I was just watching a show about him on the Discovery channel a few days ago and it shocked me that he was sentenced to the death penalty. I was wondering if anyone here knows his case or knows him personally.

never heard of the guy

I can't find anything on google. was he executed?

Here is some info. on him.. He was convicted for hiring a guy to kill his friend/drug dealer. They all had outwardly appearances of being good kids, went to college, had money, they just got all into the marijuana trade. The one friend that got caught for shooting the guy said that he was hired by Justin. They had his cell phone records that showed that the shooter was in constant contact with Justin right before and after the murder. It was really his word (the one who got caught as the shooter) against Justin's. I of course don't know all the details, but from what I saw I can't believe that this kid got sentenced to death.. it made me so sad for him and his mom too... Sad for them all..


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Justin Michael Wolfe (“Wolf”) dealt high-grade marijuana in Northern Virginia. He was charged with and convicted of several offenses which included the murder for hire of fellow drug dealer Daniel Petrole. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 18.2-31(2), murder for hire is a capital offense. During the penalty phase of the capital murder trial, the jury found both vileness and future dangerousness and sentenced Wolfe to death.

The Supreme Court of Virginia consolidated the automatic review of Wolfe’s death sentence with his appeal of the capital murder conviction and his appeal of the non-capital convictions.

The Supreme Court of Virginia reviewed Wolfe’s conviction and death sentence and did not find reversible error on March 3, 2003. Nor did the court find any reason to commute Wolfe’s death sentence; therefore, it affirmed the judgment of the circuit court.

On March 27, 2003 the lawyer who defended Wolfe was suspended from practicing law for repeatedly mishandling the cases of other clients.

I have never heard of him either, but I did find him on Virginia's DOC site so he wasn't executed. You can go here and put in his name and get where he is at if you would like to write him JustLisa.

http://www2.vipnet.org/cgi-bin/vadoc/doc.cgi

softie

I found a lot of news articles of him on Google. Some of those had his picture also. He had a date on July but has still all federal appeals left. Here's some info on his case (even it's from pro DP site): http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/Pending/05/jul05.htm

Susan

I know Justin Wolfe -- and I knew Danny.

IMO, he is right where he belongs. That's ALL I'll say about it.

Lena - I live within 5 miles or so Justin's mother and am fascinated by the case because I have always wondered what would happen if a defendant from a middle to upper middle class family in a wealthy suburb received the death penalty. Now we will see. There is a feeling among many in the suburbs that the death penalty happens to "them" - meaning the poor, career criminals, and yes, drug dealers, as Wolfe and his co-defendant and victim all were. It strikes me that once well off surburbanites realize that "them" may be "us" or that "them" aren't that different from "us", a different attitude about state sponsored killing may obtain. I hope so. For those of you not familiar with the Northern Virginia suburbs, an average house in the Chantilly Va. area now costs upwards of 600-800 thousand dollars. The average family income is at least 150k a year - and while not Beverly Hills, it is clearly an upper middle class area. People here typically think about the death penalty only in terms of an abstraction - well, now it is here in concrete form.

Knowing the victim as you do, I respect your feelings about Wolfe. But I do think there is a distinction that can be drawn as between feeling convinced as to Wolfe's culpability and guilt (from reading parts of the trial record, I am persuaded as to his guilt as well) and believing he is deserving of death. That is perhaps what you meant when you state he is where he ought to be - in prison. But the response now to Danny Petrole's tragic, stupid, and yes, frankly socio-pathic death is to engage in yet more killing, this time behind the cloak of the Commonwealth? I don't get it...at the end of the day we just have more pine boxes - and what do we get from that?

While I think that having money certainly will help you avoid the death penalty, it does not insure it. If you are a serial killer like Ted Bundy, or for that matter John Wayne Gacy, all the money in the world is probably not going to save you. In a more typical case it probably will, O.J. Simpson being the prefect example.

Hi Man --

We must be neighbors! I have mixed feelings on the death penalty. I do believe in the death penalty, but not as it is currently applies. In this case, I do feel that Justin should be put to death - primarily due to my emotional involvement. Therefore, I cannot exactly see the case for what it is worth as I might a complete stranger.

Techie - the most relevant example of what money can do is not OJ Simpson (his attorneys did win it for him by persuading the judge to sit an absymally dim jury, but it was not a death case, and indeed the prosecutors wanted to avoid cries of racism in refraining to bring a death case), but that of Robert O. Marshall in New Jersey. I am persuaded of his guilt, (he was convicted of murdering his wife for insurance proceeds), but I have believed all along he would never face the executioner's gurney because as an upper middle class insurance executive in a nice Jersey shore town (also with a grown son now connected to Hollywood) his appeals would have, and indeed have had, considerable inertia. Indeed a federal judge has just overturned his death sentence, after 18 years on death row. So Marshall will complete his days with the anonynmity of a lifer. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but this is a case I would have put down in my bet book, so to speak, long ago.

As for Wolfe, my heart goes out to his mother, who is frantically trying to save her son's life. From a reading of the record, she made some parental mistakes (she didn't question him very hard about where all the drug money was coming from), but guess what - even parents of great kids make mistakes....but for the grace of God goeth I....her pain is palpable - and so is the urgency of her effort. And note that Ms. Steinberg (Wolfe's mother) is by every single account an educated, decent, generous and nice person - what we would want all of our neighbors to be. And she is now trying to prevent another death...against a justice system in Virginia that is almost medieval in its inflexibility (and heck I am a political conservative on most issues and still come to this conclusion).

In any event, as tragic and wasteful as Wolfe's crime is, I find it easy to not have any doubts about holding him culpable for his actions (without prevarication), but at the same time don't see where a Commonwealth sponsored killing will make the situation any better. Criminals often act out against the "man" - the society or 'system" they believe (often narcissistically) conspires to "get them". The death penalty only supports this belief, and although it may inspire brief blips in the public's confidence over the criminal justice system (e.g., Timothy McVeigh), when the Government puts itself in the position, just as the killers themselves do, of whom decides who is discarded and who does not, the conclusion at least to some extent that the State is akin to the criminals and that the penalty is part of an arbitrary or capricious system is hard to deny. We can hold murderers accountable without killing them. Plus, the death penalty is a small, put wasteful (and ridiculously over-politicized) part of the criminal justice system, a system that has real and almost intractable challenges. Let's get rid of the millions upon millions spent on the death apparatus, and find a better avenue to spend resources.

How can a Jury of people.... people just like Justin Wolfe is a person make the decision they made based on the evidence in this case? thedeathpenalty)the guy who PULLED THE TRIGGER, Killed, Danny) GETs 38 years in prison and more than likely will not serve the whole sentence.....dont get me wrong i dont oppose the death penalty for people who CONFESS, or if there is ABSOLUTE POSITIVE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE DNA, ETC..which this case has none of from what i can see. Justin may or may not be guilty BUT THE DEATH PENALTY ISNT A SUITABLE PUNISHMENT. OWEN the trigger man SHOULD get it if anybody should after all he made the ULTIMATE DECISION he chose to pull the trigger he had PLENTY OF TIME to think about what he was going to do or what he was asked to do. The system we call justice isnt much of a system as far as im concerned ......but who am i ? (A person)

BY THE WAY NEXT TO TEXAS VIRGINIA HAS THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF PEOPLE EXECUTED IN THE U.S.A .............god bless america...and have mercy on the souls of these JURY members (people) if this man is innocent.

Ditto - May God truly have mercy.....how they can live with the knowledge that they agreed together to commit state sanctioned murder - I don't know.....

I hate to say this , but its kind of like when crack was a problem it was **theghettosproblem** and no drug war , now ** thesuburbs have ** meth issues ** so people are taking notice ..
perhaps this case , will draw some money and attention to ** death row issues**

I feel for both Owen Barber and Wolfe. But, more so for Owen.

I have a bizare tie-in to this story, I currently live in the house where Owen Barber, Jr. had lived previously. I purchased the house from his father. His father was very kind and sweet. He was also very much still mourning the loss of his wife. Owen's mother had died Just a few years before her son committed the crime of murder. I cannot help but think that her death during Owen's formative high school years had an impact on him. He was drug addicted and owed Justin Wolfe money. In my opinion he was a pawn that Justin used to exact revenge on Danny with. I have also wondered if the fact that his father was selling the family home and moving away had left him with a sense of abandonment. My heart really goes out to this kid.

As for Justin, does he deserve the death penalty? No. It boggles my mind that in our grand state of Virginia that sentences vary so much. I just recently heard of a case where a man had killed a small child, his stepchild and he only received ten years. Does he deserve life? No, but he does a great deal of time.

Shit of COURSE her death had an impact - i ran WILD for YEARS after i lost my mum to cancer - only just now (13 yrs on) sorting my head out.
As i have said SO many times on here - there is NO need for the death penalty - a life in the conditions they call ' death row' is MORE than enough punishment for ANYONE !!!

(sorry if i have offended anyone by saying that - but WHAT HUMAN has the RIGHT to condemn ANOTHER ???? it is BARBARIC !!! (again sorry)

I have been following the Justin Wolfe case since that Discovery channel special as well.

Heres what I know:
his mom runs a website called Justiceforjustinnow.com

Also, there was a stay of execution for his july date in 2005.

Does anybody know what has happened since? Really looking for info!!!

I grew up in Manassas, Virginia and I was around the same age as these kids when this senseless murder took place. While I did not know the victim or those who took part in his murder personally, I had heard of Justin and Danny and knew people that did know them. I did know plenty of kids involved in the distribution of drugs throughout Northern Virginia and even called alot of them my friends. These kids were all good, middle class suburban kids who's intentions were to make money and look cool ..... not kill people!! I met plenty of kids just like Justin (arrogant, untrustworthy and greedy) that let their thirst for money control their everyday actions. Selling drugs in high school was not uncommon, but everyone I knew left that behind when they graduated. I think Justin watched one too many rap videos and unfortunately for him he now has to pay for his life and I can't say that saddens me. At the same time I hope this tragedy is not forgotten and I think that the story should be told over and over, for years to come. While I mourn for Justin and his family, I do think that the penalty is just and hope that it can show other teenagers the seriousness of what your actions may bring you. Once you make that first dollar it's hard to look back .....

He watched too many rap videos!!! OOOHH This really gets me!!!

I watch a lot of rap videos myself, along with a lot of other stuff. I do not sell drugs or disrespect or kill people!!!! I'm a good person who tries to help people!!! I know full well that what I see on TV is ENTERTAINMENT, pure and simple!!! It is not a guide of how to live your life!!! We cannot, and should not, continue to blame OUR mistakes on what we see on TV!!!

I know this didn't have anything to do with Wolfe, but had to put it out there. Sorry if I offended anyone!

Can somebody give me one example of where the death penalty has stopped murder from occuring? Anybody, just one example? One state, where murder has been completely eradicated because of that state's use of the death penalty?
Here in Oklahoma, we execute here, and I can state for a fact, people still kill other people here, so despite the fact that Oklahoma has and uses the death penalty. It serves as no deterrent here.
Can anyone think of anything worse than spending the rest of your life in prison? Deprived of your family/and or spouse, deprived of decent food, deprived of privacy, deprived of your freedom and if your lucky enough to end up in the SHU while there, you'll also be deprived of any contact with other humans, any meaningful contact. There you sit, knowing in most cases, you are there due to your own actions. You are having to live with that fact day in and day out. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

In my opinion, lwop, is punishment enough.

He watched too many rap videos!!! OOOHH This really gets me!!!

I watch a lot of rap videos myself, along with a lot of other stuff. I do not sell drugs or disrespect or kill people!!!! I'm a good person who tries to help people!!! I know full well that what I see on TV is ENTERTAINMENT, pure and simple!!! It is not a guide of how to live your life!!! We cannot, and should not, continue to blame OUR mistakes on what we see on:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

Well and I have an even better response lkendrick, what about the states where there is no death penalty like here in MN? Is the murder rate higher or lower per capita? Its the same. The death penatly DOES NOTHING to reduce crime.

yeah great....how bout that jostin wolfe case. any updates?

Terri, Justin's mom has been friends with my mother and aunts since they were in kindergarten. I know all of them, Danny, Owen and Justin. But mostly I know Justin, the real Justin, not his rap from drug deals gone wrong on the streets, no the REAL Justin. The one who at his all night grad party chose the trampoline when he was picked to win a prize over concert tickets so that his younger sister who was a cheerleader would have something to practice her jumps on. Its sad what happened, and I feel for Danny's family. But for a jury, to find Justin vile and a threat to society blows my mind. As it does with everyone else in my family. I remember at Christmas we all cried when Justin's youngest sister Lindsey refused to open presents or take down the treet after new years. She told everyone she was waiting for Justin to come home. I dont care what anybody says, Justin Wolfe was a good man, a very good one. He was not arrogant, and he was not selfish. It hurts to hear people say it, you people dont know the real him. The only reason Justin was convicted was because Danny Petrole's father is in the CIA and he wanted to see somebody burn.

Im sorry to tell you this but you only knew 1 part of Justin. I also know that Justin but I also know the other Justin. No one knows him better than me and your wrong what he did was wrong.

drugs affect people, people are not the same when they are on them ...

Terri, Justin's mom has been friends with my mother and aunts since they were in kindergarten. I know all of them, Danny, Owen and Justin. But mostly I know Justin, the real Justin, not his rap from drug deals gone wrong on the streets, no the REAL Justin. The one who at his all night grad party chose the trampoline when he was picked to win a prize over concert tickets so that his younger sister who was a cheerleader would have something to practice her jumps on. Its sad what happened, and I feel for Danny's family. But for a jury, to find Justin vile and a threat to society blows my mind. As it does with everyone else in my family. I remember at Christmas we all cried when Justin's youngest sister Lindsey refused to open presents or take down the treet after new years. She told everyone she was waiting for Justin to come home. I dont care what anybody says, Justin Wolfe was a good man, a very good one. He was not arrogant, and he was not selfish. It hurts to hear people say it, you people dont know the real him. The only reason Justin was convicted was because Danny Petrole's father is in the CIA and he wanted to see somebody burn.

thank you for sharing this.

Can somebody give me one example of where the death penalty has stopped murder from occuring? Anybody, just one example? One state, where murder has been completely eradicated because of that state's use of the death penalty?
Here in Oklahoma, we execute here, and I can state for a fact, people still kill other people here, so despite the fact that Oklahoma has and uses the death penalty. It serves as no deterrent here.
Can anyone think of anything worse than spending the rest of your life in prison? Deprived of your family/and or spouse, deprived of decent food, deprived of privacy, deprived of your freedom and if your lucky enough to end up in the SHU while there, you'll also be deprived of any contact with other humans, any meaningful contact. There you sit, knowing in most cases, you are there due to your own actions. You are having to live with that fact day in and day out. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

In my opinion, lwop, is punishment enough.

Unfortunately an example can't be given because you never know what the inmate would have done if he had lived on.

But take John Spirko for example. If he was executed after he killed his first victim in Kentucky instead of being let out after a decade then Betty Jane Mottinger would still be alive today. And don't forget all the murders in prison that would be prevented. James Porter was already serving time for murder in Texas when he killed another inmate. He was executed in April 05.

Spirko's terribly weak case is one of the best reasons for abolishing the DP, and should not be cited as an example in that regard, IMHO. . . let alone that his WIFE posts here, let's show a little respect, shall we? this is a support forum for family and friends of DR prisoners.

at least, that is what I thought it was.

Sorry Billiejo, maube a bad example but you get the idea of what I was saying.

I do.

but I cannot fathom that locking mass amounts of previously convicted felons with varying degress of severity, for indefinte amounts of time will deter crimes.

to me it sounds like progaganda that re-enforces the profit in prisons and wastes the taxpayers dollars.

we need meaningful reform in certain areas of our American culture that seem to produce the most violent acts against others. it seems in a lot of death row cases, that drugs and finding drug money motivate men and women to commit crimes.

perhaps meaningful reform and education awareness to help those that need help badly with addiction issues?

I think that overall in our society we rely too heavily upon prisons to keep us 'safe' when we need better education about what is directly around us in our communities, and stop being so niave to risks in our society and how we can counter act them, before its too late.

This make no sence. Why would he kill his source of income unless he went around to the guy In Wasington? Drug dealers all have owe papers because they front drugs and get paid when the drugs are sold. $60,000 might seem like a lot of mony to some people but when you are selling drugs you can make that in a week.
In my opinion, and I do not know much about the case other than what was on TV, Owen was going to rip him off and something went bad and Justin was probobly involved in the rip off. JUST MY OPINION

AND I FEEL VERY SORRY FOR THE TWO FAMILIES. DRUGS KILL....ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

I thought this wasn't a debate board, since there are families here of these people the "debates" on the cases need to be taken elsewhere

How can a Jury of people.... people just like Justin Wolfe is a person make the decision they made based on the evidence in this case? thedeathpenalty)the guy who PULLED THE TRIGGER, Killed, Danny) GETs 38 years in prison and more than likely will not serve the whole sentence.....dont get me wrong i dont oppose the death penalty for people who CONFESS, or if there is ABSOLUTE POSITIVE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE DNA, ETC..which this case has none of from what i can see. Justin may or may not be guilty BUT THE DEATH PENALTY ISNT A SUITABLE PUNISHMENT. OWEN the trigger man SHOULD get it if anybody should after all he made the ULTIMATE DECISION he chose to pull the trigger he had PLENTY OF TIME to think about what he was going to do or what he was asked to do. The system we call justice isnt much of a system as far as im concerned ......but who am i ? (A person)

BY THE WAY NEXT TO TEXAS VIRGINIA HAS THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF PEOPLE EXECUTED IN THE U.S.A .............god bless america...and have mercy on the souls of these JURY members (people) if this man is innocent.



I can understand your point of view but I respectfully have to disagree.

If not for Justin Wolfe, Danny would never had been killed. Justin Wolfe benefited directly from the death of this victim whereas Owen Barber benefited indirectly from the death of this victim. Had Justin Wolfe not been involved in this killing, there would have been no benefit to Owen Barber whatsoever. So the benefit to Owen Barber only applies as it relates to Justin Wolfe. In other words, had it not been for Justin Wolfe, Danny would still be alive as there was no direct motive for Owen Barber to kill Danny. Jury's like to see a direct benefit to a defendant when a prosecutor attempts to establish motive. In the criminal justice system, sometimes you have to sacrifice a little fish to catch a big fish.

I can understand your point of view but I respectfully have to disagree.

If not for Justin Wolfe, Danny would never had been killed. Justin Wolfe benefited directly from the death of this victim whereas Owen Barber benefited indirectly from the death of this victim. Had Justin Wolfe not been involved in this killing, there would have been no benefit to Owen Barber whatsoever. So the benefit to Owen Barber only applies as it relates to Justin Wolfe. In other words, had it not been for Justin Wolfe, Danny would still be alive as there was no direct motive for Owen Barber to kill Danny. Jury's like to see a direct benefit to a defendant when a prosecutor attempts to establish motive. In the criminal justice system, sometimes you have to sacrifice a little fish to catch a big fish.

People on death row are not "little fish" nor "big fish". They are human beings with people that love them. AND, some of the people of whom you are talking about have family or friends that are on this board.

People on death row are not "little fish" nor "big fish". They are human beings with people that love them. AND, some of the people of whom you are talking about have family or friends that are on this board.

I was making a point about how the CJ system works sometimes as it applies to the prosecution of criminal defendants. I wasn't referring to people as fishes per se. In this case, Justin Wolfe was clearly the target of the prosecutor's case, as it was Justin Wolfe who set the wheels in motion for this murder to take place, not Owen Barber. Apart from Justin Wolfe's involvement in the crime, Owen Barber would not have benefited one bit from the death of Danny, that is according to the evidence that was presented at trial, so in this case, Justin Wolfe was the big fish the prosecutor's wanted to catch. The state needed Owen Barber's testimony in this case to prosecute Justin Wolfe, the target of their case. In order to secure his testimony, they needed to put something on the table to entice/encourage him to testify against Justin Wolfe. Owen Barber was looking at a possible death sentence himself, so to avoid this fate, he agreed to testify against Justin Wolfe and in so doing, was given a life sentence. Whether you like it or not, this practice goes on in courtrooms all over the country everyday. It's just one of the many cogs in the wheels of justice.

People on death row are not "little fish" nor "big fish". They are human beings with people that love them. AND, some of the people of whom you are talking about have family or friends that are on this board.

Let's not also forget that they are responsible for killing people who "were" human beings who also have/had families who loved them as well.

PTO's purpose is not to decide if Justin is guilty. That has been done in a court. PTO is a support site for loved ones of inmates.


• PTO Community Purpose:
The purpose of the Prison Talk Online community is Prisoner & Family Support, Information and Assistance. While we welcome people with other view points seeking to learn more, anything beyond friendly questions will NOT be tolerated. PTO is not a forum open to debating whether or not anyone should be in prison, should prisoners and their families have rights, etc. Anyone who is hostile to our purpose will be immediately blocked from the community and all of their posts will be deleted. This will be the ONLY WARNING and no notice will be given.

Terri, Justin's mom has been friends with my mother and aunts since they were in kindergarten. I know all of them, Danny, Owen and Justin. But mostly I know Justin, the real Justin, not his rap from drug deals gone wrong on the streets, no the REAL Justin. The one who at his all night grad party chose the trampoline when he was picked to win a prize over concert tickets so that his younger sister who was a cheerleader would have something to practice her jumps on. Its sad what happened, and I feel for Danny's family. But for a jury, to find Justin vile and a threat to society blows my mind. As it does with everyone else in my family. I remember at Christmas we all cried when Justin's youngest sister Lindsey refused to open presents or take down the treet after new years. She told everyone she was waiting for Justin to come home. I dont care what anybody says, Justin Wolfe was a good man, a very good one. He was not arrogant, and he was not selfish. It hurts to hear people say it, you people dont know the real him. The only reason Justin was convicted was because Danny Petrole's father is in the CIA and he wanted to see somebody burn.

I found your note interesting. If I sell drugs I am a drug seller. If I rob banks I am a bank robber. If I kill someone I am a murderer. But, you seem to imply if I was Justin the above wouldn't be real. Like they are two different people. There's the drug seller that uses the name "Justin" and the real Justin

Please keep in mind I know nothing about this story. Your note is the only one I read. I used Justin's name only because it related to your note. I just thought it interesting that you make two different people out of this guy.

--

Unfortunately an example can't be given because you never know what the inmate would have done if he had lived on.

But take John Spirko for example. If he was executed after he killed his first victim in Kentucky instead of being let out after a decade then Betty Jane Mottinger would still be alive today. And don't forget all the murders in prison that would be prevented. James Porter was already serving time for murder in Texas when he killed another inmate. He was executed in April 05.

I cannot even believe that you brought up John Spirko. You must not know one thing about his case or you would not have said such a bonehead thing!

This is a support site and Tracy posts here ALOT.

Try thinking before you type!

Denise

Reading these posts amazes me. The last execution in England was 50 years ago. The EU long ago abolished capital punishment. As did Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Russia has imposed a permanent moratorium.

The US is the exception. It is in such wonderful company too. Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea...

However, the deterrant effect is obvious (not). The US has capital punishment and sky-high murder rates. The EU doesn't and has not a tenth of the murders.

Makes you wonder why Canada is so different. And why America cannot be more like Canada!

I cannot even believe that you brought up John Spirko. You must not know one thing about his case or you would not have said such a bonehead thing!

This is a support site and Tracy posts here ALOT.

Try thinking before you type!

Denise

Hi Tinkr30,

I'm aware of that but I doubt anything I could say could possibly add to the issues Tracy has to deal with on a daily basis. She has come this far against alot of adversity and through alot of pain and I doubt anything I could possibly say will put a dent in her. :thumbsup:

If I'm wrong please correct me Tracy, I'm not taking a jab at you. But I'm just not one for tip toeing and would sooner highligh a case that has alot of awareness (and raw nerves too) than make up a theoretical one to make a point. I personally don't think I'm causing any serious hurt and certainly don't mean to.

But sofheart is right, lets keep to the subject and rules and I'll try not to heat things up too much in future.

JKB, I have spoke with numerous death row inmates who would tell you quickly that if they were given the option to live with a LWOP sentence as opposed to the death penatly that they would choose the death sentence rather than live out their lives in prison.

The last time I heard new information about justin wolfe was that he was getting an appeal in 2005, assuming that didn't go through does anyone out there know his status? does he have a date set? is there still a possiblity of a retrail? anyone know anything new since 2005

Apparently, Owen confessed to commiting the murder on his own. Later he changed his mind. I do think these acts deserve a retrial on there own. Here is a quote from the article.

"Early last year, both Barber and his cellmate at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap filed affidavits that Barber had actually killed Petrole on his own initiative, according to Wolfe attorney Jane Luxton, a partner at King and Spalding LLP in Washington, D.C."

Link to article copy and paste

timescommunity.com/site/tab6.cfm?newsid=17503154&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506105&rfi=6

I do not believe in the death penalty personally at all.
Even after a huge amount of soul searching including if this were to happen in my family. I am not the judge and executioner. The thought of taking another life is beyond me. I would want them to be treated decently and have psychs treat them through talk therapy and in a humane why to find out why. I am sorry if I have offended anyone but this is just my opinion. Bless you all in what ever you feel.

My prayers go out to the families and friends of the three boys - Danny, Justin and Owen - and, though I don't know Justin's mother personally, from her depiction on television she is obviously a woman who steadfastily believes her son is innocent. It is impossible to watch her, to listen to her pleas, and not wish, for her sake alone, that the jury had returned with a different verdict. However, it is also impossible to listen to the testimony of the witnesses and realize the facts of the case, most significantly the damning cell phone records the night of the murder, and believe that the jury could have returned with any verdict OTHER than the one they collectively reached in little over an hour.

Justin and Owen were not convicted because Danny's father was a CIA agent. Justin and Owen were not convicted because they were upstanding young men who were portrayed as misunderstood youths by the media. Justin and Owen were convicted because, along with their friends, they lived in a self-created lawless world where money bought freedom, money dictated power and money fueled greed. Justin and his friends shamelessly flaunted the money that was earned from the ILLEGAL distribution of a controlled substance. He was a drug dealer. A drug dealer who owed an even bigger drug dealer a lot of money and decided he didn't want to pay. His solution? Hire an addict who was indebted to him to shoot and kill Danny Petrole - problem solved. And a cocky, young, successful kid, who had gotten away with dealing drugs for five years without a problem, who had gotten away with having to explain to his mother where all his money came from, who had gotten away with the excessive public underage drinking because he had money to burn, THAT kid is the one who thought he could get away with murder.

Fortunately, a jury of his peers removed Justin from the pedastal he so proudly displayed himself on.

This forum is a wonderful tool to ask questions, seek advice and offer support. And, despite what he's done, I do commend all of you out there who have taken a personal interest in this case, and in Justin, and who have it in their heart to connect with or write to a young man who I am certain would welcome any well wishes or sincere thoughts. So please don't misunderstand my personal interpretation of this case as an attack on anyone, as that is my furthest intention. And I am not looking to deter anyone from reaching out and communicating with Justin, Owen, or any other inmate they feel compelled to write to.

But Justin without Owen and Owen without Justin never would have resulted in the Petrole family without a son, without a brother, without a grandson or nephew. Both men are equally at fault and I do believe it is a great miscarriage of justice that Owen was allowed a "deal" in exchange for his testimony.

In my opinion, neither Owen nor Justin should be sentenced to death by lethal injection. Both should be ambushed and shot NINE times as they sit in the front seat of their car. After all, both boys deemed that an appropriate punishment for Danny Petrole, didn't they?

Hello, I have met both Justin and his mother during a business trip to the Richmond last year.

Well---do tell. What was that like?

All I can say about the Death Penalty, after 11 years in the correction field, is that it is NO deterrent, and it has nothing to do with justice. It fulfills the need for vengeance and that's all it does.

The main reason it doesn't work as a deterrent is because, generally speaking, when someone is getting ready to commit a crime, they are not of the belief that they will be CAUGHT. If they don't believe they are going to be caught, then they have no need to worry about what punishment may levied against them.

Criminal minds work much differently from the rest of us. They simply don't think or reason things the same way that people who are law abiding citizens do.

We are never going to rectify, even BEGIN to rectify the crime problem in this country until we stop trying to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. The question of "WHY" has to be dissected and the answer has to be found. We can't do that because all of the money is being spent in building more and more prisons so we can continue to do the same thing over and over again, and expect that different result. Insanity.

Sligoker, What was what like? Visiting at Sussex? It's not too bad as one technically is left alone in a room to the left of the general population park and thus can stay for longer than the rules allow. One speaks over a phone and can only buy drinks-food for oneself not for the prisoner. However, family members are allowed contact visits either every 60 or 90 days. My penpal and Justin are friends.

I see you are from Switzerland. Whereabouts do you live. It's a beauitiful country?

Let's get some things straight here....

Danny was a good kid until 9th grade, when his 10th grade friend (we'll call him "C.B.") got him into drugs, guns, bullet-proof vests, etc. "C.B." had the most impact on his downfall, and hopefully he feels that he has to live with this outcome for the rest of his life.

Barber, IV was a good, but troubled, kid suffering from ADHD & Depression (following the death of his mother). Barber's father probably lost control and interest in Owen when his wife was diagnosed as terminal, as his father could be seen on the side deck for HOURS smoking cigs every night. That said, Barber wasnt a huge drug user/dealer until probably after high school.

Wolfe DID NOT come from a very affluent family... Like most familes that lived in Chantilly/Centreville, the money didnt start rolling in until the mid-late 1990's. However, Wolfe's drug use started at a very young age - sometime around junior high school, when he was surrounded by a family of beer drinking Nascar fans.

Finally, Danny's father WAS NOT in the CIA. He worked under the Dept. of the Treasury in the Secret Service. The irony is that his father guarded 3 U.S. Presidents and lived every day to "take a bullet" for a total stranger. While I'm sure his father would have taken a bullet for his son - he should have realized that his son's lavish living and trans-oceanic vacations were paid for by income other than delivering flowers.

To give my personal input, I feel that there are no innocent persons in this tragedy. I think that each one of these kids had opportunities to "make a living" in other "businesses" and each chose to run with drugs. While I dont think that Danny's death was deserved, I understand that he put himself into a bad situation. In regards to Barber, I think that he deserves every year in the slammer that he recieved and that because he pulled the trigger 9 times, he's earned his new home. He chose to kill, and must now face the consequences. Finally, while it might be a shame that we have to execute people for planning and hiring murders, Justin Wolfe has chosen his own path of death. I hold no personal opinion on the death penalty, but agree that his sentence should be greater than Barbers - and if the State opts for execution, I am behind it. Any man (I stress "man" here) who wants to kill without pulling the trigger himself is a coward.

Let it be said that in a day and age when government is concerned with PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBED steroids and human growth hormones in professional sports, people are killed every day resulting form illegal drugs smuggled to the U.S. from South America.

All i can say about the so-called justice of the DP is that I don't believe it helps the victim's family to find closure. All it does is create more victims. Nobody thinks about the "closure" needed for the family of the person executed. For the most part, they have led as blameless lives as the victim's families and yet they are deprived of a loved one by the highest order, the state, and are offered no recompense or comfort. In some states they are not even allowed to hug or kiss their loved ones until they are dead. How can that be classed as justice?

The evidence of motive is not conclusive proof of what was said in the phone calls. The phone calls are circumstantial evidence. The witnesses are individuals who are conspirators under prosecution who will benefit from lieing for the prosecution about another defendant. their recanted testimonies after the trial obviously point to this.

If we should we be killing people at all, should we be killing them because of inferences from motive, circumstance, and conditional witness testimony alone, without physical evidence? Haven't we learned a lot lately about the unreliability of witness testimony? The reason the Death Penalty is losing credence is that prosecutors can get these tenuous convictions for death and so many later prove to be wrong. If you believe in the death penalty, at least favor higher standards of evidence for conviction than these lame practices. Personally I think accepting co-conspirator testimony for convicting on a capital case is an abusive practice.

Even the murderous governor of texas has admitted that trying Kenneth Foster as a co-conspirator for murder was a mistake and called for a reform in the law of parties. here on this support forum there are all these hangin judges. I thought texas was bad.

big julie

I haven't posted here in a while but I would really like to keep this board going. Not in terms of discussing the death penalty but I really want to know what happened to Justin Wolfe. Does anyone out there have any NEW information since this 2005 incident. I mean it’s almost 2008, three years later. Someone even said his mother posts on the board. What’s up with his case? Did he get a retrial, is he dead? What?

Justin Wolfe was and is a big part of my life. I visit him every 90 days as I am allowed. He calls every weekend and my dad and I talk to him for the 20 minutes we can. Justin was a good kid, yes he sold drugs, but honestly, how many teenagers these days don't sell drugs themselves, have before or know someone who does? i can almost gaurentee you that you yourself know somebody who sells drugs, whether you know it or not. I believe very strongly in abolishing the death penalty for many reasons. one of which in particular, Justin. Especially in Va, the death penalty is being taken advantage of. How would you feel if somebody pinned a crime you had no idea about on you and now you were fighting for your life? not so good huh? excatly. you may not know very much on this case, which i dont expect everybody to, but if you are going to say something bad about justin, owen, or danny, atleast get your facts straight. thats all i can ask. this obvioulsy, as stated plenty of times, is a "support" forum. which means(in case you forgot) you shouldn't be debating whether or not these boys should or shouldn't be put to death. I wouldn't say you CANNOT talk about it, i would just say keep the debates to a minimum. honestly,this isnt the place for it.

Back to Justin. He is almost 10 years older than me and i have known him my entire life. i grew up around him, as well as Owen and Danny. at the time i was young and didn't know what they were really doing when they had the door closed. but now that im older i know it was nothing but typical teenage chaos. If you haven't caught on yet Justin Wolfe is my brother, friend and my hero. i have always looked up to him. i would have secret crushes on him friends. and try my hardest to 'play' with him and his friends. i guess you could say i was the annoying little sister. No i am not the little sister who wouldn't take the christmas tree down until he came home, or the one justin won the tramoplie for. but i am the little sister who said(when I found out what happend, at 10 years old) "Even if Justin did tell Owen to kill Danny, Owen didn't have to do it." i don't know if you know Justins mother but she is trying desperately to get her son back, as am I. She has been working with VADP (Virginians Against the Death Penatly) doing speeches.

Today Justin is still alive and hanging in there. Currently, he is still awaiting trial. For anybody intersted there is a website where you can get more info on his case. justice 4 justin . net (obviously no spaces) Thank you for any support. God Bless!

p.s. "Why do we kill people, who kill people, to show people that killing is wrong?"...think about it.

Thanks so much for sharing your story.

Rachel

Beamer,

It is awesome to hear from someone so close to this case. I agree with your stances on the death penalty and I am glad to know Justin is still alive.

If his conviction were to be overturned, how much longer do you think he would have to spend in jail considering crimes against him for dealing drugs? or does it look like if the conviction were overturned, justin would walk out a free person? Just wondering. Please keep us all posted with any new news. thanks

Gringo,
First off, it is wonderful to see people still actually read this forum and/or follow the case. It's great to have supporters!

At this point in the case its hard to tell what will happen. Obviously my family and I are hoping he can just come home but we cant say for sure what will happen.

Thanks again for your support!

Beamer,

There are many of us who read these forums even if we do not always post. Thanks again for sharing your story.

tina

Beamer,
Blessings to you and your family!
song

I just read most of these comments...after watching Justin's story on I-Discovery for the third time. I watch 48 hours hard evidence, against the law, and all other Law shows just like these on a daily basis, and have seen tons multiple times, and this one by far is the most interesting and shocking. ive even shared this story with my parents and friends, as I am 20 years old, and was fortunate to grow up in a neighborhood probably as nice as justins, and yes knew people involved with drugs. It is just simply amazing to me that he got the death penalty, and as others am curious to see how this ends up, even if its a long time from now. There is just no way it makes sense that Justice is served by Justin getting the death penalty and the guy who pulled the trigger is free in less than 38 years.

I find it odd that the man who chased down and murdered the victim, shooting him at point blank range with a handgun, not 1 time but 9 times, is allowed to be a credible witness. The person who murdered the victim is a complete and total psychopath with zero respect for anything other than himself. It is a wonder to me this person is even allowed to take an oath.
Justen Wolfe appeared to be VERY nervious, it seems he felt overwhemled by his surroundings. It is common for pychopaths to not show any emotion during questioning, as Owen Barber. At times, it seemed Justin Wolfe was almost histaricle. This is common for some people under times of extreme loss of control.

So, we have Owen Barber sentanced to 36 years in prison. That will probably be less than 30 years with early release, IF the judge granted. FACTS: Chased a man, shot that man, point blank range, 9 times, sells low grade marijuana.
A possible motive for Owen Barber to kill Danny Petrole, is to simply take over the marijauna drug trade by selling the low grade narcotic. Elimination of the high grade dealer will boost sales for Owen Barber. I think Barber might have blamed Wolfe, to simply recieve a reduced sentence.

Justin Wolfe, sentenced to death. FACTS: a high grade marijuana dealer with drug finances near the $100,000 range. Accepted numerous calls from a psychopath.

Lastly, I would like to elaborate on the main evidence, the phone records.
I have a co-students that call me very often. Sometimes some will call every 10-20 min for an hour or so to simply say very little or, "Listen to this song on the radio". This is very similar to what the murderer, Owen Barber did. I hope under God that friends do not hurt somebody and blame me for it.

If the state kills Justin Wolfe, I believe that would become 2 young people needlessly killed.



I am a pre-law student and I witnessed this program as noted on Discovery channel. Thank you for allowing my comment.

I just this on 48 Hours program on TV and found this case to be one of the most intriguing cases Ive ever watched.

To me Owen talked and acted like the cold blooded murderer he was, no emotion whatsoever. On the otherhand, Justin seemed like a liar to me, with some of the things he said and the way he acted. "I may do some time for the drugs, but definetly wasnt a part of no murder" or something along those lines.

When I was lying, I have said the same kind of thing, admit to the much lesser violation, to make it seem like youre honest and truthful so theyll believe you about the charge youre really trying to avoid. I knew it was coming before he even said it, right at that point, I said to myself, "oh yeah hes guilty."

He doesnt seem innocent at all, hes just guilty and doesnt want to admit it, that and he cant come to realization that he actually got caught and is getting the DP after getting away with just about everything. Even had his mom fooled about everything that was going on.

I feel for his mom, but Justin let his greed get the best of him. Its sad too, because for Justin to even get in the game of selling marijuana, Danny opened that door up for him, and fronted him all the chronic, to start out and make him his own profits, then he made so much money he didnt want to pay it back. Danny was being the friend in fronting that much bud out to him, and Justin didnt want to return that favor and pay him back. Thats why its dumb to mess around with drugs and affiliate yourself with people that use drugs, they only care about themselves, and they dont lift you up, they just bring you down with them. Ive been around it and have seen friends that knew eachother since they were 5, fighting and wanting to kill eachother over some drug debt that one isnt going to payback.

Its just a cycle, you feel betrayed, and ask yourself why did I even give him anything, and that eats you up, because youre mad at yourself for even leaving yourself open to becoming a victim, that and you cant believe one of your lifelong friends would even pull something like that. So a lot of times people look for revenge, they know theyre not going to get payed, so the only thing left is to inflict pain.

I also think the death penalty is too severe here, although someone lost his life because of the other man being solicited to do it, makes him just as guilty, but I would rather see him sit in prison for the rest of his life realising what he caused than to just end his life, especially since the trigger man did not get the death penalty. Death is just too easy an answer, but in some instances, I feel that it is required, the crime committed so gross and inhuman, that nothing less will serve justice.

Justin is still alive. he is currently incarcerated at Sussex State Prison in Waverly, VA near Richmond. His DOC Inmate Number is: 309126.

__________________

The Truth Lies

I found out about the case and wanted to find out how justin was doing. i have a few friends who are lifers so i can relate to the feelings you must feel beamer im sorry for your family and for justin. im also someone who has been caught up in the shady world of hustling and i know how the game works and i really think that if the jury only deliberated for a hour how can there decision hold up it sounds like a bunch of crap that this is allowed and then to have the jury come up with a death sentence. now i found out that his lawyer has been disbarred . hopefully things will be better for you and your family wheather its a new trial or the death penalty is abolished

Beamer:

Seen the program on Justin and the trial on ID last nite... I am shocked and appalled to the aspect that Justin has been sentenced to Death and Owen Barber was given a free ride. This shows the Injustice in the Justice system. I was glad to see a post earlier that Justin is still alive and hangin in there. Please do Keep Us Posted. Does Justin receive or is allowed to receive any Mail or correspondence? Would like to show him some Support in giving him hope in future contact from supportive people around the country.

Again, please keep us informed of any news in his case. Thank You!

Don in SC

Quacksc,

YES! Justin can recieve mail and I am sure he would love to hear from supporters. His address is:
Justin Wolfe #309126
Sussex 1 State Prison
24414 Musselwhite Dr.
Waverly Va. 23891-1111

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

I think that is wonderful to show support for Justin!!!!!

:confused:I would like to know what if anything is happening with the signed document stating that he lied on the stand there was no hire to kill? I would think that the document would be gounds for a dismissal or at least an appeal or retrial.

Hey, I haven't posted in a while but I check back every so often. Can anyone tell me the next time the special on Justin will be aired again on TV? It is by far the most intriguing case considering how unfair the verdict was.

rucker- what the hell is justin supposed to say "no im not guilty of selling marijuana"? That would be lying. Just because you THINK he's lying doesn't mean he is. It's quite a strange case, i remember seeing the show about it 3-4 years ago. I don't remember all the details but it's hard to determine who's lying and who's not. The many phone calls between justin and owen seems to prove he had something to do with it, but the affidavit claiming owen lied about justins involvement is also concerning. I don't understand why the prosecuter would even cut a deal with owen when he was the shooter! He killed danny, no way around that. Owen should be on death row, and justin should be serving the 30+ years. Thats a serious flaw in the justice system. Murder for hire is a serious crime, but how can that be more serious than actually committing murder?

I knew Justin back when we were in high school. He was a good hearted kid with a lot going for him. Owen's (the person that commited the murder) testimony was a total he said she said situation. For an entire jury to find him guilty and to sentence him to death on total hear say is just rediculous. The fault in the case was do to the lack of a proper legal team and now this kid has to pay the ultimate penalty. Keep in mind that Owen's sentence was reduced to life in jail instead of death row. If I'm at all wrong in this situation please correct me because my trust in the penal system is all but gone.

I also think the death penalty is too severe here, although someone lost his life because of the other man being solicited to do it, makes him just as guilty, but I would rather see him sit in prison for the rest of his life realising what he caused than to just end his life, especially since the trigger man did not get the death penalty. Death is just too easy an answer, but in some instances, I feel that it is required, the crime committed so gross and inhuman, that nothing less will serve justice.



This is a pretty strong statement for just watching a television show. I'd hate for this to happen to me.

This is way to strong of a statement to come from someone who watched a television show. I'd like to see how you react to sitting on the stand with nothing but a few moments with words to defend your life.

"On March 27, 2003 the lawyer who defended Wolfe was suspended from practicing law for repeatedly mishandling the cases of other clients."

More then likely this will result in either a new trial or a commutation.

rucker- what the hell is justin supposed to say "no im not guilty of selling marijuana"? That would be lying. Just because you THINK he's lying doesn't mean he is. It's quite a strange case, i remember seeing the show about it 3-4 years ago. I don't remember all the details but it's hard to determine who's lying and who's not. The many phone calls between justin and owen seems to prove he had something to do with it, but the affidavit claiming owen lied about justins involvement is also concerning. I don't understand why the prosecuter would even cut a deal with owen when he was the shooter! He killed danny, no way around that. Owen should be on death row, and justin should be serving the 30+ years. Thats a serious flaw in the justice system. Murder for hire is a serious crime, but how can that be more serious than actually committing murder?

I believe the reason States are so hard on murder for hire , and normally give the worst sentences to the solicitor is because most feel the murder would not have ever happened had it not been solicited. Also soliciting a murder is proof of premeditation. I realize you may see this differently , and i am not in any way agreeing or disagreeing with this , i am simply trying to put it in perspective.

It has been some time again and I am looking for another update. Has there been a new trial, any decisions made in this case? I know that Justin's sister posted here in the past, any news from her or someone else close to the situation? Again, we would all like to know what happens!

Actually, there will be a hearing on Tuesday, December 2. I will be attending and would be more than happy to let you know what happens.

Please do Beamer. many of us are always eager for news. Please tell Justin he is not forgotten.

Death is just too easy an answer, but in some instances, I feel that it is required, the crime committed so gross and inhuman, that nothing less will serve justice.


Some times in life, the easy road is not necessarily the right road to take.

Does anyone know where you can get a full transcript of all the appeal affidavits?

They have Owen's and his old Cellmates at Justin's website- but there are a lot of other people listed that would fill in the story on the contents. Anyone know where to access those?

It seems to me that the only way to really solve this case would be to have a talk with JR martin and see if he wants to corroberate Owen's recanted testimony by writing an affidavit saying he lied about Wolfe's involvement. Where is this JR person these days and did he receive any sort of punishment for his failure to stop this from happening? If he came to the table with new evidence (i.e. his own testimony) admitting that the murder wasn't justin's idea but solely owens, then wouldn't that warrant a new trial?

I found an update I thought I would share here for those interested in Justin's story. A local radio show here in Virginia picked up the story recently. You can listen to it at Elliot in the Mornings site, which you can find by googling the words: Justin Wolfe Elliot in the Morning (I am unable to post links). Toward the bottom of Elliot's page there are three sound clips about Justin's story. The third one has Justin's mother talking about recent updates.

Does anyone know where I can find the CBS 48 Hours special on this to watch?

I met Danny through my best friend. Back then we were into the drug trade also. Danny was doing something illegal by selling drugs, but he had a wonderful soul. He would have never thought of killing someone instead of paying them.

I met Justin through some friends and had been over to his house once or twice. He had met Danny through some friends who knew Justin would be a good customer of Danny's.

The way I heard of all of this is: Justin owed Danny a huge sum of cash for some weed and did not have the money to pay him. Instead of talking with Danny who was one of the nicest people i have ever met. He had Owen murder him. Owen owed Justin money and did this in place of paying him. He also got some good weed for the deal.

Dont be fooled....

Anyone who is convicted with the death penalty will say anything to save themselves. I dont believe a word that comes out of Justins mouth. I do feel sorry for his mother who did not deserve this in her life, but I dont feel as sorry as i do for Danny and his family who lost a loving person. Atleast Justins family will have a chance to say goodbye to him, something that Danny's family was robbed of.

Im not saying I want Justin to get the death penalty, im just saying that he is not as innocent as everyone likes to say.

This kid Justin Wolf was sentenced to death based on testimony of the kid who admittedly pulled the trigger. As far as I'm concerned that Prosection Team and Jury are murderer also. Prosecutors always forget the cornerstone priciple in American Criminal Law is "Better 10 guilty persons go free than one innocent person go to prison" They never suffer any consequences for wrongful convictions are advanced based on the number of people they put in jail or put on death row. Our justice system has become a joke lately and power driven people are the reason. Convict the easiest person and go on to the next one. SFC JM Kern US Army (Ret)

A Jury should not condemn a person after 1 HOUR os contemplating. A Jury does not prove innocence only that a case wasn't proven beyond reasonable doubt. No way I convict without a confession in only 1 HOUR.

It has never been clear to me what Wolfe's alleged motive was for having Barber carry out the murder. If Petrole owed Wolfe money, why would Wolfe want to have him killed before the debt was settled.

Can anyone clarify the motive for me?

Thanks.

FO

It has never been clear to me what Wolfe's alleged motive was for having Barber carry out the murder. If Petrole owed Wolfe money, why would Wolfe want to have him killed before the debt was settled.

Can anyone clarify the motive for me?

Thanks.

FO

You have it backwards. Wolfe owed Petrole money. That was "allegedly" the MO. That's what Eabert used in court to prosecute. There were other circumstances as well...greed, power, etc. But from what I remember, the court leaned on the money owed.

there's a very good article in this month's Washingtonian Magazine (the cover says "75 Best Bars in DC" or something like that) that talks about the possibility of Wolfe being an innocent man on death row. Good article to fill you in on the details post-trial to the present. The article says the appeals process may be up this summer.

All I can say about the Death Penalty, after 11 years in the correction field, is that it is NO deterrent, and it has nothing to do with justice. It fulfills the need for vengeance and that's all it does.

The main reason it doesn't work as a deterrent is because, generally speaking, when someone is getting ready to commit a crime, they are not of the belief that they will be CAUGHT. If they don't believe they are going to be caught, then they have no need to worry about what punishment may levied against them.

Criminal minds work much differently from the rest of us. They simply don't think or reason things the same way that people who are law abiding citizens do.

We are never going to rectify, even BEGIN to rectify the crime problem in this country until we stop trying to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. The question of "WHY" has to be dissected and the answer has to be found. We can't do that because all of the money is being spent in building more and more prisons so we can continue to do the same thing over and over again, and expect that different result. Insanity.

Its not meant to be a deterrent its a punishment.

I agree TKP - molly coddling dangerous people because they 'must have deeper problems' is ludacris in the extreme. And I know that some of you will come back with 'he's innocent' or words to that effect. I'm sorry people, wake up and smell the coffee.

wow. i just saw this episode and had to comment somewhere. Fact is, some americans are just dumb biased people. So owens called justin. ANy recording of the conversations? No. Didnt dealers constantly owe their suppliers throughout the buy/sell cycle? Yup. The jury basically saw Justin as a dealer and said 'well he deals drugs so we are going to convict him to send a message to other people who might deal drugs'. Chances they have an album in their house where the artist smoked pot? Better than 50%. The jury should be put on trial for being completely ignorant and have their right to vote taken away. THe prosecutors should also be stripped of their accreditation, and banned form serving in public office for the rest of their life. If we can convict people so easily based on such trivial NON evidence, this judicial system is a complete joke. I certainly hope this jury is not a prime example of the intelligence of people from Virginia. I mean that jury is barely a step above mentally retarded. So if you live in Virginia, if you have ANY criminal record whatsoever, and you dont like someone who also has a criminal record, you can basically go kill anyone that person dislikes, while calling them over and over that day, makeup a story that that person TOLD YOU to go kill a person, and that person will be convicted. Period. That's all it takes apparently. Glad I live in the north. Our jurors tend not to be that incredibly retarded and prejudiced.

It never ceases to appall me when someone is sentenced to death let alone prison on the word of an alledged co-conspirator. Ryan Ferguson comes to mind. He's doing life for a robbery murder soley on the word of a drug addicted alleged co-conspirator who "dreamed" they had done the murder together months after the crime. Not one spec of physical evidence places either man at the crime but there Ryan sits in prison. While there was certainly more in this trial to question whether this kid is guilty I still think the Prosecution MUST independantly put togehter a case w/o using the word of a criminal. You cannot convict someone of murder because you think he's a bad guy and the shooter says so. You need more.

I just watched this show yesterday. We should all be horrified and terrified that someone could be convicted and sentenced to death on the shoddy evidence that was put forth in this case. I certainly hope there was MUCH, MOUNTAINS EVEN, more evidence on this case that has this kid sitting on death row for years. And even more horrified that upon continued review it still has not been overturned.

Justin's shock and disbelief was obvious even in just the few clips it showed of him on the show. He was quite obviously dumbfounded at where he was and how he got there. I wouldn't have believed one word that Owen spoke if the rest of his testimony was like what was on the show. The guy was unplugged as one would have to be to shoot someone 9 times point blank.

And if anyone would apply REASON to the situation, just from good old business sense, Justin having Danny killed would be cutting off his nose to spite his face. He had a successful business model going. Why would he want to screw that up?

An to Justin's sisters well made point, even in the UNLIKELY event that this all happened as Owen testified, Owen could have always said NO.

There is SO much reasonable doubt in this case, the fact that ignorant jury returned in an hour with a verdict attests to their total misapplication of the law. The judge should be disbarred. Sounds like Justn's lawyer already has been which should be reason enough to have the death penalty overturned.

I read the signed affidavit of Owen and his buddy and that whole scenario smacks so much more of the truth than anything presented on the show as being testimony in court I don't understand why Justin is still in jail.:confused:

I am going to go as far as to say the guy shouldn't even be behind bars for this crime at all. Drug trafficking for sure but that's it unless there is a @#)load more evidence that the stupid phone calls, a note from a silly teenager, who with her unstable boyfriend had been living as sychophants on the fringe of this group and Justin's money, and an OWE sheet, that surprise surprise, showed drug debt. Give me a break. Justin was stupid for being involved but if being stupid gets you the death penalty, the judge and jury should all be on death row. :mad::mad:

Hi there.

I am currently a student at Chantilly High School (where Justin Wolfe attended) and my teacher was telling us about this case today and about how he had Justin in his class. I found it very interesting and immediately started googling about the trial, wanting to find all the information I can. If anyone knows where I can find the CBS 48 Hour Mystery or anything else relating to Justin Wolfe please let me know. I would like to learn more about this case.

Thanks,
Mallory

Below is a link to the 48 hours special on Youtube. it's broken into 4 parts:

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QcOzEnJ-yY

Part2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrHshh1rG18

Part3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7zfNkR2Nbo

Part4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcSyM3keegc

I look at this board from time to time and I am really disappointed with the lack of knowledge about this case. Almost nothing is ever posted about progress in the appeals or trials.

Who has information pertaining to Justin Wolfe, Put it here.

Here are other websites I know of that have some information about JW:


websites for Justin:

http://www.justinwolfe.org/index.htm
http://www.justice4justin.net/


Aside from the information above, I've heard nill about this case. Please post things if you are in the know, it is rather frustrating to follow something second hand.

I met Justins mom Terri last week and she is an amazing person, I really love her and you will get all informations about Justin and the case first hand from her.
I pray that Justin and his wonderful family will get the justice they deserve. He needs to go home soon!

I have read this case summary several times and I think it is so wrong that Justin may die because of the jury's ignorance of the law and IMHO I feel that most of them were jealous of the lifestyle this teenager was living that they wanted to punish him for having things they never will. When you sentence someone to death you should have real evidence, not just circumstantial evidence or suppositions.

How many times has a parent heard their child say something like; "I wish they were dead. I'm going to kill them. I'll make them pay. I'd pay to see them dead."? They don't mean it, but in the heat of the moment the words are said and overhead by others. If that person turns up dead, is your child guilty? While this may seem far-fetched, so does this young man dying for a crime in which he did not pull the trigger, while the man that did only gets 38 years.

I have read that Justin's original attorney has been disbarred because of his mishandling of this and other trials, yet Justin has not been allowed a new trial. The confessed murderer, Owen Barber, avoided the death penalty by accepting a plea bargain from prosecutors in which he agreed to testify that Justin hired him to murder Danny Petrole. Barber received a sentence of 38 years in prison, while Justin received the death penalty. Justin was convicted primarily on the testimony of Barber. Barber is clearly capable of lying and motivated to do so. Barber later confessed to falsifying his testimony against Justin in a sworn affidavit. Despite all this, Justin cannot get a new trial.

I also think that the person who said that Justin was convicted and sentenced to death because Danny's father was CIA and wanted someone to burn, is correct. This is clearly a case of the prosecution going after someone other that a low level street dealer to satisfy someone. The only person that needed to be appeased was the father of the victim whis also happens to work for one of this country's most clandestine organizations. Most prosecutors would not have tried this case based on just circumstantilal evidence, but in Virginia they did. WHY? I not a conspiracy nut, but I've never seen a person sentenced to death on so little evidence and then all their appeals denied. Something really, really stinks in this case!

I have read this case summary several times and I think it is so wrong that Justin may die because of the jury's ignorance of the law and IMHO I feel that most of them were jealous of the lifestyle this teenager was living that they wanted to punish him for having things they never will. When you sentence someone to death you should have real evidence, not just circumstantial evidence or suppositions.

How many times has a parent heard their child say something like; "I wish they were dead. I'm going to kill them. I'll make them pay. I'd pay to see them dead."? They don't mean it, but in the heat of the moment the words are said and overhead by others. If that person turns up dead, is your child guilty? While this may seem far-fetched, so does this young man dying for a crime in which he did not pull the trigger, while the man that did only gets 38 years.

I have read that Justin's original attorney has been disbarred because of his mishandling of this and other trials, yet Justin has not been allowed a new trial. The confessed murderer, Owen Barber, avoided the death penalty by accepting a plea bargain from prosecutors in which he agreed to testify that Justin hired him to murder Danny Petrole. Barber received a sentence of 38 years in prison, while Justin received the death penalty. Justin was convicted primarily on the testimony of Barber. Barber is clearly capable of lying and motivated to do so. Barber later confessed to falsifying his testimony against Justin in a sworn affidavit. Despite all this, Justin cannot get a new trial.

I also think that the person who said that Justin was convicted and sentenced to death because Danny's father was CIA and wanted someone to burn, is correct. This is clearly a case of the prosecution going after someone other that a low level street dealer to satisfy someone. The only person that needed to be appeased was the father of the victim whis also happens to work for one of this country's most clandestine organizations. Most prosecutors would not have tried this case based on just circumstantilal evidence, but in Virginia they did. WHY? I not a conspiracy nut, but I've never seen a person sentenced to death on so little evidence and then all their appeals denied. Something really, really stinks in this case!


I sense that this guy is guilty as sin, but I dont think that the Death Penalty should be carried out in this case. This is a simple case where one drug dealer says one thing and the other says the opposite. Circumstantial evidence should never lead to the death penalty.