A Black man in Alabama, serving a life sentence for the murder of a white woman, is seeking to overturn his conviction. His legal team argues that his state-appointed attorney had ties to the Ku Klux Klan, which raises serious questions about the fairness of his representation. Robin “Rocky” Myers, now 64, was convicted in 1994 for the stabbing death of 69-year-old Ludie Mae Tucker at her home in Decatur in 1991.
Myers has consistently maintained his innocence. He was sentenced to death and spent over three decades on death row before Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commuted his sentence to life imprisonment in March 2023. Ivey cited “conflicting evidence” surrounding the case, stating, “I had enough questions about Mr. Myers’ guilt that I cannot move forward with executing him.” Importantly, the jury had recommended a life sentence, which was overridden by the judge—a practice permitted under Alabama law until 2017.
The case has taken a dramatic turn as it has come to light that John E. Mays, the attorney who represented Myers during the trial, was known to be affiliated with the United Klans of America in 1994. Mays had publicly represented the Klan’s Imperial Wizard and was involved in multiple Klan activities, including giving speeches at rallies and contributing to Klan publications.
Uncovering the Klan Connection
Recent investigations by Myers’ legal team have revealed Mays’ extensive involvement with the Klan. He allegedly participated in rallies across six states and provided counsel to parents opposing school desegregation. A filing from Myers’ legal representatives indicates that Mays admitted to having written an article for a Klan publication regarding concerns about FBI infiltration.
During a 1977 Klan rally, Mays reportedly stated, “You hear a lot about civil rights of n—–s and civil rights of murderers… But what about the civil rights of the decent law-abiding white man or the law-abiding Black man, for that matter?” Such statements raise serious doubts about his capability to fairly represent Myers, a Black man facing severe charges.
The motion to vacate Myers’ conviction emphasizes that he was not linked to the crime by any forensic evidence. Additionally, a key witness for the state has since recanted, admitting he falsely implicated Myers in exchange for leniency on a separate charge. The motion argues that Mays operated under an “unwaivable conflict of interest” due to his racist affiliations, significantly impacting his defense strategy.
Legal Proceedings and the Fight for Justice
Mays’ conduct during the trial is under scrutiny. He characterized Myers’ living situation derogatorily, describing it as “the very pit of hell,” despite Myers residing with his family. The prosecution, represented by Assistant District Attorney Courtney Schellack, has responded to the motion, labeling it as “wholly without merit” and denying any substantial allegations against Mays. Schellack asserted that Mays denied being a Klan member or attending any rallies.
As part of the ongoing legal battle, Myers’ team is investigating whether any physical evidence of Mays’ Klan affiliation exists in the Morgan County Courthouse. Recent motions have suggested that a certificate or trophy recognizing Mays’ service to the Klan may be stored in the courthouse, raising concerns about potential evidence being lost during renovations that began in February 2023.
The outcome of Myers’ petition could have significant implications for his future and the integrity of the judicial process in Alabama. The case highlights the broader issues of racial bias in the legal system and the historical impact of organizations like the Ku Klux Klan on justice for marginalized communities.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the question of whether Myers received adequate legal representation in a case that has been marred by systemic issues of racism and injustice.
