Summary:
On Dec. 9, 1981, Abu-Jamal was arrested for the murder of police officer, Daniel Faulkner.Personal Information:
General Information:
Criminal History:
Murder - Dec. 9, 1981 - Philadelphia, PADescription of the Crime:
Mumia Abu-Jamal was a journalist and political activist, as well as a cab driver in Philadelphia, Pa. On December 9, 1981, while driving his cab, he spotted his brother, William (Wesley) Cook in an altercation with police officer, Daniel Faulkner.Faulkner had pulled Cook over for driving the wrong way on a one-way street and for not having his headlights turned on.
Fatal Shots Fired:
Abu-Jamal claims that he saw Faulkner beating his brother with a flashlight and he stepped in to assist Williams. During the struggle, Abu-Jamal and the policeman both were shot. Faulkner died at the scene. Abu-Jamal received non-fatal gunshot wounds to his chest.Guilty:
A gun registered to Jamal was found by his side when more police came to the scene. Abu-Jamal was arrested for the murder of Daniel Faulkner, and on July 3, 1982, a jury found him guilty and he was given the death sentence.Death Sentence Overturned:
Abu-Jamal has always claimed that another man shot the officer then fled the scene. Abu-Jamal's conviction has been very controversial and in December 2001, Federal District Court Judge, William Yohn, reaffirmed Jamal's conviction but overturned his death sentence. He remains on death row because that ruling is being appealed.Taking A Stand:
Abu-Jamal's case became a platform for groups such as the anti-globalization movement, anti-death penalty groups, and the Black Nationalist movements who proclaim he is innocent and received an unfair trial. There are others who believe he may be guilty, but did not receive a fair trial.Daniel Faulkner's family and the Fraternal Order of Police participated in an economic boycott against businesses or individual calling for Abu-Jamal's freedom.
Abu-Jamal is currently in prison at SCI Green, a close-security institution for men in Waynesburg, PA.
