Tyree Bailey

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.....

 

I did an interview with a young man named “Ice”. I was surprised at some of the things I learned. I guess I could talk about it all night long, but I think I ill just let you read it for yourself.....

 

Me : Hey Ice, it's great to have you here for this interview. How are you doing ?

Ice : “I'm good, just taken it one day at a time, trying to survive, you know ?”

Me : Before we get started, is there anything that you would like to say ?

Ice : “Naw, not really.”

Me : Tell me a little bit about your case ?

Ice : “I killed an officer. Most time when people hear that they say “OMG!” but it

wasn't like that.”

Me : Well, how was it ?

Ice : “They came to my car, I was being pulled over for speeding. I had been out

drinking with a few friends, so he said that he smelled alcohol. I was asked to step out of the car, and I did. While he was search me, he asked me if I had any

weapons on me, just when I was about to tell him about the knife I had he ran his hand over it. He knew what it was, so he stepped back and pulled out his

gun. He told me I was under arrest. He came closer to me, and started to

handcuff me, as soon as he had one hand cuffed, I turned slightly, to ask him

why I was under arrest. He grabbed me forcefully around my neck, then we started to wrestle. I knew he was trying to reach for his gun that he had just re-holstered. He got it out, and I grabbed his hand, then there was a loud BOMB ! At first I didn't know if I was shot, him, or if it was just an empty shot

… but I felt it when he started to let me go. When he fell, I knew what I had done.

Me : So, what did you do then ?

Ice : “I was in shock. I didn't know that I was the one who shot him, they assumed that I was just a passer by. The officer was on the ground, I think he was still alert, but he wasn't saying anything. I told them that I was the shooter, then they pulled their weapons on me also. I was taken to jail, and charged with attempted capital murder. He died a week and a half later, and I was officially charged with capital murder”.

Me : How did knowing that the officer died affect you ?

Ice : “I was blown away ! I never had any notion to kill him, not even to hurt him, I just reacted to him grabbing my neck so roughly. I hate it ! I wish I could go back and fix it... I really do. I won't ever forget what I did, it stays with me everyday.”

Me : Have you spoken with the family of the officer ?

Ice : “I have tried, but they won't speak to me. So, I send them a letter once a week, just to let them know that I haven't forgotten. I tell them how sorry I am. It's just so hard, you know ? Living with the fact that I killed someone, is worse that knowing that I am going to die”.

Me : How about your family ? How are they taken all this ?

Ice : “My parents are dead. I have no kids, so it's just me.”

Me : Has it been difficult being on death row ?

Ice : “Not really, being in the county was worse I think. In the county jail was worse in the sense that I went days without being fed. They would run out of food when it was my turn to eat, or my tray would spill. I was lucky to be around a few people who gave me food to eat. But in here, the officers go and read your case, then they come back and taunt you. They will “skip”, you on a meal or two, but it is nothing that I ain't use to”.

Me : Do you believe that you are innocent considering the circumstances of your conviction?

Ice : “It was an accident, that is what I believe. Do I deserve to die ? I dunno, maybe you should ask the officer's family that ?”

Me : Tell me what you think about the death penalty ?

Ice : “My heart says nobody deserves to die. And maybe that is because I am the one facing it. Because to be honest, I never thought about the D/P before I was convicted and sentenced to die. I don't believe that killing a person is justice for another's crime. Life is a responsibility and one should be forced to take responsibility for the things that they do. The D/P isn't justice, it's vengeance. Death doesn't heal or fix anything.”

Me : But you have so many people who would disagree with you. They believe in the D/P.

Ice : “No, they don't ! Emotions drive most people... anger and hurt make us want or wish for things that we know we shouldn't, they make us do things we shouldn't. If killing is so right, why is it a crime ? Killing in any form is wrong, it doesn't matter who is doing the killing. Then too, you have so many people who have never paid attention to the D/P. It doesn't affect most of the world because they are not affected directly by it themselves. Murder has no face when it doesn't/as long as it doesn't affect your house.”

Me : Are you fighting your case ?

Ice : “Of course ! I don't want to die.”

Me : Is there anything you want to tell my readers ?

Ice : “Just keep on fighting and pushing... never take no for an answer ! Because as long as we live, anything is possible.”

Me : Thanks for sitting down to talk with me, Ice.

Ice : “For sure, Ty ! It has been a pleasure. Take care of yourself ! I hope you come back and see me again soon.”

Me : No doubt about it, I will. Stay safe and be careful.

 

*** Author's note *** Ice was very kind... He was humble and very patient with me. I had a million thoughts going through my mind, and he was kind enough to let me sort them out. I will monitor his case, and if he gets a date (I hope not !), I will go back and interview him again. People like him teach you a lot about overcoming things. I feel like I am a student each time I sit down to interview one of these guys. Each time I learn a little bit more about the hearts of men and women, and my discovery is always a humbling lesson. As long as a heart beats, no one is beyond being better. And, if you disagree, go back and read some of my past interviews.

 

REFUSE TO BE STOPPED !!!

Luv and Respect,

Tyree,

August 8, 2011