Nathaniel Woods Set For Execution, His Co-Defendant Says He's Innocent

BY Erika Marie 4.3K Views
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Nathaniel Woods Execution
Nathaniel Woods was convicted of capital murder in 2005, but his supporters don't think he should be held responsible for a crime they say he didn't commit.

It was back in the summer of 2004 when Nathaniel Woods's life changed direction. According to police, Woods and another man named Kerry Spencer were dealing drugs, so Birmingham, Alabama officers went to an apartment complex to make an arrest. Three officers on the scene were in the middle of taking Woods into custody when Spencer all of a sudden began shooting. The three officers were killed and another was wounded.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9T_H2glUyh

The following year, Woods and Spencer were both convicted of capital murder (among other charges) and sentenced to death. Spencer has made it clear that Woods shouldn't take the blame for crimes that he confessed he acted on alone. "Nathaniel Woods is 100% innocent," Spencer penned in a letter shared with his lawyers. "I know this to be a fact because I'm the person that shot and killed all three of the officers." He added, "I pray that my words don't fall on blind eyes or deaf ears. Don't allow another innocent man to be executed if you can do something to put a stop to it. This is my most fervent prayer."

There has been a rally of support for Woods over the years, especially on the celebrity circuit, but on Thursday, Woods is scheduled for execution by lethal injection. Activists are claiming that there were many areas of his case and trial that weren't handled appropriately. Also, the jury's decision wasn't unanimous and during his appeal, his attorney reportedly left him.

Woods' lawyers, along with a viral social media following, have petitioned Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to stay the execution and to commute Wood's sentence. Ivey's office told CNN that they won't speak on the matter until a decision has been revealed. 

Tens of thousands of people have signed online petitions, but this polarizing case has divided the masses. Check out a few reactions below.

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About The Author
Erika Marie
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.
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