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(WASHINGTON - October 2, 2012) - In the wake of the latest Lee Boyd Malvo interview, many have asked me in the last 24 hours, --but actually over the last six years, how’s my book on the D.C. Sniper coming and when do I think it will be completed. I think some even doubted whether I was really working on a book. Well, the answers to those questions are the book is coming along slowly but fine, and I don’t know when it will be completed. As for the doubters’ statements, read my lips, there will be a book and it’s coming. John Allen Muhammad told me during his final days in some of our many discussions about the book: "When you get it done, then it’ll be time, and not a moment ‘til then; --take as much time as you need, Brother." I’ve heeded his words and intend to take as much time as needed to tell his story the way he’d want it told. That was my commitment to him. October 2, 2012, marks the anniversary of the first shooting so this is perhaps one of the most appropriate times for a minor Release. It’s been six (6) years and counting but I managed to put together a teaser that I'm willing to share for now. Enjoy! Click "Like" or post a Comment if you want more. Encouragement is always appreciated. Maybe I can start a facebook campaign for publication. Non-constructive criticism is discouraged, this is art and I'm sensitive about my ish!

 

 

JURY OF OUR FEARS: The Trial of the D.C. Sniper (280-320 pages) exposes the infirmities in the criminal justice system that, at times, is driven by fear created in part by media, public pressure, and stereotypes. This book allows the reader to take a look at the sniper trial in an objective fashion to determine whether the public’s haste to convict John Allen Muhammad compromised all notions of fundamental fairness. By exploring the evidence presented in the Maryland trial, the reader will be forced to confront in some instances, and rethink in others, his/her perspective regarding the judicial system under which he was tried, as well as the State’s theory of the evidence used to convict Mr. Muhammad. It further forces one to ask, despite the violence by which each victim succumbed, did the system work as it was supposed to, or was it transformed into a criminal machine to exact a cold serving of revenge in a manner that was acutely passive aggressive? Jury of Our Fears takes a look at the State’s theory of the case, the evidence presented and omitted from trial, and presents challenges that were either ignored, never introduced, or refused admission as a result of judicial indiscretion, procedural technicalities, and/or lack of resources.

 

Book Description:

Jury of Our Fears: The Trial of the D.C. Sniper

 

The D.C. sniper shootings shocked America as the country still reeled from the 911 terrorist attacks just one year prior. Jury of Our Fears is the untold story of the man known as the "mastermind" behind the sniper shootings from the perspective of his most trusted attorney, J. Wyndal Gordon, Esq. Mr. Muhammad’s Maryland trial lasted over a month, and during that time, Mr. Gordon provided him with insight, advice and legal counsel in preparation for his daily court appearances. He further provided courtroom attire and trial assistance as stand-by counsel throughout the case until the sentencing stage, at which time Mr. Gordon entered his appearance as counsel of record. Mr. Gordon chose to write this book with the blessings of Mr. Muhammad to disclose hours upon hours of first-hand conversations and experiences between himself and Mr. Gordon during that fiercely intensive month and a half that they fought for his freedom.

 

Jury of Our Fears relives the three horrific weeks in October 2002 when the region surrounding the nation’s capital was gripped in fear. It follows the capture of the John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo all the way up to the Maryland trial of Mr. Muhammad directly from inside the courtroom. Jury of Our Fears gives the reader the first real glimpse inside the mind of Mr. Muhammad in his own words and explodes much of the mythology surrounding the crime that triggered one of the biggest manhunts in U.S. history.

 

 

 

EXCERPT FROM BOOK, one of the final chapters; in progress for the last six (6) years:

THE LONG GOOD BYE

 

" . . . Death row at that time of the day was very bright because it was after high noon. It also appeared very gray and sterile. It’s definitely a cage. When I walked into death row I made a small right turn to bend the corner then an immediate left. I was being escorted by a correctional officer who was apparently of very high rank. He delivered me to an area that contained what appeared to be three cells. There may have been more but that was all that I’d noticed. They were all about 10 ft deep and 15 ft wide. They were equipped with a bed, a mattress, white linen, and a miniature desk, toilet, sink and a chair. There was one artificial light fixture hanging above the desk, and one sprinkler protruding from the ceiling. The floors were polished cement almost as if they’d been coated with shellac or polyurethane. I expected that John and I would be placed in a private room to discuss our business but we were not. When I walked in I noticed John was in the center cell block identified as number 2. You could see the nickel plated number "two" affixed high above the cell block gate. He had his back to me when I entered his area as if he were organizing some of his papers and he turned to look over his right shoulder and suddenly a big grin took over his face. "Hey John, what’s going on, man?" I said and instinctively hastened over to shake his hand extended from the feeding hole. It was at that time I discovered the guards weren’t authorized to let him out. So I shook his hand with my right hand, and grabbed his forearm with my left as informal brotherly embrace. That was the only part of my body that could fit, and that was good enough really. Despite our limitations, there was a measure of excitement for us both. I believe the last time I’d seen John was last year in the Sussex 1 State Prison in Sussex County, Virginia, although we corresponded often in writing. He was recently transported to Greensville Corrections pending his execution because that’s where Virginia housed it’s death chamber. Nevertheless, he remained inside his cell and I was just outside, sort of like a scene from the movie "Silence of the Lamb" when FBI Agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) met Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

 

 

John had on an orange jumpsuit, and dark blue Van sneakers without laces with white trimming. His face was surprisingly clean shaven and this struck me as odd because I wouldn't imagine he was allowed to have razor blades. I asked him how he was able to shave his face, and he said they allowed him to use an electric shaver. "I’d, I’d, I’d, never used one before, I was pressing it so hard against my neck I believe I burned myself a few times", he said. John stuttered a bit when he talked, usually, it seemed, when he was excited or nervous about something. He also maintained a slight southern drawl in his speech indicative of his Louisianan rearing. But other than that, his speech was very clear and his thought processes were cogent and as usual he was quite articulate. His eyes were clear and full of life as he smiled and laughed throughout my visit about one thing or another. John was 48 years old but the man looked as if he could naturally live another 52 years, --easily. And I distinctly remember his teeth appearing very white and healthy looking. John’s hair texture was thick with spiral straw curls reminiscent of his island heritage. He was still standing a very tall, 6'1, and proud but the muscle that once filled in his athletic frame was no longer. However, he did not appear to be in anyway unhealthy. I’d say he weighed approximately 165-75 lbs. His complexion was fair but very pale, washed-out, or ashen in color from the lack of vitamin D from the sun. He did not get any direct sunlight where he is being housed. The closest thing to it would be a frosted skylight that is high above the outside portion of the cell and cannot even be seen from the inside. Despite his draconian environment, he was still the affable guy I’d always known him to be.

 

We talked about may things when we were together. Mostly he was giving me assignments as to who to contact, who to get his personal artifacts from, and who to send his children to should they contact me and ask questions. We also talked about the torture that he suffered at Sussex I. He was transfixed on the torture and stated that he’s filed a complaint against his jailers. I asked him about the orange jumpsuit he was wearing. He responded "You know they only gave me this because you were coming. Ordinarily, I don’t have any clothes", he said. "All they give you is underwear and a T-Shirt", he lamented. "I usually freezing my butt off in here." He got up to get a drink of water from his 8 inch in circumference sink that was either directly connected to the toilet or directly on top of it. The faucet protruding from the wall was no longer than a "thumb" or an inch in a half, and the knobs to turn on the hot and cold water were about the same. I looked at his feet as he was moving across the cell and noticed he was walking on the backs of his blue canvas Van’s sneakers like house shoes.

 

Muhammad talked about his cousin Melanie Goldman, who is very supportive of this book endeavor. He told how she too knows what it’s like to cling to her life. John said "she was involved in a very bad accident and almost lost her life." The way he talked about her I could tell that she was one of his favorite cousins. He glowed at the mere mention of her name. She and another cousin "Black Beauty" were the source of his ultimate affection outside of his children. Muhammad had a strong love for his family, I got the sense that if asked he would give his last to make sure that they had everything they needed. He also talked about his oldest son Lindberg to whom he had spoken over the telephone. His son apparently told him that he would be there to see him on November 10, 2009. John was excited about seeing his son. I mentioned to John "You never told me about Lindberg. I only knew about John, Jr., Selena and Taliba or at least I'd forgotten about you telling me." He reminded me that Lindberg is a product of his first wife, Carol. I asked him what they talked about. "We talked about life, love, relationships, family" he said. "I’d give him advice." I was surprised he'd do that because Lindberg is like 29 years old. "What did you tell him" I asked. "I told him that the man is supposed to be the provider and protector of his family, I told him to go and do likewise." Did he listen? I just had to ask. "He didn’t appear as if he wasn’t", John said.

 

Last, we talked about Mildred. He was very disturbed that she was writing books stating that she suffered domestic abuse from him. He explained that he’s never had a physical altercation with him, and I was inclined to believe him. First, he does not come from an adult history of domestic abuse. John said his first wife Carol is mad about Mildred's domestic violence appeal for money, John expressed however that he was merely "disappointed." Nevertheless, John never once used a derogatory term when referring to or describing Mildred. He never called her outside of her name. He blasted her actions for selling what he described as "lies." But even when he criticized her, he expressed his indignation with a sympathetic tone almost as if he wished God to bless her anyway. I’ve never even heard John curse in my presence. . ."

 

–By:

 

J. Wyndal Gordon

"The Warrior Lawyer"

All rights reserved (c) 2006

 

It’s hard to continue to write and run a law practice at the same time, again, I need encouragement to continue and I’m sensitive about my "ish"! However, I'm still courageous enough to expose my vulnerabilities. As mentioned above, if you Like it, praise in public, --post on my wall. If you don’t reprimand in private, --inbox me. Have a great day!