Help Us Free A Wrongfully Convicted Man
Chief has served 47 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
Help us bring Chief justice and set him free.
Recent Motions
Show with KFPK tomorrow!
Tune into Think Outside the Cage on Sunday, February 23rd at 9:00 for a very important show. 90.7 KPFK or kpfk.org!!!
We’ll be speaking with an attorney for Douglas Stankewitz, AKA Chief, who has the truly sad distinction of spending more years on death row else and like too many others he was wrongfully convicted something like 47 years ago. We’ll speak with Attorney Alexandra Cock who has been working as his paralegal for over 10 years
Fresno Superior Court Denies Habeas Petition
The injustice against Chief continues – habeas petition denied by Fresno Superior Court. The Legal Team will fight on for his freedom.
Evidentiary Hearing Update
The jusge ordered a supplemental briefing. We filed our supplemental brief on August 28th. The Da did not file a supplemental brief. According to the Court’s order, it has until December 24, 2024 to issue its decision.
Evidentiary hearing held Jan 22- Jan 30
Chief's legal team presented 20 witnesses, including several important experts, and 20 pieces of evidence at the evidentiary hearing. For specifics, you can review the Closing Argument Brief Table of Contents (attached below).
On January 28th, members of the local Native community came out for a prayer vigil outside the courthouse. The results of the prayer were demonstrated by the testimony from Fresno officials which showed how they have covered up crucial evidence for over 46 years.
The DA presented no witnesses and no evidence. The District Attorney just filed their closing argument (attached below). Chief's legal team has prepared their rebuttal brief (also attached below). The judge has all the documents and will be ready to decide whether or not to grant the habeas.
Court Grants Evidentiary Hearing
Read the order below, as well as Chief's statement
Statement from Douglas Stankewitz re: Order for Evidentiary Hearing:
"I have endured over 45 years of wrongful incarceration, including 20 years in solitary, for the opportunity to prove that I was framed for murder. This evidentiary hearing will help me finally expose the truth about the tragic shooting of Theresa Graybeal. I am saddened that she was senselessly killed and I send my condolences to her family for their loss.
Thank you to the many mebers of the public who have prayed and supported me in various ways over the years. You have kept me going more than words can describe and I am deeply grateful. We must continue to publicize what has happened in my case, and so many others, to realize justice. Given our adversarial system, publicity creates momentum to keep the spotlight on these cases, and produce the correct ultimate legal outcome.
Your love and support have lifted me to continue to fight against injustice. I ask for your continued prayers and support when I am released."
L
Acknowledgement
Chief and the legal team have great sympathy for Theresa’s family. We acknowledge that her murder was a tragedy and wish that it had not occurred. Her loss no doubt caused immeasurable pain and sadness to her loved ones over the years. Our hearts and prayers go out to them with a wish for peace and solace.
Learn More
The CASE
The Evidence
The Evidence
Learn more about the events which led Chief to be wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death
The Evidence
The Evidence
The Evidence
Take a look at the evidence, which shows how Chief could not have been the shooter.
Updates
The Evidence
Updates
See what is currently going on in the fight to free Chief from San Quentin