PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
In yesterday's post, I described the active support being offered to Rodricus Stewart's sister Vicki, by Marlene Belliveau, a Canadian who describes herself in a letter written to Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart dated March 9, 2016, as 'a concerned Mother, Grandmother & Vice-Chair of the Canadian SIDS foundation with respect to Case Number 2014-KA-2153. The Rodricus Crawford case.' As this letter points so powerfully to the presence of an innocent young man on Louisiana's death row for a crime which never occurred, I am drawing it to the attention of our readers as part of this Blog's ongoing coverage of the case. "The death of a child is a loss like none other and a grief that lasts forever. It marks an extraordinary crisis,"
the letter begins. I am a mother of 5 grown children and a grandmother to soon to be 16 grandchildren. On May 13th, 2013, my youngest son and his wife were blessed with the birth of their 3rd child. A beautiful healthy 9 lb, 9 ounce, rosy cheeked little girl. During her first few weeks of life, Chloe seemed to have minor breathing issues of which the Doctor dismissed and suggested it may have been caused due to fluid swallowed during birth and that it would disappear on it’s own. On July 1st, 2013, Chloe and family spent a good part of the afternoon and evening in our home. Chloe seemed to be developing “cold”. She was taken to the Doctor yet again and concerns were again dismissed. ( I will elaborate further on as to why this is of importance and relevant to Rodricus’ case and his young son Roderius). On July 06, 2013 at approx 11:00 am, I received a call from my son, he was frantic. He informed me that my Grand-Daughter had died. Chloe was 7 weeks old when her mom found her lifeless in her bed with a bloody pink froth emanating from her little nostril. What ensued next is a mirror parallel to the Crawford case. Fire Chief was first on scene ( emergency first responder). He declared infant Chloe had “blunt force trauma”, and that he was concerned about disturbing “the crime scene”. RCMP ( Federal police) arrived on scene, detained my son and daughter in law. Refused to allow them to accompany Chloe to emerge trauma, held their home as a “crime scene” for 13 hours and spent another 4 hours interrogating the parents. They were treated as and accused of being murderers. It is mandatory in the case of an infant death to perform an autopsy within the first 24 hours. A paediatric forensic pathologist to carry out post mortem is ideal. They have the expertise required Infant/child deaths. Chloe’s autopsy report concluded, “ Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis complicating: lower respiratory tract infection and the manner of death is natural.” Sepsis is a common but lethal infection. Sepsis is a rapidly developing condition and very difficult for parents and professionals to recognize. Sometimes called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s often deadly response to infection. In this case, pneumonia. Sepsis kills millions and requires early suspicion and rapid treatment for survival. Once sepsis sets in, it can progress to shock and death. In the U.S, more than 42,000 children develop severe sepsis each year. Approximately 4,400 of them die - this is more than paediatric cancers. There are a large number of complications that may occur with sepsis. The complications are related to the type of initial infection, for example, in lung infection (pneumonia) with sepsis. Each patient is likely to have the potential for complications related to the source of sepsis; in general, the complications are due to organ dysfunction, damage, or loss. Death is usually due to multi organ dysfunction ( liver, kidney, or lung failure). The most common source of infection is in the lung or lungs. In Chloe’s case, we had a second autopsy performed. This was due to the fact that, in researching SIDS and speaking with world renowned paediatric pathologists, very often, what seems respiratory is actually under the SIDS umbrella. At this point, I had become involved with the Canadian SIDS Foundation, where a wonderful paediatric forensic pathologist from another Province, involved in infant deaths for 40 plus years, offered to review and conduct testing on the slides, blood samples etc ( all of which are mandatory to retain and illegal to destroy.) A diagnosis of SIDS was handed down. Natural death. The similarities are striking with respect to the lungs, thymus, brain swelling in SIDS cases. This case drew massive media coverage due to the injustices towards innocent parents. We had received many calls from lawyers ready to try this case due to the “accusations/ allegations”, treatment etc of the parents. In Oct 2015, we were successful in our suit against the Federal Government. I have recently completed writing a Federal educational training program for the RCMP, other policing agencies and for all emergency first responders when it comes to infant deaths. I have spoken and presented to coroners, ME’s and other investigating bodies to create awareness and a better understanding when it comes to infant / child deaths. It was almost one (1) year ago that our lawyer brought Rodricus’ case to my attention. We both agreed and felt very strongly that given my passion, recent experience, my research and education in these matters, my involvement with world renowned paediatric pathologists and with the Canadian SIDS Foundation, I could be of some help, by lending my voice to this young man, his young son and his family. I have seen the great injustices in this case and felt the need to get involved. The more I follow and become involved in this case, having read and reviewed briefs and reports on hand, and in speaking with reputable world renowned paediatric forensic pathologists, I wish to share with you information that would help facilitate the understanding of SIDS deaths (and related) and the sound judgement that Rodricus Crawford is an innocent man. The death of Roderius Crawford was a tragedy. One that has been cruelly compounded by convicting his father, Rodricus Crawford. In this case, justice has not been served by sentencing an innocent and grieving father to death. In reviewing the documentation provided with respect to this case, I do believe Roderius was victim of a pneumonia / sepsis /SIDS related death. I have conferred with 2 reputable forensic pathologists.. One is Canada based and has been active in this field for over 40 years. The second is U.S ( Seattle Washington) based and has been involved in these cases since 1964. He is 84 years old and has been to congress many times with parents accused of "killing" their babies. He has been a wonderful mentor to me and has provided me with an abundance of information, including one of his authored books. In this book he writes; “About half the victims are reported to have cold symptoms in the week prior to death. Viral studies do not show any strange or particularly virulent organisms, but rather the same viruses that cause colds." He continues on to say - " Death in SIDS is thought to be instantaneous. ( Recognized by the W.H.O as a medical disorder) Since the infants are asleep, they pass on peacefully and suffer no pain. Yet, the death scene and appearance of the body may be so unusual that shocked parents gain just the opposite impression. The death scene is often one of disarray. The infant maybe found squeezed into one corner of the bed, giving the false impression of suffocation. At the time of death , when blood ceases to flow through the body, several alterations take place that may appear grotesque to the uninitiated. They include bloody froth emanating from the nose which stains the bedding. The froth is actually edema fluid that fills the lungs, and not actual blood. Purple bruises are sometimes present, which may be mistaken for traumatic injuries. They are in fact due to the settling of the blood to the dependent portions of the body after death; the scientific term is livor mortis. Finally, since the body loses its muscle tone at the time of death, soft tissues like the nose and cheeks appear to be pushed in just from the pressure of lying on the bed." In relation to the autopsy report and the petechiae - " Tiny bleeding points called petechiae, are present in great abundance. The petechiae are especially prominent over the portion of the thymus gland located in the chest. No responsible scientist believes that external obstruction i.e.: suffocation, is involved. " As indicated in the “Final Note” portion of Roderius Crawford’s autopsy report. With respect to our Canadian counterpart, and as per certain questions I have asked here is what he writes : “This is a sad and an unfortunate case of a miscarriage of justice. The case and the conviction rests on an opinion of likely an incompetent forensic pathologist and a biased judge. It is unfortunate that the opinions of other well qualified and experienced pathologists indicating lack of pathology (physical ) evidence to support the charge of homicide was ignored. The exhumation is unlikely to solve the dilemma as the observed injuries involved soft tissues that by this time have decomposed. He also writes : The “peeling “ of the skin in this type of cases is a routine forensic practice. It is based on a belief that it will reveal concealed trauma that other “regular” pathologists could miss, as deep skin hemorrhages may not be visible on the surface . It certainly has a “shock value “ on a lay jury as it reminds one of butchery-like practice. While it has a spectacular effect on the jury, it rarely is relevant to the cause of death. It only documents a suspicion of trauma (accidental vs intentional is difficult to prove).” “The fact that the evidence has been destroyed should be in favour of the defendant ,as the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” With respect to any evidence i.e blood samples, paraffin slides, tissue samples, we simply have no way to go back and retest to prove Rodricus’ innocence. It begs to question why these materials are no longer available for second opinion. In short, the destruction of these materials has negated every opportunity to have retesting conducted by a qualified forensic paediatric pathologist and new evidence of innocence confirmed. Current advances in genetic / molecular testing indicate that an underlying biological abnormality due to genetic or molecular disorders ( such as defects in cardiac or neuronal channels) may be responsible for a large portion of SIDS deaths. At present, genetic and molecular testing carried out by coroners or medical examiners, is not part of routine. However, one would require the materials to investigate in a case such as this. There seems to be no documentation on an independent autopsy of the brain itself which is standard practice due to indications of abnormalities found in the brain stem in SIDS babies. There is also reference made under “Asphyxia secondary to smothering” that there was “Cerebral Edema without herniation.” It fails to mention that resuscitation efforts contribute to brain swelling. There is reference made “Asphyxia secondary to smothering” - Petechiae involving thymus - Refer back to paragraph - (SIDS) " Tiny bleeding points called petechiae, are present in great abundance. The petechiae are especially prominent over the portion of the thymus gland located in the chest. Again, I refer back to prior statement “No responsible scientist believes that external obstruction i.e. suffocation, is involved.” Through recent years there has been a regression with respect to identifying natural deaths in infants / children vs murder. This trend is troubling. It has become more common for coroners, ME’s to use old terminology, suffocation, pneumonia, positional asphyxia ( of which has never been scientifically proven) etc. Most forensic pathologists across North America, do not have any experience or background in paediatric pathology. Dr Charles Smith is a disgraced former Canadian pathologist who was the head paediatric forensic pathologist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto from 1982 - 2003. During his “reign of terror” Dr Smith’s philosophy was to “think dirty”. The quality of his autopsies and the resulting criminal charges and convictions of many innocent parents, have been called into question and a full public inquiry was ordered. The Goudge Inquiry into forensic pathology revealed that the investigations of sudden infant deaths in place, led to a massive miscarriage of justice, without precedence in Canada. The Rodricus Crawford case reminds me of this. The focus was on murder. There was never any intention to shift focus to a natural death. The “think dirty” philosophy seems to have been the focus from the beginning. My knowledge of media related material in this case leads one to believe there was a deep rooted prejudice. How unfair! I don’t have to imagine the pain that Rodricus and his family have been going through. I have lived it. There have been a number of cases within the past few years of parents wrongfully sentenced to life in prison or death row due to assumptions, improper investigations, lack of competency, lack of pathology / physical evidence to support the charge of homicide, etc. The case of 34 year old Sally Clark, a British Solicitor, lost not one but 2 young sons to SIDS. Pathologists not only neglected to perform proper autopsies, they also withheld important information. She was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison in November 1998. Second autopsies conducted on sample materials proved her innocence. Mrs Clark was exonerated after serving 3 years. In Conclusion: It is important for all involved to learn that SIDS/ pneumonia,sepsis is a death to which any child - including their own - can be victim. Use caution and be aware that several “suspicious” conditions might be observed on an infants body that are quite normal. These include a bloody froth around the mouth or nose and possible discolouration of the face or extremities. Also, lividity stains in an infant are more pronounced than in an adult, and what might appear to be bruises might in fact be exaggerated lividity. Physical examination of these deaths may also reveal evidence or terminal motor activity, i.e clenched fists. All person’s involved should keep an open mind. We must remain cognizant of the fact that the majority of infant deaths are due to natural causes. Rodricus Crawford was described by family members, friends and acquaintances as a doting father, incapable of violence and brimming with pride in his children. The State Prosecutor at the time portrayed Mr Crawford as a non educated weed smoker who worked odd jobs ( mowing lawns) etc. here and there. That statement seems to imply that due to his “life choices/circumstances”, these would make him appear to be less of a loving father and more a murderer. Mr Stewart, so much has been taken away from this young man and his family. The horrible tragedy of losing a child can only be understood by a parent / family member who has walked in those shoes. I implore you to look at the concrete evidence and facts before you. Mr Crawford did not kill his son. Mr Crawford is himself a victim ,twice! Once in the death of his child who he adored, and the second, a victim of a seemingly corrupt and biased system at the time of his son’s death. Evidence presented in Rodricus Crawford’s case, which led to his conviction, was not scientifically proven, inaccurate and flawed. This case has resonated a great distance. The eyes of Canada and many States across the U.S, are on Caddo Parish and the Rodricus Crawford case. I do not pretend to be a lawyer. As above mentioned, I am a mother, and a bereaved grandmother. I am deeply concerned with the wrongful conviction and death sentence in this case. Rodricus Crawford was unjustly and wrongfully convicted for a “crime” which never existed. He and his family are grief stricken by the loss of his son and forced to suffer in silence. He has lost a huge part of his life of which he will never get back. It is time for justice, it is time to bring Rodricus home to his family. To finally mourn the devastating loss of their son, grandson, nephew. Rodricus has been deprived of being a father to his daughter, his daughter has been deprived of her father. His family has been deprived of their son, brother….the grief never goes away, but, together, as a family, the healing process can begin."
Harold Levy: Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;
See the New Yorker story by Rachel Aviv on the 'Rodricus Crawford case at the link below: It's called 'Revenge Killing: Race and the death penalty in a Louisiana parish - and appeared in the Annals of Justice July 6 and 13, 2015 issue: "The autopsy report was sent to the
office of Dale Cox, the first assistant district attorney of Caddo
Parish, which includes Shreveport. After reading the police reports, he
decided to seek the death penalty. Cox told me that in the past forty
years he had never prosecuted a man between the ages of seventeen and
twenty-six who grew up in a nuclear family. “Not one,” he said. He
believes that the “destruction of the nuclear family and a tremendously
high illegitimate birth rate” have brought about an “epidemic of
child-killings” in the parish. At
the time that he learned of Crawford’s case, he was prosecuting another
young black man accused of killing his infant. After the man was
sentenced to life without parole, rather than death, Cox told a local TV
station, “I take it as a failure that I was unable to convince the jury
to kill him.”"
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/07/06/revenge-killing
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
I have added a search box for content in this blog which now encompasses
several thousand posts. The search box is located near the bottom of
the screen just above the list of links. I am confident that this
powerful search tool provided by "Blogger" will help our readers and
myself get more out of the site.
The
Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty
incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the
harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into
pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology
system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent
stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:
http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith
Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html
Please
send any comments or information on other cases and issues of
interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com;
Harold Levy;
Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;
