found, and let the police and justice system take it from there, which is all you can ask of a man.
The best statement made in the whole TV program was when Gillian Findlay ambushed him at the hospital, and Dr. Rasaiah asked her "Who's looking out for little Valin?" Ms. Findlay had no answer to that, because she obviously didn't care about that side of the story!
Please people, read Dr. Rasaiah's letters, and form your own opinion rather than listening to a TV program!
Tim | | Posted January 12, 2009 09:35 PM
Like most of the other commenters, I was also deeply moved by this piece and can only wonder how many others are suffering a similar fate - locked up for crimes they did not commit. It also makes one wonder how he/she would react in a smilar situation - having a family member accused, and then convicted, of a crime against another family member. How can you take sides in that case? So awful.
My heart goes out to Bill and all involved in this tragedy. But I especially hope that Valin's sister, Jean, is or does participate in some sort of therapy to help her to accept the fact that her uncle is innocent and she certainly should not want him dead. This sentiment just seemed so illogical to me - yes, it is understandable that one would feel pain and trepidation in restoring this relationship, but to be unable to comprehend that the system failed and Bill did nothing wrong and to still wish him harm is just unbelievable.
s | Ottawa | Posted January 12, 2009 06:41 PM
I was very impressed on how the program was put together and also the photos , but one thing there is also 2 other people in the family that also suffered through this too, was not impressed with the niece's comment it sounds like that she does not understand how the system can fail and just convict someone for a crime that never happen, hopefully if she watch this program she will come to terms that her once a favorite uncle she will let him back into her life. Also i am very impressed that bill is going on with life i know that it is hard but he and his family are coping with this. There should be justice for the people who put an inocent man behind bars for 12yrs for a crime he never committed.I pray that the family can ALL find it in their hearts to put all the bad memories behind them. Remember - He Did Nothing Wrong! The system FAILED.It makes us wonder can we ever trust the SYSTEM ever.
Anonymous | ontario | Posted January 12, 2009 07:54 AM
I have always been aware of this story. And as i randomly flipped through the channels im glad i came across the fifth estate. Of course i cried, and all i want to do is give Bill a big hug. Family is so important and this case of wrongful conviction tore the family apart and cut an Innocent 22 year old's life short. And i feel for the whole family because i dont know what i would do without mine.
CBC, fifth estate. thank you for your programming and putting this very important story, that all Canadians should watch/hear, on air.
Hillary | Ontario | Posted January 12, 2009 12:13 AM
I enjoyed very much your program and, basically, if you change the names, the story of William Mullins Johnson is very similar to that of Michel Bérubé for whom I have fighting for more than 2 years now and who is still in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Michel Gauthier
Michel Gauthier | QC | Posted January 11, 2009 04:45 PM
your from my rez and l couldnt help crying seein it l dont know how u deal with ur family turning ur back on you and how u deal with it now my heart goes out to you l truly hope u and pauly can find each back together how it use to be ur bro been mess up since it happend l dont know how u deal with it after and now my wishes goes out to you and pauly plz keep ur head up and tell ur bro the same
lynn hodgson | | Posted January 11, 2009 02:46 AM
Thank you to the fifthe estate and the current for the tremendous tremendous job they did on both docs...
My familiy is healing, one day at a time....please don't forget the others that have lost in this....Jean and John, valin's siblings....for so long jean was conditioned to believe this and now...well...chaos for her again and john....
Also our other brother's Leslie and Darrell...Leslie is the oldest and Darrrell the yougest....they too were misled by the "professionals" of that time. they are part of this family too and were affected as much as anyone....Things are loking up though...During Christmas of 08 we spent Christmas with Ma (mom)...this was the first Christmas in over 25 years we spent all together....It is now 09 and just being home is making the struggle that i face now worth while
william mullins-johnson | | Posted January 11, 2009 12:09 AM
I heard the uncle say that the little girl went to bed early WITH A FEVER after falling asleep on the couch about 7:30 pm.
She was found dead in the morning with a purple face and covered with bruises inside and out.
A classic story which could also be case of a fatal meningococcal septicemia with the commonly associated widespread purpura [overwhelming infection and bruising due to multiple leaking blood vessels damaged by the bacteria and its toxins].
A baby from an aboriginal family in my practice died like this years ago in less than 8 or 10 hours inspite of all the best care of multiple specialists.....
Both heart breaking deaths for all left behind......
anonymous family physician | Ontario | Posted January 9, 2009 10:49 PM
For many years I have been involved in providing restorative practice process for families and persons who either as victims or offenders have experienced painful and destructive behaviours. The events of 'Death in the Family' cry out for a professionally guided circle to support and encourage all those involved to seek a healing resolution to their sitution.
Some effort should be made to address those to whom the Pathologist, Dr. Rasaiah, is responsible for his credentials to practice, in order that he might be invited to gain some insight into the closed nature of his attitude. He does not seem to be able to learn from his mistakes.
Thanks to those who produced a most worthwhile program.
Ron | Ontario | Posted January 9, 2009 07:41 PM
How many more innocents are in jail at this very moment and how many lawyers, police, pathologists and others know it?
Thanks for the story and for the reminder that not all the creeps are in jail.
John Willette | Ontario | Posted January 9, 2009 02:59 PM
what an incredible story of courage, by Bill and his family, this was a very emotional story that leaves you thinking can there ever be peace for this man and his family........hoping them all the best
alan greco | | Posted January 9, 2009 10:47 AM
I'm glad to know the brother Paul has finally come to believe Bill didn't commit any crime against his family, the scene at the grave site was so sad it brought me to tears.
As was the case with Guy Paul Morin, David Milgard and Steven Truscott, I hope Bill and his family are, at the very least financially compensated in an effort to assist in Bill's transition and the families healing.
Obviously, this will not bring the child back and may she rest in peace, unfortunately as a result of the blatant incompetence on so many levels, those involved need to be held accountable.
I pray that in time this family can come together and heal.
Thank you "The Fifth Estate" for bringing this event to light. Painful to watch but so very necessary.
Sincerely,
Patricia
Patricia Lauretti | | Posted January 9, 2009 09:04 AM
The Fifth Estate's documentary of " A Death in the Family " - A Tribute to a Fallen Angel - Valin Lynn Johnson - was deeply moving. What words, cases of miscarriages, or thoughts could one use to adequately articulate the devastation that this family has had to endure, and, yet, continues to have to deal with the most precious of losses - a child, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a granddaughter. I can only hope that the Creator will guide your family[s] and walk with you during your healing journeys!
My deepest condolences to Kim, Paulie, John Jr., and, mostly, to Jean. Billy, I wish you well and I hope that you can now resume your life with renewed hope & serenity. A sincerely hope that Leslie, Darryl and my hero, Laureena - MOM -, can rebuild their lives and their relationships! Lastly, to the extended family, I hope that you too can now begin your healing processes and move, positively, forward with your lives!
BAAMAAPII
Edward Agawa | | Posted January 9, 2009 01:12 AM
What an incredible miscarriage of the Justice System. The pain, humiliation and shock that this man had to endure is beyond imagination. I cried several times throughout this program in disbelief that anyone would have to suffer as much as Mr. Johnson did. I will light a candle tonight and say a prayer for Bill, Valin and this entire family for all the unnecessary pain they had to endure at the hands of the Justice System.
Brenda Wardell | | Posted January 8, 2009 10:48 PM
I agree that the system probably failed but we must all be very careful not to be led by emotion. There is no doubt that this is a very emotionally charged story; the loss of a child was just the beginning of the heartache this family faces. There is one thing that strikes me everytime I hear of a wrongful conviction and that is that the truth will now, never be known. That little girl's body carried evidence of the manner of her death & that evidence is now gone. If there had been more care, less ego, more accountability, there would not now be the doubt that plagues a family, a community & a nation. My heart aches for these people,but my primary emotion is anger. I am angry that Valin's death was used by certain people to further their own agenda. If her uncle was guilty or if he was not; if this was murder or if it was mishap, we will never now know with any certainy. The mishandling of the case by those who are in a false position of power, is criminal. There need to be checks, balances. Please, don't let this be in vain.
M. Davidson | | Posted January 8, 2009 10:35 PM
Thank you for broadcasting this story in such an open interesting way. I am glad that all sides of the family were allowed to share their feelings. What a tragedy. A beautiful family picking up the pieces of their lives that were so cruelly shattered wrongly. It is difficult to trust the system when something like this happens. Lorena my heart is with you and Bill you deserve peace now in your life. Paul peace will come to you and you have a lovely place to talk to Valin whenever you need to.. Kim my utmost respect for holding your family together in the roughest of times. Jean, Protect young Valin and take care of you beautiful babies knowing your sister is looking down and smiling at all that you have become in your life. You are an awesome mom. My condolences on the loss of your Valin. May her soul rest in peace until the rest of your family is reunited with her. She will be guiding you throughout your lives and looking down and loving all of you. Maybe her love for all of you will help with your healing journey. Stand tall we love you.
Marian | | Posted January 8, 2009 09:44 PM
I know we have a shortage of staff in our local hospital, and as well it is hard to retain doctors of all types here in the Sault, but we cannot afford to have such irresponsible people working in our hospitals. Why does Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah still have a job at the hospital is what I would like to know. My best to Bill and the family for being so strong along this journey. I will pray for the healing of the entire family!!
Lisa | | Posted January 8, 2009 07:43 PM
I feel sorry for Mr Mullins-Johnson, for the long road he has travelled and which he will continue to travel as he struggles to recover from his wrongful conviction. I was especially moved when he admitted his drug abuse problem and his difficulty in facing the role of "wrongfully convicted poster boy". Know this Bill, we admire you for surviving the journey and always sticking to the truth that you did not kill your niece. Nothing more and nothing less.
As for his surviving niece, I hope she never finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time as her uncle did, or she may finally come to realize that not all people who go to jail do so because they did something wrong.
R Dale | Ottawa | Posted January 8, 2009 02:11 PM
I cried too.
I sure admire Bill's strength in such incredibly bad circumstances, especially his resolve not to accept a bogus plea for a crime he did not commit. 12 years must seem like a lifetime.
I completely understand his comments at the end when he says the pressure to be a poster boy for the wrongly convicted is too much.
Give this man and his family any support they need, but otherwise, leave them in peace.
Peace to you and your whole family, Bill. Take care.
Rob | | Posted January 8, 2009 12:38 PM
How this family has suffered needlessly because of what I would term incompetent medical professionals.
I would like to see a full investigation into the doctor who is still practicing at the Sault St. Marie
hospital who performed the autopsy on the little girl Valin. Who knows how many other deaths have been wrongly
reported by him? Someone should be held accountable for the actions of this doctor.
Roberta Dalman | Winnipeg | Posted January 8, 2009 10:14 AM
This was a riveting documentary that brought me to tears and broke my heart. I'm not the praying type, but tonight I said a prayer for Bill. I hope that every pathologist, prosecutor and judge watches this piece to remind themselves that the work they do comes with awesome responsibility. Alas, the justice system is a human system, and it is bound to fail again; indeed, there are certainly many more like Bill in Canadian prisons at this very moment.
Anonymous | | Posted January 8, 2009 01:50 AM
It is truly heart breaking to see this kind of miscarriage of justice in our times. It hearkens back the lynch mobs in the south when a finger was pointed at a local black man for whatever crime might have been done by whom ever. It was wrong then and still is so difficult to comprehend. I would like to think it was a lack of skill on behalf of the expert witnesses but clearly it is just the opposite. Dr Smith was a man in love with the fame and the bright lights of the media attention he received for his testimonies. In all the aspects of this case it is the ego of many of the individuals that caused so much doubt to be put in the hearts and minds of so many. Why can't more be done for this family to help them find the healing and the quality of life the need and deserve. Forget financial compensation we have seen what that's does, let the payout be in helping these people find their way back of life. Therapists, educators, clergy whatever is needed to heal and help them find a new path NEEDS to be for Bill, Paul and the rest of those involved or truly the injustice will only continue for all.
Michael J Sturm | | Posted January 8, 2009 12:37 AM
What an incredibly moving and emotional story. All we can do is hope for the best of the family and everyone involved now and in the future. Good for the CBC and Fifth Estate to bring to light this and many other stories that deserve public attention.
PS - AG you make us all proud!
Stephanie | Alberta | Posted January 8, 2009 12:14 AM
Bill must possess exceptional inner strength to have been able to live through this nightmare and yet still act as honourably as he has.
The scene with Bill and Paul at Valin's gravesite was particularly touching, and provides some hope that these two brothers can recapture the special bond that they shared for so many years.
It was disappointing to view pathologist Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah's attitude near the end of the program: not even the slightest hint of remorse for his role with the initial investigation.
Finally, that it took Dr. Charles Smith 2 full years to locate the tissue samples to allow for a re-examination of the findings is inexcusable. Fortunately those directing the appeal remained steadfast.
May the benefit of time allow the entire family to gain some measure of peace.
David Brethauer | Toronto | Posted January 7, 2009 11:56 PM
I cried along with probably everyone who watched "a death in the family". It was very hard to imagine what went wrong in the court system. I don't know if compensation would help this family but if i were the government i would compensate this family for the losses they incurred especially the uncle who was wrongly convicted. Can the medical practitioners be held liable for allowing all the mistakes? My heart goes out to the uncle and his family and little Valin.
sincerely;
susan
susan pryde | | Posted January 7, 2009 11:11 PM
The fifth estate did an excellent job of bringing to light how it's not just the convicted person who is affected by the court's decision. In this case an innocent man was convicted of a crime he did not commit and it tore a family apart.
While there are lots of good people in our criminal justice system I feel that they are often powerless as it seems our system is process driven as opposed to being driven by the pursuit of the truth.
I suppose our justice system shall always suffer from the frailties of being administered by humans who are often subjected to the emotionality of a tragic situation. But that's no reason not to work to bring about better methods to detect and resolve wrongful convictions. At present, if a person maintains their innocence against a conviction, there is very little help and those who do help are often inundated with requests for help.
Thank you, it's only through your efforts that society can see just how easy justice can be defeated and how such travesties can bring immense burden to innocent people.
James Balkwill | | Posted January 7, 2009 11:03 PM
I am so sorry for the losses of the Johnson family. Dr. Rasaiah will need his malpractice insurance and a forgiving god.
Bev Stevenson | Alberta | Posted January 7, 2009 10:29 PM
A death in the family was very well portrayed story. It was very compelling. The one item that should have been left out is the comment by the niece of this gentlemen.
She obviously has no respect for anyone but herself and doesn't deserve the two minutes of fame (or shame) she had. It must be a very upsetting thing to have happen in your life but he was exonerated and I can't understand why she can't see that.
ryan leppard | london | Posted January 7, 2009 10:05 PM
My heart is broken for this family and this gentleman who was soooooooooo easily put behind bars with "made up" evidence. How does something like this ever happen. Not only did they take away the life of a man, but the family will now never know how Valin really died.
I pray that the family can ALL find it in their hearts to put all the bad memories behind them. Remember - He Did Nothing Wrong! The system failed.
Wanda Coxon | Ontario | Posted January 7, 2009 09:59 PM;
Harold Levy...hlevy15@gmail.com;
