Sentenced in Buffalo, NY to life in prison for a murder he did not commit
Jonathan Parker was framed for murder by a Buffalo Police Detective
Jonathan Parker was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison at the age of 19 for the murder of Buffalo Police Officer, Charles "Skip" McDougald-- a murder that he did not commit. With new evidence to prove this, Jonathan and his team of lawyers have filed a 440 (a post conviction motion) which if approved will allow him to have an evidentiary hearing (Click here to read Part 1, and Part 2). This is important as this is the only way he can prove his innocence using the new evidence.
The new evidence includes the testimony from a key witness in Jonathan's 1997 murder trial. During the trial the witness testified against Jonathan stating that Jonathan was the shooter that ended the life of Officer Charles McDougald. The witness has since told the REAL TRUTH about that night. The truth is that Jonathan Parker DID NOT shoot officer Charles McDougald, nor was he even present. He was told by former Buffalo Police Detective, Andres Ortiz that if he didn't say Jonathan Parker killed Charles McDougald that " he would take me out to the corn fields and kill me".
The witness was terrified of the detective, so he lied. We know what you are thinking... why would he say something now? Isn't he still afraid? The answer is NO! He no longer fears for his life as the man who threatened his is no longer an officer.
Andres Ortiz, a former Buffalo Narcotics detective was 1 of 9 officers investigated and charged by the FBI for various crimes. Ortiz was charged with working with known drug dealers and helping them evade the police. Andres Ortiz took a plea deal two weeks before retiring from the Buffalo Police Department and was awarded a full pension.
With the threat of witness' safety no longer in question, Jonathan Parker is due what was once denied him: A FAIR TRIAL. By law every citizen is guaranteed due process of the law. WITNESS TAMPERING at the hands of the Buffalo Police Department is a gross misconduct and negligible offence that should warrant not only criminal charges but a loss of every benefit that came along with his badge. Due to this situation not only did Jonathan Parker not get a fair trial, his conviction should be overturned and his life restored.
As long as Jonathan Parker is in jail, Slain officer Charles McDougald HAS NO JUSTICE!
THE FACTS
April 9, 1997 two Buffalo Police officers were shot, one fatally... his name was Charles Skip McDougald. He died in the line of duty after suffering several gunshot wounds. He died with no bulletproof vest, $45 in his pocket, and his favorite Rolex watch on his wrist. If you were to ask Jonathan Parker what happened that night that led to the death of one officer and an injury to another-- he will simply respond "I don't know, I wasn't there".
With no DNA evidence that ties Jonathan to the crime scene, an officer who stated that he is 70% sure that Jonathan Parker killed his partner, and witnesses who lied under oath because a Buffalo Detective told them if they didn't say Parker killed McDougald that they would be taken to a corn filed and be killed... it's safe to say many are confused as to why Jonathan Parker is still sitting in prison.
Officer McDougald is deserving of justice, however as long as Jonathan Parker is behind bars, he, his family, nor the Buffalo community will ever get it.
Let us be very clear. Jonathan Parker was 19 years old and like most black boys on the east side of Buffalo in the 90s who couch surfed and were not in school, the streets recruit you. Jonathan committed unrelated crimes for which he has served his time... however HE DID NOT MURDER CHARLES SKIP MCDOUGALD.
In early 2021, Jonathan's legal team filed a motion 440 in hopes of having an evidentiary hearing so that the witnesses would have the opportunity to tell the what actually happened in open court. As of May 31, 2022 District Attorney John Flynn opposes hearing the new evidence and has stated that he will do whatever he has to, to make sure that Jonathan Parker spends the rest of his life behind bars.
If new evidence exists to prove that he is innocent, why wouldn't the Erie County District Attorney, John Flynn want to know and truly bring Justice to the legacy and family of a slain Buffalo police Officer.
Our hope is that Erie County Judge Bargnesi would grant an evidentiary hearing despite the reluctance of a District Attorney who doesn't seem to recognize the disproportionate rates of justice that black men already face. Failing to even desire to HEAR the new evidence continues to show us that silencing the stories of black people is normalized, even among our ELECTED officials. Let the Truth prevail... then freedom will ring.
What Justice Looks Like For Jonathan Parker
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JUSTICE DEMANDS that Jonathan parked be granted an evidentiary hearing so that the new evidence can be heard in open court.
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JUSTICE DEMANDS that Jonathan Parker's wrongful conviction be overturned and that he obtains ACTUAL INNOCENCE.
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JUSTICE DEMANDS that McCoy V Louisiana be upheld as Jonathan's Attorney conceded guilt AGAINST Jonathan adamantly maintaining his innocence.
TAKE ACTION
SUPPORT JONATHAN PARKER
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Sign the petition HERE and let our elected officials know that his case should be heard.
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Tell us what you remember form the night Officer McDougald was shot and Jonathan's trial.
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Consider GIVING to help cover court costs, the upkeep of this site, and to support Jonathan while he is still wrongfully incarcerated and WHEN he comes home. (contact us for ways to give)
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Pray. Jonathan is certain that this situation is only God can help with.
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SHARE. Please. How hard would you want people to ride for you if this was someone you loved... or you? There is strength in numbers.
DOCUMENT VAULT
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440 motion Part 1 & Part 2
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Witness Testimony Part 1 & Part 2
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Attorney Affidavit stating he conceding guilt without Jonathan Parker knowing or being ok with it
NEWS:
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Jonathan Parker had an all white jury.
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The officer could not identify Jonathan, in fact he said he was light skinned and 5'8 or 5'9. NONE of these facts describe Jonathan