The Judge Rolls His Eyes and Reads His Mail, During Testimony: Karen Clark, who covered his case for The Day of New London reported that Judge Ford allegedly demonstrated inappropriate behavior toward the defense team and their witnesses. He read mail, clipped his hails, rolled his eyes and appeared bored during defense testimony. Some felt his lack of respect toward the defense could have influenced the jury.
The Judge Badgers Ross' Sister: An example was Judge Ford's behavior during the testimony of Ross' sister regarding his childhood abuse. Ford verbally lashed out at her, firing questions at her regarding her childhood, which were interpreted as an attempt to discredit her testimony.
Psychiatrist's Felt Disrespected by the Judge: Psychiatrist Borden said that Ford would whisper disapproving comments to him during his testimony. Dr. Berlin was quoted as saying that the doctors who were testifying to things that might have mitigated in Michael Ross' behalf were not dealt with in a polite and respectful fashion by the judge.
Berlin later filed a complaint with the Judicial Review Council but the council decided that there was insufficient evidence showing misconduct on Ford's part and the complaint was dismissed.
Did Ross Receive His Miranda Rights?: During Ross' appeals, his defense team questioned whether Ross was read his Miranda rights as soon as it was reasonable to assume he was in custody. Ross and Malchik both agree that Ross confessed to the murders before he was read his rights. Malchik testified that Ross knew he could leave at any point prior to the confession. The custody question remains debatable.
Ross Writes About His Illness: After his conviction, Ross spent his time in prison submitting his writings and doing interviews about what he viewed as mistreatment by the judicial system. He seemingly cooperated with the investigation of the murders he committed, but in return wanted his acts to be seen as what he believes they are: an illness that he cannot control.
A Cover Up?: Dr. Miller, who was originally set to testify for the state, asked to be pulled from the trial because he no longer could testify that Ross didn't in fact suffer from a mental illness, sexual sadism, and felt that the death penalty was not warranted. But his words were never heard by the jury because Judge Ford would not let the doctor's letter to the state be seen.
Later, in 1994, six death sentences were thrown out on appeal because of the Judges decision regarding Miller's letter.
Fantasies End and Reality Begins: In 1992, Ross made the decision not to fight any more appeals. At this point he was being treated with large doses of Depro-Lupron, a drug that inhibits testosterone and in Ross' case, he has said, resulted in ending the fantasies of rape and murder. Once the fantasies were gone Ross then had to deal with the reality of his crimes and those he hurt as a result of them.
Ross Wants to Stop All Appeals: Ross has said he no longer wants the families of his victims to be hurt, and that because of the way the judicial system is designed, his illness will never be brought to the forefront of discussion, which was a motivating factor to him to stay alive these past years.
Is This a Form of Manipulation?: Some believe this is just a way for Ross' to manipulate the system by questioning his sanity for wanting to die thus postponing his execution.
"It's Time to Die" Ross, now 45, has waived all appeals and has become a "volunteer" for his scheduled execution on January 26, 2005. If he is executed he will be the first convict to be put to death in New England in 45 years.
Current News
- January 31, 2005-
Ross' Attorney To Seek Competency Hearing - May 13, 2005-
Serial Killer Michael Ross Executed - January 28, 2005-
Supreme Court Lifts Michael Ross' Execution Stay - January 24, 2005-
Ross Controls Own Fate as Execution Approaches - January 24, 2005-
Judge Postpones Michael Ross' Execution - December 29, 2004-
Judge Rules Michael Ross Competent to Choose Death
Source:
"It's Time for Me to Die : an inside look at Death Row" By Michael Ross., B.S
Michael Bruce Ross - Clarkprosecutor.org
