A little over a week ago, my VODR Coordinator sent an email to introduce me to another potential inmate to befriend. Still smarting somewhat from my rejection with Leonard, she assured me that this particular inmate would be a joy to visit and would have no issues with receiving visits from anyone.
His name is Timothy McKinney; a 34 year-old man from the Memphis area who was convicted of first degree murder of an off-duty police officer who was acting as security at a club on December 25, 1997. From all documentation that I’ve been privy to, there is considerable doubt of Tim’s guilt and he has maintained his innocence. Presently there is a petition for justice that can be signed online appealing to Governor Bredesen for Tim to receive a new trial.
Tim and I have exchanged one letter thus far and I can easily see that he will definitely become someone I consider a friend. He is articulate, funny, gentle and chooses to remain positive despite his situation. I have to believe this takes tremendous courage and will power.
I was also delighted to learn that Tim is an artist. Before he was incarcerated, he drew all the time but never attempted painting. A fellow inmate who saw some of Tim’s beautiful drawings encouraged him to paint, declaring, “if you can draw, you can paint.” How true this statement came to be. Given he has never had any formal art training, Tim paints like a pro. You only have to see a few of his pieces to realize how exceptionally talented he is. In particular, his technique of using shade and light is tremendous.
We are only in the beginning stages of getting to know one another but I fully believe before it’s all said and done Tim will be a friend to both me and Cas. I can only hope that we bring something positive to his life during this painfully frustrating journey he finds himself traveling.
If you’d like to see some of Tim’s paintings and learn more about his personal story, you can visit the following website:
If you’d like to add your name to the petition for a new trial, visit:
www.petitiononline.com/j4mckinn
