What we are trying to do is to assist in a letter writing campaign to the San Antonio Express-News by simply asking the newspaper to do what it is supposed to do in any case - an in-depth report to get to the truth.
In 1994 Elizabeth Ramirez (19) and three friendsAnna Vasquez (19), Cassandra Rivera (19) and Kristie Mayhugh (21)were accused of raping two little girls: nine-year-old V.L. and seven-year-old S.L., nieces of Elizabeth. The girls claimed that on two successive days Elizabeth and her three friends held them down, sexually assaulted them and threatened them at gunpoint.
Elizabeth was convicted in February of 1997 and sentenced to 37 years. A year later the other three women were convicted and sentenced to 15 years apiece.
It seems clear that all four young women are actually innocent of these terrible accusations.
None had criminal histories or mental health problems. Three underwent lie detector tests, and all passed. In addition, most of the evidence against them appears highly unreliable, if not out-and-out bogus.
The four women were lesbians during the 1990s, and the trials were blatantly homophobic. Prosecutors told the juries that lesbians are predisposed to sexually abuse little girls. One trial judge made a derogatory comment about lesbians.
During the satanic-abuse hysteria of the 1980's and '90's, thousands were accused of multi-perpetrator, multi-victim, child sexual abuse. The convictions of virtually all have been shown to be unjust and have been overturned on appeal. But the four Texas women still languish in prison. It is long past time for them to receive the justice they deserve.
For more detailed case information visit <www.fourliveslost.com >
Included are 4 attachments to give you information about the case and sample letter ideas. Your letter does not have to be elaborate, just a simple letter or e-mail asking for a story in the paper of this case. We hope to achieve raised awareness that will lead to more investigation and a re-trial for the "San Antonio Four".
We think this is the right thing to do, that's why we are writing to you today. Thank you for your time and effort in this sensitive and emotional matter!
Sincerely,
Bob & Mariana
