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Please post your thoughts about the HBO Documentary Films production, The Trials of Darryl Hunt.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
3/26/01
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(17 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
May 4, 2007 7:54 PM
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I am also a resident of W-S and followed this travesty of justice or injustice for that matter. We are all entitled to our opinions, but in reference to the last poster who still feels Mr. Hunt is guilty, I have a question. What part of Willard Brown's confession to being the sole rapist and murderer of Ms. Sykes, oh and that little thing called DNA evidence, did you have problems comprehending?
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Edited by Kanuri at 05/04/2007 5:00 PM
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Edited by Kanuri at 05/04/2007 5:17 PM
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Posts:
2
Registered:
5/3/07
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(16 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
May 3, 2007 11:31 AM
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I am also a lifelong resident of the W-S area, (Clemmons). I, like many of you followed this story from its shocking and heinous start, through the trials, appeals, news stories, ect. to the current legal and cultural crossroads that this story has reached. While the DNA evidence may have cleared Hunt in the rape portion of the case. There is little doubt that this troubled man, was involved in the murder of this woman. HBO did a fantastic job with this story...but if you want straight facts and not opinions or racial overtones, spend a few days in the Winston-Salem area talking to prosecutors, credible news sources and reading the transcripts of the trials. I'm not sure that 20 years is a long enough sentence for the crimes committed, but it's what we will have to live with.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
5/1/07
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(15 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
May 1, 2007 9:19 PM
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I write this in hopes that Daryl Hunt will read this one day. If you are reading Daryl, I just want you to know that I watched this documentary with constant tears in my eyes. You are a tough God fearing man. You couldn't be more blessed. Through it all you remained so humble, how many people do you know that can do that. I applaud you and my heart goes out to you. Your whole life was taken but I know that you are living the best that you know how right now. I would love to meet you just to shake your hand and see that smile that I saw at the end of your story when you said " finally you know that somebody was listening." See what believing in God can do!! "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." Keep your head up and stay strong no matter what comes your way. I'm sure theres not too much that you can't handle by now. It may sound strange being that I don't know you, but I am very proud of you for being a righteous, decent, humble, black man. May God continue to bless you and your wife. And lets not forget all those people who fought for you all these years, God bless them all.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
5/1/07
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(14 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
May 1, 2007 2:34 AM
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god bless this man and the people who stood beside him.i watched this documentary and cried like a baby mr hunt has such a gentle soul i could look at the tv and tell that they had the wrong person just by the look in his eyes. i would like to meet him to tell him he was put on this earth for a reason bless your heart mr hunt god bless you..April from new jersey
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Posts:
1
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5/1/07
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(13 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
May 1, 2007 12:52 AM
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this documentary was amazing and a blessing to my life, i am always complaining about how hard my life is....i will never do that again. darryl you're loved,blessed,and favored by god. this documentary restore my faith.you've reminded me that as long as i have faith i will make it. thank you! i am trying to find peace spirtually! and mark is amazing to never giving up and it was his faith that sought him through. this documentary is so amazing, i 've seen it advertised everywhere, and from african americans word to mouth. and i so happy i watched it. i,my husband,and my two sons will watch it together every family should have this documentary in their movies collection. THIS IS A MUST SEE! it will forever change your life.
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Posts:
39
Registered:
4/20/04
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(12 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
May 1, 2007 12:21 AM
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I live in WS and I remember this case very well. I have met several of the people that were involved in this case. It was a total tragedy. At that time I was convinced that Hunt was guilty and that Larry Little and company didn't care if he was guilty or innocent. As far as I was concerned they just wanted to protect "day brotha" Hunt ran with a bad crowd. Sammy Mitchell and Johnny Gray were bad dudes so it wouldn't be a stretch to assume Hunt was as well. I know now I was as wrong as wrong could be and I am deeply sorry for it. It was inconceivable to me then that our justice system would railroad someone like that. It still seems incredible for something like that to happen. Having watched the show I believe that it was more incompetence than racism. When confronted with the truth their egos wouldn't let them admit they were wrong. Or maybe it was racism in the sense that the black folks were right and the white folks were wrong and no one (white) wanted to admit it. Anyway the movie was very powerful and if I get the opportunity to meet Mr Hunt I will apologize to him. I feel as though I have personally wronged him and Larry Little. I have met Larry a couple times although I am sure he wouldn't remember me. Hopefully I will get a chance to express my regrets to both men in person someday. I admire them both now more than I can say. Hunt for his courage and faith and Larry for his loyalty and his tenacity for his friend. I also admire Mark Rabil who simply wouldn't give up. Joe Knight
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/28/07
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(11 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 28, 2007 12:51 AM
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I sat and watched this for the purpose of really seeing the corrupt ways of the N.C. Judical System. I am so sad it took so long for Darryl Hunt to be proven Innocent.This incident in the state of N.C. however is still an on-going problem. Yes it is racial and it is also a "money issue" as well. My husband(caucasion) was wrongfully convicted in the state of N.C. but what differs from his case is there wasn't any D.N.A.or factual concrete proof/evidence a crime even happened and the state of N.C. put him away for 49 1/2 yrs.and they call it Justice.
I Pray one day true Justice can be found in N.C. and the Wrongfull Convictions stopped. We are in the process of putting an application together for the Actual Innocence Project of N.C. and Praying somehow someway they can and will help us. Darryl you are a Blessed man and I'm so thankful you had the legal backing behind you that wouldn't give up or back-down from the state of N.C. We had to use court order public counsel who didn't try to do anything and didn't check into my husbands case or work on it til the night before his trial. We feel had we had someone who would have worked to help my husband he would be home today.All public counsel did was help to put him behind bars.
I admire April for standing with and behind you Darryl again you are so Blessed.
Be Blessed
TNMona
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/27/07
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(10 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 27, 2007 4:58 PM
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I was in Winston-Salem as a reporter for the black press when this story broke. While I applaud the directors for their excellent work in producing this piece, they missed at least acknowledging the key role the black press played in this story. Much of what it took years to acknowledge in the Winston-Salem Journal series was reported in the black press. This is a key reason why having a viable, credible, responsible black media is so critical to our communities.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/27/07
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(9 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 27, 2007 12:34 PM
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Wow!! Is what I say to an outplay of 'Trials of Daryl Hunt'. I applaud Mark Rabill, Larry Little and all the other attorneys who worked so diligently to make sure that Daryl Hunt's finally saw JUSTICE. Yes, it was a little bothersome to know that an human being had to indure such cruelty, to see him denied trials, appeals and improper justice for so long is hard to understand. However, we see that if we continue to 'fight' like Larry Little said in the Documentary, we will see justice in such a diverse and confused legal system. I was glad to see that he (Daryl Hunt) held strong to his innocense and didn't want to plead guilty to a crime he knew that he didn't commit. For the most part, I was educated on the legal system and how it worked back then. I would hope that things of this nature not continue to occur. God Blessings goes to Daryl Hunt and his loving wife April.
T.S. Winston-Saelm
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/27/07
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(8 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 27, 2007 1:32 AM
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It seems that every time we come across a story such as this we are shocked and appalled at the injustices our justice system doles out, for awhile there is an outcry to fix the problem but then as always and as the powers at be realize we as Americans return to our same old apathetic ways, How quickly we forget the other stories that persist throughout our current history and past history, when will we realize that these are not isolated occurrences, when will we as Americans hold those officials i.e. police dept, prosecutors and yes judges accountable.
God Bless Mr. Hunt and his family and those that stood by him but as we know most of those wrongly convicted without the education and or financial backing will remain either behind bars or put to death.
The system knows what they have done that is why many states are trying to pass laws seeking to curb access to DNA or trying to limit the amount of time DNA may be used to help those it can.
Wake up America.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/27/07
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(7 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 27, 2007 1:16 AM
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I live in Winston-Salem, NC. The following is my thoughts upon seeing the film for the first time in April 2006.
In downtown Winston-Salem tonight at the Stevens Center, the feature documentary "The Trials of Darryl Hunt" was premiered. I experienced and witnessed a moment in time that has reignited my hope for humanity to be at peace. My mind, which was wearily worn from all the evidence of the lack of peace occuring in so many places on this planet, is once again renewed. From Sudan to Iraq to your and my backyard, the pain and suffering caused by neglect, abuse, racism, starvation, injustice and systems that are not working to effectively serve those for whom they are intended to assist, is felt by everyone of us.
This was one of those weeks where my mind was screaming, "ENOUGH! I can not take anymore!" There are so many situations that have come into my awareness that seem so BIG, and, forgetting Who I Am, I feel too small. When things are seemingly coming from all directions, I leave that place of knowing in my heart and I get lost in my head trying to figure it all out or find a solution.
That is where I was mentally Thursday, too small mode. I considered not going to the event. I was unsure I could handle anymore "issues" that day. I truly needed a break, however, I went. I have had the opportunity to do the financial accounting for The Darryl Hunt Project for Freedom and Justice for a month. Darryl and I have spoken briefly of his conviction and full pardon. The depth and purity I see in this man's eyes is of a degree that I have not seen very often before. I went to the Stevens Center that night because I wanted to know more about what this man had experienced to come to this place of depth and purity known as unconditional love.
I arrived early and the Stevens Center was already crowded. The air was charged with excitement. The goosebumps that began to cover me were an indication that something very important was happening. I sat on the third row from the stage. The event was opened by a beautiful prayer for peace, unity, healing and thanksgiving given by men of diverse religions. The deans of the colleges located in W/S and the mayor then spoke of unity, healing, the importance of this film and this night.
I turned to look at the crowd. My heart lept in my chest as I saw that the seating had sold out. All these people of different race, age, and religious background were there in the same room to witness the experience of Darryl Hunt, a man 18 years of age, wrongfully accused and convicted, a man who spent 20 years of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit, and, a man who is using this experience as an opportunity to help others.
We were all there, together, black and white, to share our experience of seeing this film, causing us, as a group and as individuals, to face our hatred and racial bias. This film documented what had occurred in our city. A city divided by racism had come together to face its history. Sitting side by side in the darkened Stevens Center, that is exactly what we did. We faced our history together.
The film was riveting. I wept at the horrible injustice. If I had taken a moment before the event to imagine the worst racial discrimination that could be in the film, I would have found it there in Darryl's story. I wept for the suffering I witnessed in the film. I wept for those who inflicted the suffering because of their blindness....and mine.
"Forgive me!", my mind screamed, "I did not know. Had I known, I would have been in the group fighting for justice on your behalf. Please, forgive me."
Yet even as I cried I knew how Darryl would respond.
"There is nothing to forgive. If we will use this experience to help others, it will be worth it."
I do not know how this night affected everyone else; however, for me, I am inspired. I am humbled by Darryl's gentle spirit. I am challenged by the tenacity and faithfulness of those who continued to fight for Darryl's freedom for 20 years. And lastly, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this night when two sides of a divided city came together and became One.
Rachel
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/26/07
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(6 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 26, 2007 10:31 PM
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I would like to THANK YOU ALL for the comments and as an African American woman with (3) sons and trying to raise them to be decent men. I try to teach them that you have to love everyone regardless of color. And the movie has been a learning tool in my home this evening. With tears in everyone's eyes from the bad to the good aspect of it.
I LOVE YOU ALL.
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Posts:
2
Registered:
4/26/07
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(5 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 26, 2007 10:21 PM
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I live in Winston-Salem. As a matter of fact , I live a mile from where Deborah Sykes was murdered.
While I do see the divided opinion amongst the community on the issue of Darryl's innocence (White's are sceptical and blacks are quick to dismiss), I have to say that the suggestion that this is a heavily racially divided city is overstated. I think the city is very open minded and hospitable to all races. Maybe things were different when Debbie was killed, but I was 2 years old , heh.
On a personal note, Darryl and his wife April stood behind me in line at a Restaurant and then sat at the table directly beside me a few months back. I didn't say anything to him but noted his demeanor and conversation and the way he carried himself. He truly seemed a man at peace with his life and seem loving and happy. I truly doubt a man who seems to carry those qualities so easliy would be capable of a brutal and unmerciful rape and killing.
Your a man of integrity and you never took the deals. Good for you Darryl.
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Posts:
2
Registered:
4/26/07
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(4 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 26, 2007 10:21 PM
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I live in Winston-Salem. As a matter of fact , I live a mile from where Deborah Sykes was murdered.
While I do see the divided opinion amongst the community on the issue of Darryl's innocence (White's are sceptical and blacks are quick to dismiss), I have to say that the suggestion that this is a heavily racially divided city is overstated. I think the city is very open minded and hospitable to all races. Maybe things were different when Debbie was killed, but I was 2 years old , heh.
On a personal note, Darryl and his wife April stood behind me in line at a Restaurant and then sat at the table directly beside me a few months back. I didn't say anything to him but noted his demeanor and conversation and the way he carried himself. He truly seemed a man at peace with his life and seem loving and happy. I truly doubt a man who seems to carry those qualities so easliy would be capable of a brutal and unmerciful rape and killing.
Your a man of integrity and you never took the deals. Good for you Darryl.
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Edited by JSaunders1 at 04/26/2007 7:22 PM
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/26/07
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(3 of 17)
Re: The Trials of Darryl Hunt
Apr 26, 2007 10:13 PM
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I AM A 47 YEAR OLD, WHITE MALE. I AM APPALLED AT AND EMBARRASSED BY THE ACTIONS OF THE BACKWOODS, HILLBILLY, "WHITE" PROSECUTORS, JUDGES, POLICE OFFICERS, MEDIA AND POLITICIANS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THIS CASE. THEY SHOULD ALL BE PUNISHED IN A COURT OF LAW TO EXPERIENCE WHAT MR. HUNT HAD TO. GOD BLESS YOU DARRYL HUNT. I HOPE YOU AND YOUR WIFE HAVE A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE TOGETHER. MANY THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR SUPPORTERS FOR SHOWING THE IGNORANCE OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR INJUSTICE. TOMMY HAROLD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.
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