In the article “Trial by Fire” by David Grann, the author raises the question of whether or not Texas executed an innocent man, named Todd Willingham, who he had been accused of killing his three girls in a house fire. On December 19, 1991, a fire broke out in the Willingham family, resulting in the death of three young children and the survival of the father. Willingham was later executed in 2004 for the murder of his children by arson at the family home. Since then, this case has raised many question marks and controversy among people wondering whether Willingham was guilty or not. To date, this case has yet to reach a conclusion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay David Grann sheds light in the article that in 2005 it was discovered that investigators in the case had no scientific evidence to support that the fire was arson. They ignored evidence that went against their theory, relied on a discredited popular story, did not understand the dynamics of the fire, and failed to consider alternative causes of the fire. Grandma mentions in the article other cases where people were wrongfully executed for crimes they did not commit. By citing these cases and highlighting the Willingham case, Grann raises awareness of how many innocent defendants have been executed due to a lack of research and evidence. After reading the facts and evidence in Grann's article on the case, I personally believe that Willingham was an innocent man who was wrongly executed. It is absolutely tragic and shocking to learn that Willingham was locked in solitary confinement in a sixty-square-foot cell, twenty-three hours a day on the false accusation of killing his three little girls. Since Willingham was known among other inmates as a "baby killer", he made him a target for attacks and rapes. When I put myself in his position, I don't know how I could have lasted a day in such horrible and terrifying living conditions. . It lasted 12 years. This article opened my eyes to the extreme injustice that innocent defendants are facing. Imagine facing the death penalty for a crime you didn't commit because no one around you believed you were innocent. Imagine the people who are supposed to defend you, working to prove your guilt instead of looking for evidence to prove your innocence. In 2000, an investigation revealed that many Texas inmates facing the death penalty were represented by court-appointed attorneys, who at some point in their careers were suspended or barred from practicing law or released from prison. supervised. ,. The way the author describes Willingham's prison life to the reader really appeals to my emotions. It was heartbreaking to read Grandma's words about Willingham's experience in prison. One specific line that stood out to me was when Grandma mentioned how Willingham's letters home had become more and more desperate over the years. In one letter, Willingham wrote: “They have [executed] at least one person every month I have been here. It's senseless and brutal. . . You see, we don't live here, we just exist. ” (Page 12) This sentence made me reflect and question the many tragic losses of innocent people due to the death penalty. I wondered how Willingham felt knowing he was next. When he says "we don't live here, we just exist", he shows how prison killed him before the death penalty. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get wise,.