Amrine documentary film shows at Ragtag
Published Sept. 19, 2003
After 17 years in prison with a death sentence for a crime he didn't commit, Joe Amrine is ready to talk.
Amrine will speak at several locations throughout Columbia about his time in prison and the need to reform the death-penalty system in Missouri. On Monday, he will be at Lowry Mall at noon for a "Joe Amrine and other Reasons for Abolition of the Death Penalty" rally.
He also will attend two showings of a documentary about his case at Ragtag Cinemacafé on Monday and Tuesday nights.
The film, "Unreasonable Doubt: The Joe Amrine Case," was originally shown at Ragtag on Feb. 22, 2002, while Amrine was still waiting for his execution date. His death sentence was overturned by the Missouri Supreme Court in May 2003.
While serving a sentence for robbery, burglary and forgery in 1986 he was wrongfully sentenced to death for the stabbing of a fellow inmate.
The version of the documentary shown next week includes new footage of Amrine after his release from prison, Ragtag booker Holly Roberson said.
"The filmmakers are bringing (the updated version) for the first time, so I haven't seen it yet, but it will have an alternative ending to show his release," she said.
Amrine and the filmmakers will answer questions at the showing, she said.
Jeff Stack, legislative coordinator for Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty and coordinator for Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, said he thinks the film is a great way to bring attention to the need for a moratorium on executions in Missouri.
"At least a pause from, if not abolition of, the death penalty is needed," he said. "Amrine was the 111th person exonerated for a crime he did not commit. At what point do we realize the system is flawed?"
The film draws a wide array of people, Roberson said.
"I hope people who support the death penalty come out to test their resolve," Stack said.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday and at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $5.
"The money raised will go to help Joe with his new life after being in prison," Roberson said.