Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. He needs to go too. This entire time, Ivan has never been been given all the evidence into the investigation of this case. John . I still have a life to live. Ivan Cantu, Death Row Inmate TDCJ#00999399 Ivan Cantu was wrongfully convicted in 2001 for Capital Murder. We have only two hours together. At the trial, the state argued that Cantu was motivated by greed and jealousy but, as in Serial, most of the case was actually built around the incriminating testimony from an informant: Cantus then-partner. For a long time I didn't let my family know. It was part of a campaign to overturn his sentence for a 1979 rape and murder. Here are some under-the-radar podcasts making waves with true crime obsessives. Weve never been able to touch.' Cousins by Blood is like a low-budget Serial with more twists. 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. Ivan would help Johnny write letters, but he was looking for his own friends on the outside, too. Police also found Cantus gun at his ex-girlfriends house where Cantu and Boettcher had stopped on the way home from Arkansas. They initially zeroed in on just one suspect: a man who happened upon the flames. Such was the intensity and proximity of Cantu's gaze that even the normal business of glancing down to check recording levels was . I count on his letters and, he says, he counts on mine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I left the prison that day shaken. Ivan admitted to keeping active on his spacious land in the Texas area. Her dad giving her some money to spend; he always had a weakness for his only girl. Additionally, police found Mosqueda's car at Cantu's apartment complex. Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. Real-time campaign data for partners powered by HVR. Join organizations large and small who've made the switch! Dani Clark is a writer and editor at an international development organization in Washington, D.C. Well never put our work behind a paywall, and well never put a limit on the number of articles you can read. That is, not until now. Donations from readers like you are essential to sustaining this work. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. In The Orange Tree, named after the condominium where the crime took place, two journalism students at UT, who found all the major players in the case, attempt to understand what led to Caves murder. But the story we are told that "it's out of the governor's hands," is only true if we allow it to be. Thankfully, were in a golden era of true crime storytelling, especially in podcast form. To: But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. On 28 March this year I learned Ivan had been given an execution date: 30 August. The perplexing case seems made for Reddit, and this podcast unravels its many layers. I had to keep reminding myself that this happened on a November evening in Dallas, all of this happened. 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. This website uses cookies for personalisation. I'd been divorced for more than 10 years and my son and daughter were in their 20s and had left home, but I wasn't looking for love. I'd written to aman on death row in Texas whose story I was interested in for my course. 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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?" The petition calls for Dallas PD and Collin County Sheriff's Office to release the entirety of the evidence in the James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen homicide reports (Dallas PD service #863688-J) to Ivan's attorney Gena Bunn. Ivan has been on death row for 20 years and maintains his innocence. Phone records showedsomeone was in his house the night after the murders. Ivan did not receive a fair trial. It's not something I want to do, but I won't let him die alone. She, thus failed to argue that trial counsel were ineffective for conceding Ivan's guilt rather than argue his innocence. By continuing to browse and submitting your information, you agree to our use of cookies. In this episode, she discusses her fight to keep Ivan alive on death row. Create new account. As I read more about the crime, I didn't think he could have done it. Ivan's trial counsel called no witnesses for the defense and presented no evidence of his innocence. "Oh my God, I did not," he replied. I never would have guessed where its led me. It didnt cost me anything, and I knew it would cost him everything if he really was innocent and no one listened. Ivan Abner Cantu - Texas Execution - April 26, 2023, http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions16-70016.0.pdf, http://www.dallasnews.com/news/courtal-second-time, https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.es/16-7874.htm, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-stan-on-death-row, High-Profile Non-Capital Punishment Trials, Remembrance, Missing Persons, Unsolved Murders, North Carolina - Female Death Row Inmates, Inmates No Longer On Death Row - Executed, Commuted or Released (Members Only), Death Row Inmates and Former Death Row Inmates Who Died in Prison. The next time I saw Ivan, we sat there crying. I'd written to aman on death row in Texas whose story I was interested in for my course. Community See All. Death row was a horrifying place. That day Ivan and his girlfriend had taken a trip to Arkansas. 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. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. Ive always believed his story, but only because I had no reason not to. In this episode, she discusses her fight to keep Ivan alive on death row. Donations from readers like you are essential to sustaining this work. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case is being reinvestigated. And because we are friends, we also talked about the mundane: music, books, NPR shows, anything to get his mind off the bleakness of solitary confinement. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 367 people like this. In April 2007 he proposed and she stood in to read his vows for him at the county courthouse. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case is being reinvestigated. 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. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case . 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. Ivan is 44; Im 42. Ivan Abner Cantu was booked on 8/16/2021 in Collin County, Texas. I was determined to help Ivan after I realised he was innocent, but I would have helped him regardless no one should face the death penalty. James, 27, leaning back, sipping a beer. 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. I dont believe in the death penalty, and even if he is guilty, I dont think he should die. I was overwhelmed by the responsibility of saving Ivans life while knowing at the same time how little I could actually do. Action Network is an open platform that empowers individuals and groups to organize for progressive causes. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. Ivan's state habeas counsel failed to interview Ivan or conduct an independent investigation of the case. 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. Ivan Cantu would steal the victims jewelry and vehicle. 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. Email experience@theguardian.com, 'I certainly never imagined I would fall for someone on deathrow', Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 'Death row inmates get virtually no phone privileges, so calling hasnt been an option. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. According to court documents Ivan Cantu would fatally shoot his cousin and a woman during a botched robbery. 12 Nicole Bass. When I sat in my living room, watching my sons face as he laughed at the cartoons on TV, I would think to myself, My child knows nothing about the worlds brutality, so why am I inviting this dark story into our house? Deshawn Thomas Executes Homeless Man In St Louis, Sheborah Thomas Gets 40 Years For Killing 2 Kids, NFL Zac Stacy Gets 6 Months For Brutal Assault, Brendan Depa Charged For Knocking Out Teachers Aide, Jack Colton Charged In Sexual Assault Of 12 Yr Old, Taylor Frankie Paul Charged With Domestic Violence, Steven Pfeil Teen Killer Murders 2 In Illinois, Antonio Barbeau and Nathan Paape Teen Killers, Dylan Schumaker Teen Killer Murders 23 Month Boy, Lacy Aaron Schmidt Teen Killer Murders Ex Girlfriend, Amber Wright Teen Killer Seath Jackson Murder, James Parker And Robert Tulloch Teen Killers, Bobby Gonzales Teen Killer Murders Girlfriends Mother, Education Level (Highest Grade Completed). Texas' aggressive execution schedule marks it as an outlier in its use of the death penalty while the majority of other states are on a downward trend of executions. Police found no evidence of forced entry at Mosqueda and Kitchens house. He also says theres a picture of my family, which I sent him years ago, taped to the wall of his cell. Ivan Cantu. He and I write once or twice a month, and there is not a letter I receive in which he doesnt encourage me in some way, and ask how my son and husband are. The new Disney film The One and Only Ivan is a fantasy story for all ages. Yes, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles must recommend clemency in that state in order for the Governor to grant clemency (mercy) by commuting a death sentence. In the 70s, they embarked on a trip from Australia to Central America, keeping their family in the loop about their journey through letters. The podcast is also available for downloads on all major podcast platforms. Ivan Cantu (Paul Adams) by Dani Clark You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Required fields are marked *. In the course of my investigation I will highlight the mistakes, corruption, and apathy that plagues the legal sys. But I don't want to do that. Contact Justice For Ivan Cantu on Messenger. But when the material arrived (a thumb drive along with printed documents), I started devouring all of it whenever I could during my crowded bus rides home through downtown D.C., and sitting up in bed, late into the night, after my son had gone to sleep. 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. THE DEFENSE- While the state utilized five experts, the defense requested zero experts.- Trial counsel called no witnesses during the guilt/innocence phase and presented no exculpatory evidence. #ivancantu #cousinsbyblood #podcast I listened to this Podcast and just had to recommend it to yall. 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 is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. That was July 2005. Full documentation, knowledge base, and tutorial videos are available here. Eventually I arranged to visit him. 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. Why am I complicating our lives in this way? While Ivan Cantu and Amy Boettcher were on their way to Arkansas to visit her parents and announce their engagement, the murdered bodies of James and Amy Kit. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. She uncovers new suspects, like Johnsons former neighbor and occasional romantic partner who had a jealous girlfriend characterized as being unstable by everyone who knew her. Contact Alessa Dominguez at alessa.dominguez@buzzfeed.com. It is one element of faith. Perhaps cultivating doubt in Ivans story is part of having faith in him. In June 2006, eight visits after we first met, Ivan sent me a letter saying he loved me. In addition, Cantu took jewelry and a vehicle from . Anyway, she had been contacted by Ivan Cantu's (convicted murderer and subject of Cousins By Blood ) Mother, due to her wrongful conviction advocacy and became aware of the case, binged the podcast, was convinced of Cantu's guilt, offered her assistance and was accepted into the . . Eventually I arranged to visit him. Join Date Jan 2014 Posts 33. Ivan wanted me to date and beable to have sex he said I had tolive my life. I certainly never imagined I would fall for someone on deathrow. In 2005, 21-year-old Jennifer Cave was shot, stabbed, and partially dismembered in her friends condo. So much does not add up. Ivan Cantu Texas Death Row. - Trial counsel did not request a defense investigator, nor conduct any independent investigation. 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?? FkIzeGUXkAE8yqk.jpg FkIzsfsXwAEjKFu.jpg. US zip codes to cities powered by SimpleMaps.com. Ivan Cantu lived in an apartment with his girlfriend, Amy Boettcher, near where his cousin, James Mosqueda, lived with his fiancee, Amy Kitchen. We are writing to ask that you to stop the April 26, 2023 execution of Ivan Cantu for the 2001 killings of James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen. Watch List. Ivan thinks the victims were killed by rival drug dealers out to frame him he had become mixed up with the wrong people. They lived in adjacent pods, as they are called on Texas death row, the Polunsky Unit. Your email address will not be published. Police arrested Cantu for the murders. Ivan Cantu was wrongfully convicted in 2001 for Capital Murder. We encourage responsible activism, and do not support using the platform to take unlawful or other improper action. For over 3 years, the Cousins By Blood Podcast has investigated Ivan's capital murder case and innocence claim. Duff keeps adding episodes as he uncovers more information, and the storytelling is initially clunky but its a riveting story that continues to pick up steam in newer episodes. Once every two or three months, Ispend the weekend at a nearby hotel and visit Ivan on a Saturday and then again on Monday. New evidence has been discovered and new suspects uncovered. 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. Here are five podcasts that have been generating lots of chatter among true crime aficionados. The Supreme Court madeno comment Monday regarding its decision. Johnny wrote back and so did Ivan. Ivan Cantu left his apartment with his gun and returned an hour later driving Kitchens Mercedes. I never planned to be in this situation, to be friends with . He spoke rapidly during our hours together, anxiety and desperation pervading his words and gestures. He was 48 years old on the day of the booking. New suspects are uncovered, new evidence has been discovered, and the clock is ticking to Ivan's Execution Day. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He had learning . It would have been an evening like any other except for the fact that it was the couples last. This article was published in collaboration with Vice. 384 people follow this. Death row was a horrifying place. "I never committed murder, and I want to prove it to the world, prove it to the Mosquedas, the Kitchens, and come home. 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