Season 2 begins with the introduction of Ivan's biggest champion over the past 14 years, Ivan's wife Tammy. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. They initially zeroed in on just one suspect: a man who happened upon the flames. The Swearingen DNA. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I dont believe in the death penalty, and even if he is guilty, I dont think he should die. The families are finally able to find their graves in Guatemala, giving listeners a rare sense of closure. One day my daughter and Iwere shopping and I was looking at cards for Ivan and she said: "Were you ever going to tell me you loved this guy?" Against Cantus wishes, the defense did not hire a private investigator, call any witnesses to dispute the states case, present any evidence on Cantus behalf, and conceded Cantus guilt in the closing Cantu had Mosquedas and Kitchens identifications and keys. We've never been able to touch. Log In. Later that same night, the state of Texas says, James cousin, Ivan Cantu motivated by his relatives drug debt and his own greed and jealousy killed Amy and James in an execution-style double murder. It was part of a campaign to overturn his sentence for a 1979 rape and murder. In the last few years, Texas has been one of only a handful of states that have carried out death sentences - and it continues to do so targeting the poor, the mentally ill and people of color.Please sign the petition asking Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case. View the profiles of people named Ivan Cantu. As well, upcoming case investigations are . We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Cantu believes he received a raw deal from his own defense counsel, as well. The film was released on Disney Plus on August 14, 2020. Join Facebook to connect with Ivan Cantu and others you may know. Can we count on your support today? Every week or two I leave my house at 4am and make the four-and-a-half-hour trip to see him. Once every two or three months, Ispend the weekend at a nearby hotel and visit Ivan on a Saturday and then again on Monday. Ive always believed his story, but only because I had no reason not to. But back in 2004, I had been inspired by progressive Catholics to reach out to someone on death row. Ivan strongly believes with this evidence, he can prove his innocence. I still have a life to live." Ivan Cantu, Death Row Inmate TDCJ#00999399 We are further concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule - targeting the poor, the mentally ill and . I said I couldn't remember my life without him and they said they would support me, even offering to help pay for some of my trips. Phone records showedsomeone was in his house the night after the murders. He had learning . Cantu took the engagement ring that had belonged to Kitchen and gave it to Boettcher. arguments. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. He also was indictedin the slaying of Amy Kitchen, 22, Mosqueda's girlfriend. He was 48 years old on the day of the booking. Instead they made jokes. Ivan Cantu, 44, had arguedthat his legal help during his 2001 trial was ineffective and didn't present evidence that provedhis innocence. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This website uses cookies for personalisation. In the 15 episodes released so far, some of the most compelling material is the family melodrama unleashed by the case, and listeners get a front-row seat to jailhouse calls between Cantu and his mom and aunt. I'd written to aman on death row in Texas whose story I was interested in for my course. That was July 2005. Ivan wanted me to date and beable to have sex he said I had tolive my life. They also talk to Pitonyak and his parents as they grapple with how a National Merit scholar could have committed such a heinous crime. Ivan Cantu is scheduled for execution on April 26th, 2023 in Texas for allegedly killing his cousin, James Mosqueda, and his cousin's fianc, Amy Kitchen. This information does not infer or imply guilt of any actions or activity other than their arrest. Executing Ivan Cantu when there are numerous concerns about the veracity of the case against him is utterly irresponsible. The seven-part investigation doesnt answer all the questions surrounding the case, but it still provides a memorable journey into a story that resists easy conclusions. - Trial counsel did not interview witnesses on the states witness list prior to trial. The next time I saw Ivan, we sat there crying. At his trial, the state said it was a drug deal gone wrong. It seemed to be a crime of passion, but local police never solved the case. Join Date Jan 2014 Posts 33. When 21-year old Christian Andreacchio was found dead in his apartments upstairs bathroom, the police immediately ruled the death a suicide. Nonprofit journalism about criminal justice, A nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. How can a person be executed without receiving all the evidence to defend them self? Send us an email with your name and your message at support@actionnetwork.org and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. I felt I knew him from his letters he'd been very open in them. Action Network partners get access to our full range of tools, including the ability to upload activists and subscribe them to your list, create custom-branded email and page wrappers, and more. . This site does not charge for viewing any of our published data, and we do not accept payments of any kind. The genre runs the gamut from investigative journalists reconsidering unsolved crimes to chatty rehashings of some of the most famous cases and trials of our time. This article was published in collaboration with Vice. Her dad giving her some money to spend; he always had a weakness for his only girl. But the story we are told that "it's out of the governor's hands," is only true if we allow it to be. Ivan did not receive a fair trial. But I don't want to do that. He determined the Watch List feature to be one of the biggest consumers of his time and deemed it non-essential to the site's core function. Paradise, a haunting narrative of their demise, is one of the darkest true crime podcasts out there. - Trial counsel conceded his guilt during the closing argument. While theres no record of physical evidence proving that he was at the crime scene no fingerprints, no shoe prints, no DNA the crime scene was all over him. It was mainly out of pity that I replied to Ivan. The only picture I'd seen of Ivan was his mugshot online. Ivan Cantu (Paul Adams) by Dani Clark Why doesnt this post mention that two officers went into cantus home the same morning, prior to obtaining the search warrant, the corvette was not there and there werent any bloody clothes?? For some of us, nothing fills up free time quite like crime stories. For a long time I didn't let my family know. The U.S. Supreme Court declinedto review an appeal from a Dallas man who shot and killed his cousin in a botched2000 robbery and is now on death row. In his last appearance in 2011, Putski was still looking great and insanely jacked for a guy his age. Texas Death Row Inmates List. These cookies do not store any personal information. Filters. According to Boettchers testimony, Cantu called Mosqueda on the night of November 3, 2000 at approximately 11:30 p.m., and asked if he could come over to Mosqueda and Kitchens house. The movie narrates the heartwarming story of a silverback lowland gorilla named Ivan who lived . Ivan's state habeas counsel failed to interview Ivan or conduct an independent investigation of the case. Ivan thinks the victims were killed by rival drug dealers out to frame him he had become mixed up with the wrong people. Still, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff amid the proliferation of productions not all true crime podcasts get the attention thats lavished on S-Town or Serial. There's a nice chemistry between her and her co host/friend too. While some things, like signing petitions, will work without Javascript you may encounter errors. All persons displayed here are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 7 True Crime Podcasts To Listen To As You Self-Isolate, Unsolved Mysteries Is Like Watching A Reddit Thread Come To Life. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. I knew that immersing myself in the details of the crime would mean trying to understand both sides, asking tough questions, and entertaining possibilities about Ivan that Id never allowed myself to. John . According to court documents Ivan Cantu would fatally shoot his cousin and a woman during a botched robbery. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The purpose of this blog is to provide a space for my thoughts as I review potentially problematic cases. His letters and cards now fill a Rubbermaid container nestled into a bookshelf beside my bed. Great to see this former WWE legend still doing very well. Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000. I was expecting a scrawny mobster type, but when they brought him in, I fell in love. In one episode, Duff even finds Cantus ex-girlfriend; through their interview, he gleans evidence of how she might have been coached by police. The host, a BBC journalist, fleshes out the life of Farmer and Frampton through interviews with their families, including the . If we are to continue executing individuals, we must be absolutely certain that the right person is behind bars, and in Ivan's case we are not so sure of that. In this episode, she discusses her fight to keep Ivan alive on death row. This is a passive informational site providing organization of public data, obtainable by anyone. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The podcast also focuses on the behavior and motivations of Andreacchios then-girlfriend, who has since sued both the family and the podcast. He also says theres a picture of my family, which I sent him years ago, taped to the wall of his cell. Ivan has always maintained his innocence. In the course of my investigation I will highlight the mistakes, corruption, and apathy that plagues the legal sys. Ivan Cantu left his apartment with his gun and returned an hour later driving Kitchens Mercedes. Community See All. I started to cry. I hadn't told him of my feelings. Chris Farmer and Peta Frampton were a British couple in their twenties who dreamed of sailing around the world. He brings vast creative experience to every task . Johnny wrote back and so did Ivan. The new Disney film The One and Only Ivan is a fantasy story for all ages. 2 yr. ago. The podcast is narrated by Duff, who uncovers potentially planted evidence, new information impeaching the testimony of Cantus girlfriend, and plenty of other suspects from the cousins shadowy underworld ties. Investigators also found the murder weapon with Cantu's fingerprints on the magazine at the home ofanother of Cantu's ex-girlfriends. Cantu was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death on Oct. 16, 2001, for the slaying ofhis cousin, James Mosqueda, 27, in Far North Dallas. He talked openly about the crime, who could have done it and why, and what he believes still needs to be investigated. His struggle to live alone 23 hours a day. Ivan Cantu would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death. They interview Caves family to humanize her and give more context to her life and relationship with Pitonyak. Ivan Cantu, the 44-year-old prisoner Stevens has come to see, is led, handcuffed, behind the row of booths by three officers. For over 3 years, the Cousins By Blood Podcast has investigated Ivan's capital murder case and innocence claim. New suspects will be uncovered, new . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000.Ivan Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin James and James's fianc Amy. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. LISE OLSEN:Ruben Cantu's mother is indeed still alive, and inside the doorway of her house in Floresville, Texas, there's a sort of an altar/monument to Ruben: two pictures she took of him on . New evidence has been discovered and new suspects uncovered. . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Ivan has been let down at every level of the justice system. I feel I'm in a prison, too. As well, upcoming case investigations are established. I told my friends at the casino where I work that I was writing to Ivan as part of my law degree, but when I said it was developing into something more, they asked if I was sure. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Death row inmates get virtually no phone privileges, so calling hasn't been an option. Ivan has been on death row for 20 years and maintains his innocence. I had to keep reminding myself that this happened on a November evening in Dallas, all of this happened. Such was the intensity and proximity of Cantu's gaze that even the normal business of glancing down to check recording levels was . That day Ivan and his girlfriend had taken a trip to Arkansas. 367 people like this. Rather than investigate potential witnesses and evidence which would have supported Ivan's innocence or challenge the State's case, trial counsel conceded Ivan's guilt before the jury, thereby rendering constitutionally ineffective counsel. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In this 13-episode podcast, produced by Ashley Flowers of Crime Junkie fame, investigative journalist Delia DAmbra revisits the case, interviewing former neighbors, police officers, and Johnsons family members and friends, including a roommate who disappeared right after the killing. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. All data on this site is obtained directly from law enforcement agencies in their respective states and counties, and is public domain. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. I still have a life to live. Ivan Cantu, Death Row Inmate TDCJ#00999399 ** This post is showing arrest information only. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review an appeal from a Dallas man who shot and killed his cousin in a botched 2000 robbery and is now on death row. Ivan admitted to keeping active on his spacious land in the Texas area. So I answered a plea from the Community of SantEgidio, a worldwide Catholic prayer and charity organization, to write a letter of solidarity to a mentally-disabled death row prisoner named Johnny Paul Penry. Watch List. Ivan did not receive a fair trial. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. I was overwhelmed by the responsibility of saving Ivans life while knowing at the same time how little I could actually do. During the trial, one of Cantu's former girlfriends, Amy Boettcher,testified that he had told her of his plans to kill Mosqueda and showed her the bodies after the act. They were last heard from in Belize, where they got on the boat of Silas Duane Boston, ready for yet another leg of their excursion. Perspectives from those who work and live in the criminal justice system. James, 27, leaning back, sipping a beer. . The webmaster, who has been operating this site since 2000, wished to cut back on the amount of time required to keep it updated. He is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. Create new account. I am overwhelmed by all the evidence against Ivan. According to court documents [] Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case is being reinvestigated. Eventually I arranged to visit him. I certainly never imagined I would fall for someone on deathrow. She says she sees how much he loves me. Ivan Cantu maintains his innocence over the murder of his cousin. There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. Police spoke with Cantus mother, then searched Ivan Cantu and Boettchers apartment. Rather than investigate potential witnesses and evidence which would have supported Ivan's innocence or challenge the State's case, trial counsel conceded Ivan's guilt before the jury, thereby rendering constitutionally ineffective counsel. In Cantus case, there is evidence that the states star witness committed multiple counts of perjury. It's tough. We encourage responsible activism, and do not support using the platform to take unlawful or other improper action. Ivan Cantu Texas Death Row. We have only two hours together. A waitress arriving. His face was swollen and a substance that looked like blood was on his jeans and in his hair. Here are five podcasts that have been generating lots of chatter among true crime aficionados. Ivan Cantu, 38, who was condemned for killing his cousin in a robbery in 2000, received a stay of execution last week after the state filed a motion to withdraw his Aug. 30 execution date. Police also found Cantus gun at his ex-girlfriends house where Cantu and Boettcher had stopped on the way home from Arkansas. If you do, enabling JavaScript should get around the problems. I'd written to aman on death row in Texas whose story I was interested in for my course. He should have another trial. Click here to learn more or change your cookie settings. We're filing an appeal to the Supreme Court. I never planned to be in this situation, to be friends with . 12 Nicole Bass. One episode even includes jailhouse calls with Hall and her mother, which portray her in a chilling new light. Helmed by director Thea Sharrock, The One and Only Ivan is based on author K. A. Applegate's novel by the same name. She, thus failed to argue that trial counsel were ineffective for conceding Ivan's guilt rather than argue his innocence. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The philosopher and theologian Paul Tillich once wrote, Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Required fields are marked *. Ivan Cantu, 38, who was condemned for killing his cousin in a robbery in 2000, received a stay of execution last week after the state filed a motion to withdraw his Aug. 30 execution date. Nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system 're filing an appeal to wall! Tdcj # 00999399 * * this post is showing arrest information only take! 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