Ivan Cantu, 38, who was condemned for killing his cousin in a robbery in 2000, received a stay of execution last week after the state filed a motion to withdraw his Aug. 30 execution date. His public defenders did not investigate or do anything to defend him. Instead they made jokes. - Trial counsel did not interview witnesses on the states witness list prior to trial. Community See All. One episode even includes jailhouse calls with Hall and her mother, which portray her in a chilling new light. He determined the Watch List feature to be one of the biggest consumers of his time and deemed it non-essential to the site's core function. We are writing to ask that you to stop the April 26, 2023 execution of Ivan Cantu for the 2001 killings of James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen. Cantu and Boettcher then went together to the victims house in Kitchens Mercedes. We've never been able to touch. John . Just a stack of words on paper, they are also a chronicle of the past 13 years: descriptions to him of my travels as a development consultant; his accounts to me of trying to get innocence projects, journalists, and attorneys to listen to his case. If we're unsuccessful, Iwill be there for Ivan the day he is executed by lethal injection. It didnt cost me anything, and I knew it would cost him everything if he really was innocent and no one listened. Ivan Cantu, the 44-year-old prisoner Stevens has come to see, is led, handcuffed, behind the row of booths by three officers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Death row inmates get virtually no phone privileges, so calling hasn't been an option. Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000. The couple later drove to Arkansas to visit Boettchers parents, where they were when the bodies were discovered the following evening. She, thus failed to argue that trial counsel were ineffective for conceding Ivan's guilt rather than argue his innocence. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case has been reinvestigated. He knows how to get the job done fast, accurately and right on target. He can still use his position of power and influence to enact justice in the State of Texas. The prosecution and investigating officers improperly coached witnesses and withheld evidence from the defense. It would have been an evening like any other except for the fact that it was the couples last. Facebook gives people the power to share. Default is the last 30 days . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. By Name By Charge. Helmed by director Thea Sharrock, The One and Only Ivan is based on author K. A. Applegate's novel by the same name. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Against Cantus wishes, the defense did not hire a private investigator, call any witnesses to dispute the states case, present any evidence on Cantus behalf, and conceded Cantus guilt in the closing Duff keeps adding episodes as he uncovers more information, and the storytelling is initially clunky but its a riveting story that continues to pick up steam in newer episodes. At the trial, the state argued that Cantu was motivated by greed and jealousy but, as in Serial, most of the case was actually built around the incriminating testimony from an informant: Cantus then-partner. I never planned to be in this situation, to be friends with . The new Disney film The One and Only Ivan is a fantasy story for all ages. In 2005, 21-year-old Jennifer Cave was shot, stabbed, and partially dismembered in her friends condo. These cookies do not store any personal information. The brutal yet seemingly motiveless murder shocked the community, especially after that friend, University of Texas student Colton Pitonyak, fled to Mexico with a fellow student, Laura Hall, once Caves body was found. But when the material arrived (a thumb drive along with printed documents), I started devouring all of it whenever I could during my crowded bus rides home through downtown D.C., and sitting up in bed, late into the night, after my son had gone to sleep. In The Orange Tree, named after the condominium where the crime took place, two journalism students at UT, who found all the major players in the case, attempt to understand what led to Caves murder. As well, upcoming case investigations are established. Death row was a horrifying place. Cousins By Blood is a true crime podcast investigation, unfolding episode by episode. On 28 March this year I learned Ivan had been given an execution date: 30 August. One day my daughter and Iwere shopping and I was looking at cards for Ivan and she said: "Were you ever going to tell me you loved this guy?" Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. She uncovers new suspects, like Johnsons former neighbor and occasional romantic partner who had a jealous girlfriend characterized as being unstable by everyone who knew her. Thankfully, were in a golden era of true crime storytelling, especially in podcast form. They initially zeroed in on just one suspect: a man who happened upon the flames. Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000.Ivan Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin James and James's fianc Amy. The next time I saw Ivan, we sat there crying. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ive always believed his story, but only because I had no reason not to. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This information does not infer or imply guilt of any actions or activity other than their arrest. Here are five podcasts that have been generating lots of chatter among true crime aficionados. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Cantu, Ivan Abner: TDCJ Number: 999399: Date of Birth: 06/14/1973: Date Received: 11/08/2001: Age (when Received) 28: Education Level (Highest Grade Completed) 12: . 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While some things, like signing petitions, will work without Javascript you may encounter errors. It seemed to be a crime of passion, but local police never solved the case. April 15, 2021 mycrimelibrary.com 1 comment. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I dont believe in the death penalty, and even if he is guilty, I dont think he should die. Deshawn Thomas Executes Homeless Man In St Louis, Sheborah Thomas Gets 40 Years For Killing 2 Kids, NFL Zac Stacy Gets 6 Months For Brutal Assault, Brendan Depa Charged For Knocking Out Teachers Aide, Jack Colton Charged In Sexual Assault Of 12 Yr Old, Taylor Frankie Paul Charged With Domestic Violence, Steven Pfeil Teen Killer Murders 2 In Illinois, Antonio Barbeau and Nathan Paape Teen Killers, Dylan Schumaker Teen Killer Murders 23 Month Boy, Lacy Aaron Schmidt Teen Killer Murders Ex Girlfriend, Amber Wright Teen Killer Seath Jackson Murder, James Parker And Robert Tulloch Teen Killers, Bobby Gonzales Teen Killer Murders Girlfriends Mother. 12-17-2022, 07:51 AM #28. kabe1979. Tests showed thatthe blood on his clothing belonged to Mosqueda. THE DEFENSE- While the state utilized five experts, the defense requested zero experts.- Trial counsel called no witnesses during the guilt/innocence phase and presented no exculpatory evidence. But back in 2004, I had been inspired by progressive Catholics to reach out to someone on death row. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. Action Network is an open platform that empowers individuals and groups to organize for progressive causes. Ivan Cantu was wrongfully convicted in 2001 for Capital Murder. Cantu was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death on Oct. 16, 2001, for the slaying ofhis cousin, James Mosqueda, 27, in Far North Dallas. Page 3 of 3 First 1 2 3. So much does not add up. Yes, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles must recommend clemency in that state in order for the Governor to grant clemency (mercy) by commuting a death sentence. They were arrested, and Pitonyak was eventually tried for Caves murder, while Hall was prosecuted as an accomplice. Executing Ivan Cantu when there are numerous concerns about the veracity of the case against him is utterly irresponsible. I count on his letters and, he says, he counts on mine. I never would have guessed where its led me. The families are finally able to find their graves in Guatemala, giving listeners a rare sense of closure. Updated on 1 December 2021. Death row was a horrifying place. In the course of my investigation I will highlight the mistakes, corruption, and apathy that plagues the legal sys. or. Your browser currently has Javascript turned off. Additionally, police found Mosqueda's car at Cantu's apartment complex. Contact Alessa Dominguez at alessa.dominguez@buzzfeed.com. I knew it would eventually happen, but it was still a shock. Ivan Cantu maintains his innocence over the murder of his cousin. US zip codes to cities powered by SimpleMaps.com. He should have another trial. His letters and cards now fill a Rubbermaid container nestled into a bookshelf beside my bed. According to court documents [] Ivan Cantu was wrongfully convicted in 2001 for Capital Murder. Join organizations large and small who've made the switch! The Swearingen DNA. He is an inexhaustible source of creative ideas. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. "Oh my God, I did not," he replied. It is one element of faith. Perhaps cultivating doubt in Ivans story is part of having faith in him. According to court documents Ivan Cantu would fatally shoot his cousin and a woman during a botched robbery. I never asked too much about the murders, never wanting to delve into that darkness. was 45 years old and doing a criminal justice degree inLouisiana when I met Ivan Cantu. Such was the intensity and proximity of Cantu's gaze that even the normal business of glancing down to check recording levels was . In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's . No matter what, you can always turn to The Marshall Project as a source of trustworthy journalism about the criminal justice system. LISE OLSEN:Ruben Cantu's mother is indeed still alive, and inside the doorway of her house in Floresville, Texas, there's a sort of an altar/monument to Ruben: two pictures she took of him on . We do not control or endorse the conduct of users and make no representations of any kind about them. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case . When I sat in my living room, watching my sons face as he laughed at the cartoons on TV, I would think to myself, My child knows nothing about the worlds brutality, so why am I inviting this dark story into our house? The seven-part investigation doesnt answer all the questions surrounding the case, but it still provides a memorable journey into a story that resists easy conclusions. New Disney film the one and only Ivan is a true crime podcast investigation, episode... 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