The U.S. Supreme Court declinedto review an appeal from a Dallas man who shot and killed his cousin in a botched2000 robbery and is now on death row. I didn't for a moment think he had the same feelings, but we talked as though we had been friends for years. Through chilling interviews with Bostons now-grown son, the truth about the couples last hours is laid bare. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The podcast is narrated by Duff, who uncovers potentially planted evidence, new information impeaching the testimony of Cantus girlfriend, and plenty of other suspects from the cousins shadowy underworld ties. Independently produced podcasts or ones that focus on unheralded cases can easily fall under the radar. 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. The purpose of this blog is to provide a space for my thoughts as I review potentially problematic cases. James, 27, leaning back, sipping a beer. Not now. Email experience@theguardian.com, 'I certainly never imagined I would fall for someone on deathrow', Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 'Death row inmates get virtually no phone privileges, so calling hasnt been an option. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I left the prison that day shaken. While theres no record of physical evidence proving that he was at the crime scene no fingerprints, no shoe prints, no DNA the crime scene was all over him. - According to multiple forensic pathologists, there is at least a 6 hour difference in the victims time of death and when the states star witness testified the murders occurred. Last August, I visited Ivan on death row and asked him if he committed this crime. 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. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. Ivan Cantu would steal the victims jewelry and vehicle. ***Ivan Cantu has a scheduled Execution Date of April 26th 2023*** Cousins By Blood is a true crime podcast investigation, unfolding episode by episode. Ivan's trial counsel called no witnesses for the defense and presented no evidence of his innocence. He and I write once or twice a month, and there is not a letter I receive in which he doesnt encourage me in some way, and ask how my son and husband are. In this episode, she discusses her fight to keep Ivan alive on death row. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. I knew it would eventually happen, but it was still a shock. I never planned to be in this situation, to be friends with someone who could be executed. To learn more about Ivan's case, head over to the Cousins By Blood Podcast. Ive always believed his story, but only because I had no reason not to. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (0 members and 1 guests). Ivan Cantu, 44, had argued that . 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. According to court documents Ivan Cantu would fatally shoot his cousin and a woman during a botched robbery. Helmed by director Thea Sharrock, The One and Only Ivan is based on author K. A. Applegate's novel by the same name. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The webmaster, who has been operating this site since 2000, wished to cut back on the amount of time required to keep it updated. I was 45 years old and doing a criminal justice degree inLouisiana when I met Ivan Cantu. That day Ivan and his girlfriend had taken a trip to Arkansas. 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. Hehadlearning difficulties, and Ivan, his fellow inmate, replied forhim, offering to assist with our correspondence. 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. They also talk to Pitonyak and his parents as they grapple with how a National Merit scholar could have committed such a heinous crime. ** This post is showing arrest information only. I'd been divorced for more than 10 years and my son and daughter were in their 20s and had left home, but I wasn't looking for love. Ivan has been on death row for 20 years and maintains his innocence. "I never committed murder, and I want to prove it to the world, prove it to the Mosquedas, the Kitchens, and come home. Additionally, you may reach out now to the Board at bpp_clemency@tdcj.texas.gov and the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/contact/ and (512) 463-1782. That was July 2005. The birth of my son. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cantu and Boettcher then went together to the victims house in Kitchens Mercedes. Facebook gives people the power to share. We call that "spending the weekend together". #ivancantu #cousinsbyblood #podcast I listened to this Podcast and just had to recommend it to yall. Ivan did not receive a fair trial. I was 45 years old and doing a criminal justice degree in Louisiana when I met Ivan Cantu. Police also found Cantus gun at his ex-girlfriends house where Cantu and Boettcher had stopped on the way home from Arkansas. Filters. We are further concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule - targeting the poor, the mentally ill and people of color. Full documentation, knowledge base, and tutorial videos are available here. He is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. 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 In the 15 episodes released so far, some of the most compelling material is the family melodrama unleashed by the case, and listeners get a front-row seat to jailhouse calls between Cantu and his mom and aunt. According to court documents [] We have only two hours together. He is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. The Swearingen DNA. On the night of the murder, he returned to his apartment that he shared with his . New suspects will be uncovered, new . By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, Dallas man on death row for killing cousin in botched robbery loses Supreme Court appeal, Mall owner backs out of plans for paid parking at D-FW shopping center, About half-million North Texans lose extra food benefits, Frisco trustee goes to conservative radio to defend transgender harassment accusation, Delayed Dallas affordable housing project seeks workaround on deed restrictions, Texas lawmakers zero-in on safety during first public education committee hearing, Delta pilots approve contract with 34% raises, setting stage for other airlines, Sean Menke, CEO of Southlake-based travel tech firm Sabre Corp., stepping down, Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices in move to make diabetes medicine more affordable, Texas urges five big pension funds to cut off financial firms boycotting fossil fuels, Marriott fires back at Michael Irvins request for expedited evidence in $100M lawsuit, Mexicos democracy is in danger, and we could all pay the price, Shermans semiconductor hub attracts massive land buy for home development, Another witness confirms trans teens complaint about Frisco ISD trustee, NFL owners ask Jerry Jones to broker deal with Dan Snyder on Commanders sale, report says. Tests showed thatthe blood on his clothing belonged to Mosqueda. Ivan Cantu Texas Death Row. I never planned to be in this situation, to be friends with . A version of this story appeared in the Jan 1-14, 2016 print issue under the headline: Talking with Ivan, I found a flame of life on death row. But one of the first things I asked that visit was whether he had killed those people. I held a giant white binder and read from it, as if it were a movie script. I still have a life to live." Ivan Cantu, Death Row Inmate TDCJ#00999399 We are further concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule - targeting the poor, the mentally ill and . Once the door to his pod is locked, he sits on a chair and pushes his . Ivan Cantu was wrongfully convicted in 2001 for Capital Murder. The petition calls for Dallas PD and Collin County Sheriff's Office to release the entirety of the evidence in the James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen homicide reports (Dallas PD service #863688-J) to Ivan's attorney Gena Bunn. 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. Default is the last 30 days . 12-17-2022, 07:51 AM #28. kabe1979. Rather than investigate potential witnesses and evidence which would have supported Ivan's innocence or challenge the State's case, trial counsel conceded Ivan's guilt before the jury, thereby rendering constitutionally ineffective counsel. This feature has been discontinued. 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. Season 2 begins with the introduction of Ivan's biggest champion over the past 14 years, Ivan's wife Tammy. He had learning . April 15, 2021 mycrimelibrary.com 1 comment. The genre runs the gamut from investigative journalists reconsidering unsolved crimes to chatty rehashings of some of the most famous cases and trials of our time. Contact Alessa Dominguez at alessa.dominguez@buzzfeed.com. For some of us, nothing fills up free time quite like crime stories. But the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. arguments. If we are to continue executing individuals, we must be absolutely certain that the right person is behind bars, and in Ivan's case we are not so sure of that. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. The case was brought before a grand jury, but there were no indictments. Log In. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So I answered a plea from the Community of SantEgidio, a worldwide Catholic prayer and charity organization, to write a letter of solidarity to a mentally-disabled death row prisoner named Johnny Paul Penry. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's . Once every two or three months, Ispend the weekend at a nearby hotel and visit Ivan on a Saturday and then again on Monday. To: As well, upcoming case investigations are . This entire time, Ivan has never been been given all the evidence into the investigation of this case. Ivan Cantu (Paul Adams) by Dani Clark About See All. He has very kind, loving eyes. A waitress arriving. He was convicted largely on the testimony of his then girlfriend, who claimed he was covered in blood on the night of the murders, but apart from some blood-smeared jeans found in a bin in his home in Dallas (which were two sizes too big for him), no evidence ever linked Ivan to the crime scene. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I count on his letters and, he says, he counts on mine. I never asked too much about the murders, never wanting to delve into that darkness. By Name By Charge. Ivan did not receive a fair trial. These cookies do not store any personal information. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 7 True Crime Podcasts To Listen To As You Self-Isolate, Unsolved Mysteries Is Like Watching A Reddit Thread Come To Life. With Ivans execution approaching he lost his federal appeal in June, and if Texas has its way, hell probably be executed within a year theres nothing left to lose. Ivan would help Johnny write letters, but he was looking for his own friends on the outside, too. Copyright 2023. In April 2007 he proposed and she stood in to read his vows for him at the county courthouse. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. On 28 March this year I learned Ivan had been given an execution date: 30 August. Executing Ivan Cantu when there are numerous concerns about the veracity of the case against him is utterly irresponsible. Ivan had been sentenced for murdering his cousin and his cousin's fiancee at their home in Dallas. At first I thought he was guilty. Hehadlearning difficulties, and Ivan, his fellow inmate, replied forhim, offering to assist with our correspondence. He needs to go too. Ivan Cantu has received an execution date of April 26th, 2023. ***Ivan Cantu has a scheduled Execution Date of April 26th 2023*** Cousins By Blood is a true crime podcast investigation, unfolding episode by episode. Contact Justice For Ivan Cantu on Messenger. Can we count on your support today? No matter what, you can always turn to The Marshall Project as a source of trustworthy journalism about the criminal justice system. She says she sees how much he loves me. On November 3, 2000, a 22-year-old woman named Amy Kitchen went out for dinner at the El Rancho restaurant in Dallas, Texas, with her father, Jerry, and her fianc, James Mosqueda. Do you have an experience to share? Why am I complicating our lives in this way? Required fields are marked *. New evidence has been discovered and new suspects uncovered. In Culpables 15 episodes, host Dennis Cooper uncovers the failures of local police officers, reveals new eyewitness accounts about people who were at Andreacchios apartment, and parses forensic clues that actually point to a homicide in the 2014 death. Your browser currently has Javascript turned off. Ivan has been let down at every level of the justice system. 2 yr. ago. Join organizations large and small who've made the switch! If you do, enabling JavaScript should get around the problems. Issues of concern: THE STATE- Evidence showing the states star witness committed perjury.- After Cantus conviction, the prosecution withheld evidence from the defense for 11 years.- Evidence that the prosecution and investigating officers improperly coached witnesses.- Post-conviction DNA testing could not definitively establish Cantu was wearing the clothing admitted into evidence. I was determined to help Ivan after I realised he was innocent, but I would have helped him regardless no one should face the death penalty. 12 Nicole Bass. Ivan Cantu, the 44-year-old prisoner Stevens has come to see, is led, handcuffed, behind the row of booths by three officers. I hadn't told him of my feelings. Police found no evidence of forced entry at Mosqueda and Kitchens house. The movie narrates the heartwarming story of a silverback lowland gorilla named Ivan who lived . So much does not add up. Cantu cleaned up, and Boettcher threw his bloody jeans into the trash. 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. He should have another trial. Ivan thinks the victims were killed by rival drug dealers out to frame him he had become mixed up with the wrong people. As well, upcoming case investigations are established. 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. He is an inexhaustible source of creative ideas. Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. It's not something I want to do, but I won't let him die alone. Later that same night, the state of Texas says, James cousin, Ivan Cantu motivated by his relatives drug debt and his own greed and jealousy killed Amy and James in an execution-style double murder. I started to cry. On 11/04/2000 in Dallas, Cantu shot and killed a 27 year old Hispanic male (cousin to Cantu) and a 21 year old white female. Such was the intensity and proximity of Cantu's gaze that even the normal business of glancing down to check recording levels was . Dani Clark is a writer and editor at an international development organization in Washington, D.C. 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