1225 N.E. 124th ST.
NORTH MIAMI, FL. 33161
MAY 18, 1980

GOVERNOR ROBERT GRAHAM
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

DEAR MR. GRAHAM:

The decision of the jurors in the McDuffie murder case have finally brought to a continuing miscarriage of jurisprudence an aura of hate, misunderstandings and bigotry that have, until now, been by-passed in this County and the Southeast region of our Country. When a man is handcuffed, tossed to the ground and beaten to death by a portion of Miami's "FINEST", what did those jurors assume he died from? A bad Cold??? Although I can surely empathize with the black community and their continued frustrations, it is indeed tragic that they felt forced to vent their sorrows in such an agonizing light. However, placing myself in their position AT THIS POINT IN TIME, I seriously wonder if I too, would not have done the same? I strongly and urgently suggest that this case be REOPENED, an IMPARTIAL jury be selected, and with NO CHANGE OF VENUE. Since the outset of that horrendous happening the entire media covered every facet of it, and it is ludicrous to even suggest that there hasn't been a person who has (not) been keenly aware of the McDuffie tragedy. One would have to live in a CAVE, if such were the case.

I urge you to contact our State attorney, Janet Reno, and exercise your influence to the fullest.

Very truly yours,
[signed]
(MRS.) CAROL OWEN

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR'S CORRESPONDENCE LOG 32902

DATE LOGGED: 5/23/80
NAME OF WRITER: OWEN C
DATE RECEIVED: 5/23/0
SUBJECT: MCDUFFIE

ASSIGNMENT: LG
DATE DUE: 0/00/0
ACKLGMENT SENT:
ASSIGNED BY: MRS. SUE TULLY, C.C.

INSTRUCTIONS: HANDLE APPROPRIATELY

ACTION TAKEN:

[return address]

Mrs. Carol Owen
1225 NE 124th St.
North Miami, FL 33161

[address]

GOVERNOR ROBERT GRAHAM
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA