My name is Walter Thomas Harding, D.O.B. 04/09/62, 6'0", 220 lbs., convicted in the Circuit Court for Howard County case number is 20171. We tried to sever the two counts at trial, the court denied the motion and the jury found me guilty of both counts of First Degree Murder and two counts Handgun Violation in 1991, handing down two Life Sentences without parole plus twenty years consecutive. Appeal overturned the first murder conviction, vacated the second sentence since the first was the aggravator for no parole, and remanded. I entered a plea to Second Degree Murder for fifteen years consecutive to the first interrelated shooting after they resentenced me to life with parole on the second murder (out of order to crime, convictions, and original sentencing sequence), making it life with thirty-five years consecutive. Post conviction was denied and affirmed.

The overturn was due to the denial of imperfect self-defense instruction. The Appellate Court noted that the first conviction was the aggravator, and fairness dictated parolability, as to the second intertwined sentence. The denial of severance made it too complex for the jury, as judges of the law and facts, to distinguish the issues when one conviction was reversed for jury instructional error. The jury believed the second murder now carrying Life was First Degree due to the first 1stº murder, "now a 2ndº," no premeditation. The trial court denying severance never let the jury hear the passion mitigation instruction, but allowed intoxication mitigation instruction, then denied Manslaughter to even be mentioned stating there was not evidence to support mitigation. Manslaughter instruction not given and objection noted to the denials, Manslaughter or passion could have been premised upon imperfect self-defense mandated on appeal.

Certain denials of evidence occurred at trial, and defenses were curtailed. Counsel(s) have been public defenders and not always of the highest quality. I seek someone to help me remove this Life Sentence. Pro bono counsel, paralegal and law professors, law related students, funding for legal expenses, or even just encouragement are all welcome.

Sincerely,
-Walter

Write to me at:

Walter Thomas Harding
#217-443 / 1C-06A
RCI
18701 Roxbury Rd.
Hagerstown, MD 21746

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