Your voices and reactions,
part2 (older entries)

Much to the delight of the webmaster, RENATE JANKA also received a message from BRANDSON S. from Las Vegas, Nevada on 12/09. This guy claims to be the son of BONNIE ENGSTROM, waitress at the 'Arabian Room', at the time when the murder of CHRISTOPHER happened. It's sad to learn that BONNIE had passed away, but in light of the findings contained in OFFICER CRISWELL'S report, BRANDON'S statement in regard to the credibility of his mother is another reinforcing information:

"Hello,
I stumbled upon your web site while trying to find other information on my mother Bonnie Engstrom who passed away a week ago. I find it completely disturbing that the police didn't take into account the timetable of events that actually took place. I remember my mother talking about someone interviewing her and the possibility of her having to take the witness stand.
Understand that during this time anyone who was at the Arabian Room knew each other no matter who they were. There was a atmosphere of everyone was a family and anyone who happened upon Arabian Room was treated as such. I know this because I knew a good sixty to seventy percent of the people that patronized and worked in this establishment (although my parents later regret having me hang around a bar with them as much as I did it does provide some insight into the establishment). Everyone knew everyone. And without a doubt I can say that if my mother saw him there he was undoubtedly there.
I pray to God that the true and correct answer is found."

On December 3rd, 2003 Debra's mother, RENATE JANKA, received an insulting eMail. We publish this message here, so that the broad public can witness what kind of harassment and stupidity Debra Milke's friends, family and supporters are occasionally confronted with. In fact, this is the first message of this nature for two years. But these insults were very common in the early stages of researching Debra Milke's case, and finding out what truly happened when the young woman was railroaded. This individual didn't even bother to disguise the fact that he/she is in some sort acquainted with 'that part' of Debra's family. Here's the message of ... uhm ... the email says TONY SMITH from Arizona and Montana, but ... what do we know?

"It is my unbiased, researched opinion that you are supporting a murderess simply because she happens to be your daughter. What of your living daughter? You turned your back on her to support a infanticidal drug-user. They are both of your blood. Where Debbie abused drugs, herself, and her child; Sandra made a life, a good life, for her children. She overcame obstacles that would have shattered any lesser soul. You are just as bad, if not worse than Debra Jean. It amazes me that Sam, fine old man, by my account, ever had feelings for you, nay, loved you. And continued to do so until the day he died. I wish I could have been there to shake his hand when he let justice happen, allowed his daughter to be imprisoned without leading a 12-year campaign to have a killer turned loose. And never turned his back on the daughter he had left. A hard man, true, but a good man. Look at Mark Milke's two surviving children. Sweet Arianne and energetic Erik, lovable little rascals. Too bad you'll never see them, little Erik looks like a chubbier Christopher. With all due respect to your age, station, and money, burn in the deepest pit of Hell. And do say hello to your husband for me, From all I've heard, Alex is another good man to fall prey to your dubious charms. Like Mother: like daughter."

Comment: Unbiased and researched? Interestingly, not a single factual statement was made herein. This message contains no indication as to the reasons why SALDATE had lied under oath, why the detention of Debra was preconceived [and solely based on ROGER SCOTT'S ramblings] and and and ... Here we have a perfect example of someone who is in deep denial about facts and their coherences in regard to police work. Neither Debra Milke nor her mother are perfect or saints, and no one ever claimed this. Yet, people like this were instrumental in orchestrating an atmosphere of bias and hatred surrounding the case. It comes as no surprise that this individual insinuated some connection with the family. It speaks volumes to every sound mind.

One more time a viewer of the 'American Justice' show from Exeter, NH commented on October 28th:

"This is a large miscarriage of justice and I blame the Judge at the trial. From what I have seen she made major mistakes as an Judge and was totally incompetent to oversee a trail of this nature the confession she not have been allowed as evidence and the tat tape if not used in the trail should never been allowed in the jury room there is no real evidence can see that she was involved in this crime this is not justice but a witch hunt by the Arizona justice system."

October 22nd the A&E channel replayed 'A Mother's Story of Murder' once again. As a result a emotional debate arouse on the message board, with one male commentator writing this (posted 10/23/2003 at http://boards.aetv.com/thread.jsp?forum=2456&thread=228188):

"Debbie Milke Case

I think that it is HORRIBLE that this woman should have been convicted on such BOGUS evidence.

That police officer should have been arrested for presenting such a document without proof that it was written by the person on trial for her life! That should be against the law! Instead, he was allowed to sit on that perch and narrate as if he was an expert! He was not. He was just a cop who MANIPULATED his own agenda for power and fame.

The jury should never have been allowed to listen to a tape that was NOT listened to during the trial. This tape could have been refuted if listened to DURING the trial. To listen to it when it could not be debated should be against the law. Even if it were introduced into evidence. It should have been examined when BOTH parties had the opportunity to discuss it. Her counsel should never have allowed any of this to go on. The judge should never have allowed any of this to go on.

Her sister, father, and ex-husband acted clearly as if they had an "axe" to grind with her on other issues and levels. I was very bothered that they were not even uncomfortable saying such horrible things about their SISTER and DAUGHTER, knowing that she could get the death penalty. There was NO love there at all, and NO credible reason for such empty feelings - outside of DIVORCE LIES and manipulation by the parents to separate the children.

This family was hostile for other reasons and that should have been PARADED to the jury by the defense team, not used as a measure of guilt.

Debbie Milke herself was not a Likeable person to that jury because she was not Mother Theresa. Well, neither is the jury. And that does not make her a murderer, nor does it make the jury a murderer.

Debbie Milke did not have the opportunity to make BETTER friends being moved from pillar to post by her FATHER and then abandoned by her entire family after becoming a single parent... (for whatever reason) I see clearly why Debbie Milke would be in her situation (as in marrying the Loser ex-husband).

AND, AND, AND, AND, AND, If every single mother or father who tries to find days and weeks of ADULT freedom by having family members look after their children were considered manipulative and unloving of our children, - then we have MILLIONS and MILLIONS and MILLIONS of manipulative - potential murders out there!

She did NOT have a fair trial. The judge was and since, proven incompetent to sit on the bench! THAT alone should warrant a Mistrial!!!!!

This woman deserves a new trial with PROPER legal representation, a proper judge, and a proper police department.

Her family alone should have some emotion. That alone, bothers me BIG TIME. They are just too quick to hate her without any valid reason. They definitely appear to be manipulative, vicious, angry, jealous, unloving people with their own agenda. AND, DUH, Come on, the ex husband who is a male dancer, a drunk, and a habitual DWI criminal???? Perhaps he had his son murdered - because he could not have her. He is just tooooooo happy that she "got hers"...

This does not mean that I think she is innocent - I have not had the PROPER amount of information to make that decision - it does mean however, that I have not heard one shred of evidence that she is guilty!!!"

Another female supporter of Debra wrote in an eMail of September 5th, 2003 about the 'American Justice' coverage:

"In that documentary I noticed some things:

• Debbie's face looks swollen from what looks to me like she had been crying quite a bit when she was being escorted by Detective Saldate.
• Mark trashed her quite a bit which I find repulsive.
• Roger Scott refused to testify at her trial. This point really befuddles me. He accused her of conspiring yet would not testify in exchange for his life??? Sounds like he could not face her with this accusation!! Just confirms to me that he lied!"

JENNIFER wrote these line to Debbie herself on 08/22/2003:

"( ... ) Words cannot begin to express how angry I feel about this case against you. It scares me. This could happen to anyone. This could be me. I have sent in a petition to the addresses given on the website in hopes that someone will 'get the point.' ( ... ) About a month ago I was 'surfing the Internet' on my lunch break at work and I came upon your website. To this day I have no idea how that happened. Honestly. ( ... ) However, your case has just tugged at my heart and been on my mind since I read about it. The injustice that has been done to you truly saddens me.
However I think it's all been said on the website and I feel I would be intrusive to you in doing so. ( ... ) You are in my thoughts and prayers! I wish you the very best in this struggle. ( ... )"

TERESA wrote these words to Debra's mother RENATE on 08/22/2003:

"( ... ) I have been reading about Debbie and I cannot believe the situation she is in. I know there is nothing I can do but felt a word of support may be encouraging. I do remember her in my thoughts and prayers. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine the dread, fear and horror you must be living with.
I am sorry our world has turned out the way it has. ( ... )"

Debra's mother RENATE received this eMail from an upset male reader, JOSEPH, from Georgia on August 20, 2003:

"( ... ) Since the justice system in Arizona is corrupt, & they are guilty of conspiring to convict Debra Milke (the police, the judge in the trial, detective Saldate, the prosecutor, & Debra's defense attorney) you should bail out of the State court system & go to the FEDERAL level. Someone there should see what happened & take corrective action. I wish you & Debra good luck. ( ... ) These injustices have to be devastating to these families. In America, it is supposed to be 'innocent until proven guilty', not 'guilty until proven innocent'.( ... )"

Comment: Debra's case is already 'on the federal level' since 1998. Her former legal representative, ANDERS ROSENQUIST, filed the appeal to the U.S. District Court which was finalized by Debra's defense team since early 2002, LORI VOEPEL and MIKE KIMERER. The defense is now awaiting a ruling by the assigned judge about the contents of the legal filings submitted.

Debra herself received this encouraging letter from a female supporter from Kansas in late July 2003:

"I am appalled by the way your case was handled, and sickened at the fact that your are in prison. I am a 2nd year law student, and therefore, I tend to study, see and read about various cases, but I have to tell you that your case sent shivers up my spine.
I think that the main detective in this case must have absolutely no morals, or any shred of human decency. I do not know how he can possibly live with himself. And then ... the judge in this case ... she repeatedly was scolded about the way she was hearing the cases, and then ruling on them. According to what I have read she was dismissed from hearing criminal cases in '97 or so. Am I correct?
( ... )
I know I am by far not the only one that feels this way. You have so many supporters, and I know that it has to be some small comfort. At least, I hope it does. You have one more friend out there in this big world, just waiting for you to be able to go home. I hope it happens soon.( ... )"

BILLY wrote this on 08/01/2003:

"I am a former law enforcement officer and was also Chief of Police. If I had an officer that conducted himself the way Detective Saldate did I can assure that I would have terminated that person immediately. I can also assure that not all law enforcement officers are honest and that is such a shame.
It is my opinion that charges should have been filed against Detective Saldate. I hope that Debbie is released and a new trial is ordered at the least and that a fair Judge is found to hear the case. I would even more like to see her unconditional release from prison in order that she may try to build a new life. I would appreciate your answer.
Thanks,
Billy"

Like many others, JILL wrote as a result of the replay on July 26th:

"Unbelievable. Debra, when they let you out, and we (the loud public) will make sure they do, press charges and sue the pants off Levy, Saldate, Hendrix and whomever else (Mark?) put you in that hell hole you're in now. At least get rich out of this!
Oxymoron of the day: Arizona Justice!
( ... ) I was a single mom for years and I was often frustrated; I've been called a manipulative bitch in my day. I guess in AZ, these facts would make me a murderer.
Good luck, sweetie. We're all praying for you."

Another female viewer of the 'American Justice' program commented on July 26th:

"I am appalled as I just watched the documentary on Debra Milke. I was also a single mother with a horrible ex. I always asked for help because I knew I was overwhelmed, so what? I was also at times scared. And, if my jealous cousins, aunts and uncles had been put on the stand at the time, they would have convicted me of being a horrible person, in fact the worst of worst. All lies I had endured all my life. But the honest truth was, they had made people hate me with their lies since I was young out of jealously. ( ... ) But the truth was, I was a loving mother raising her only child alone. Although I loved him with all my heart, I was always accused of things that never happened. The reason this story so upsets me is that, although it would have never been true, a lying officer, along with my pathological lying ex-husband (by the way, did anyone notice Debra's ex-husband's past, an exotic dancer??) and my overly jealous family would have had me on death row also! I also noticed that her sister lived with her father, not such a wonderful man, influencing her hatred for her sister and probably mother while Debra grew up mostly with her mother. What's the problem here? Are people stupid. This is very scary and I want you to know if this ever gets another appeal, I would like to testify of how this can happen. ( ... )."

A viewer of the 'American Justice' coverage contributed his/her passionate thoughts on the A&E messageboard [07/25/2003] and wrote:

"I think that it is HORRIBLE that this woman should have been convicted on such BOGUS evidence.
That police officer should have been arrested for presenting such a document without proof that it was written by the person on trial for her life! That should be against the law! Instead, he was allowed to sit on that perch and narrate as if he was an expert! He was not. He was just a cop who MANIPULATED his own agenda for power and fame.
(...)
Her sister, father, and ex-husband acted clearly as if they had an 'axe' to grind with her on other issues and levels. I was very bothered that they were not even uncomfortable saying such horrible things about their SISTER and DAUGHTER, knowing that she could get the death penalty. There was NO love there at all, and NO credible reason for such empty feelings - outside of DIVORCE LIES and manipulation by the parents to separate the children.
This family was hostile for other reasons and that should have been PARADED to the jury by the defense team, not used as a measure of guilt.
Debbie Milke herself was not a Likeable person to that jury because she was not Mother Theresa. Well, neither is the jury. And that does not make her a murderer, nor does it make the jury a murderer.
Debbie Milke did not have the opportunity to make BETTER friends being moved from pillar to post by her FATHER and then abandoned by her entire family after becoming a single parent (for whatever reason). I see clearly why Debbie Milke would be in her situation (as in marrying the loser ex-husband).
AND, AND, AND, AND, AND, If every single mother or father who tries to find days and weeks of ADULT freedom by having family members look after their children were considered manipulative and unloving of our children - then we have MILLIONS and MILLIONS and MILLIONS of manipulative - potential murders out there!
She did NOT have a fair trial. The judge was and since, proven incompetent to sit on the bench! THAT alone should warrant a Mistrial!!!!!
This woman deserves a new trial with PROPER legal representation, a proper judge, and a proper police department.
Her family alone should have some emotion. That alone, bothers me BIG TIME. They are just too quick to hate her without any valid reason. They definitely appear to be manipulative, vicious, angry, jealous, unloving people with their own agenda. And, duh, Come on, the ex-husband who is a male dancer, a drunk, and a habitual DWI criminal???? Perhaps he had his son murdered - because he could not have her. He is just tooooooo happy that she 'got hers' ...
This does not mean that I think she is innocent - I have not had the PROPER amount of information to make that decision -
It does mean however, that I have not heard one shred of evidence that she is guilty!!"

DARLENE from Ohio wrote on July 25th:

"My name is Darlene, I had just seen your daughter's story on American Justice. I am so sorry for the trouble that you and your family is going through, and they say that America is the land of the free!
In some ways I have experienced the court system much the same way as your daughter, Debra, there are so much injustice out there, especially for moms.
I have an uncle who is also an ex-cop in AZ, I will e-mail him to find information. I can not believe that officials can't see the injustice that went on in the court system. ( ... ) I will keep you and your daughter, Debra in my prayers each night. I hope that she will get her day in court again."

One male visitor, PAUL, from Canada wrote to us on 07/06/2003:

"I have been reading over the site these past few days and I am shocked with the way the state of Arizona has dealt with Debra. At first it was hard to believe that so many incompetent errors could have been made, however, after some surfing around to get all the details of the case, I noticed the following: On the following site http://www.adc.state.az.us/DeathRow/DRowM.htm#MILKE (which I assume to be official) it states that the start of the trial was Dec 7, 1990 and that the verdict was given on Oct. 12, 1990. If the state cannot even get the dates correct on their site how competent are their civil servants ? Please give my regards to Ms. Milke. I can only hope and pray that the state of Arizona does the right thing soon."

Lisa from El Dorado told us her evaluation on 06/11/2003:

"I don't think she had any thing to do with it. She should not be in that hell hole. I hope every thing works out for her."

One well-indoctrinated Californian commentator wrote this eMail message of 05/16/2003:

"She indicated that it would be better to have her son die than grow up like her husband.
Why did she leave the home to stay at her Dads ?
Too many holes in the story.
Just give them all the needle and close the book on this one."

Comment: The reason why Debra went to Florence and stay with her family was - other than her family's suggestion - based on the reinforcement of police officers. Debra also filled police in on all the contact details and the report of DET. DAVIS #2181 states: "(...) She was asked her dad's name and said it was RICHARD SADEIK and he lives at XXX in Florence. She gave his phone number as XXX-XX XX. (...)" SALDATE attempted a similar attack on Debra's decision to go to Florence in his pre-trial interview of June 26, 1990 [towards the end of the interview]. He also criticized the fact that Debra remained inside the apartment while the search for CHRISTOPHER was performed at the Metro Center, even though - again - one report reproduces the clear order of the police for her to stay put [in case CHRISTOPHER called home] because enough police officers and acquaintances of Debra were participating in the search.

In a newsgroup discussion dated 05/07/2003 one participant commented:

"I have long held very similar views to those you express there about the jury system.
And I hope your campaign succeeds in freeing Debra Milke. It is almost unbelievable that in any modern society a person could executed on such flimsy evidence which strongly appears to be the product of police corruption.
( ... )
Another factor, which you mentioned in another post, was the biased pre-trial media coverage. I find it astonishing that in this day and age a country like the United States still allows the media to pervert criminal trials by polluting jury pools with biased reporting. Prosecutors in the US know only too well how effective the media can be in winning their cases for them before trials even start, and so great emphasis is placed on feeding the press & TV with mischievous rumors and even outright lies about defendants. That is what the apologists for this outrageous mockery of justice call "free-speech"."

One reader named PETER from Portland commented on 04/27/2003:

"(...) I think that the judicial system we now have is corrupt. The main reason is the decline in Christianity. People have placed their faith in democratic institutions instead. But these institutions cannot be any better than the people who make them up. A set-up like that might work a little better in Europe, where the people are mostly related, but not here.
I would like to help more. (...)"

A female Phoenician wrote us on 04/21/2003:

"(...) I am a XXX at XXX [edited by the webmaster]. I have spent the last several days reading everything about this case. As a long time opponent of the death penalty, this case demonstrates the stupidity of our system and AZ in particular. Debra is most certainly a victim of the most extreme miscarriage of anything that could even be remotely called 'justice'. (...) We have such a history for stupid decisions both in the justice arena as well as the political venue. (...)"

In March 2003 this message of BARBARA reached us :

"(...)I have also read a bit more on Debra's fight, & I am more or less horrified at the way she has been treated, & at detective Saldate's attitude to his job. I also feel quite awkward because I know there is not a thing I could possibly say to comfort you, being in the position you are in, but please give Debra my regards & let her know I am praying for her safe release. (...)"

We received another reaction from a female from Virginia, who responded to the coverage aired by 'American Justice', JESSICA:

"(...) Two Hours ago I watched a show on the A&E channel called American Justice. It was about Debra Milke. I am very upset that something like that could happen to someone with absolutely no real proof and would like to help. I was wondering if you could tell me if the American Justice show that they aired today is current and also to whom would it be the most helpful to write to regarding a retrial for Debra Milke ? (...)"

Another male reader, RUDI, of this website commented in March 2003:

(...) It is a contradiction to common sense and typical railroading in America's killer legal culture. I'd think your best bet is the governor on grounds of reasonable doubt and legal misconduct, but I know how these things work and the outlook is not good. I wish I could recommend a course of action but I know no one in Arizona who could be of help. (...)

ELIZABETH from Florida read portions about Debra's case and concluded:

(...) I just cannot imagine the pain a person must go through, enduring the loss of a child and then prison. ( ... ) It is just so horrible to think that people are on death row that did not do anything! At least that governor in Illinois pardoned quite a few people because so many were found to be unjustly imprisoned. (...)

SCOTT from Bremerton, WA felt compelled to share his thoughts after being referred to the website by a newspaper article:

(...) I read in the news today that inmates won the right to use the internet, so I checked out the site just to see what it was about. I recall seeing this in the news back then, and as it was in another state I was saddened but did not pay as much attention as I could have. Having reviewed MOST every page on the site, I'm ashamed of the justice system, I hope that the truth will come out, but my experience with the justice system is that it has to be played like a finitely tuned violin, which is not right, it should just 'work'. Please tell Debra that I am wishing her well and will stay appraised via the website, and perhaps if you would send me her address I will write her a letter. Thank you, Scott (...)

ERIC from Glendale, AZ responded to the contents of this internet presence on 12/18/2002:

Stick a needle in her arm and be done with it, already. She was a greedy bitch who would rather her own child be dead than let the child's father have him. If it were up to me, I'd lock her in a room wallpapered with photographs of her son, and make sure the lights were on, bright, 24 hours a day. I sincerely hope her execution date is soon set and carried out.

MIKE shared his thoughts with us as a result of the 'American Justice' replay on 12/04/2002:

(...) The program I watched was called American Justice, the part that got me was the tape the jury heard in the jury room that was not submitted during the trial. also the detective was probably not cross-examined enough . Hey, where are the Barry Shecks and the rest of the good lawyers who could have blown that case wide open. (...)

Comment: We'd like to add the information that the tape was never a 'secret'. Much rather public defender KENNETH RAY intended to play it to the jury and draw the attention to the 'flashing breasts' allegation contained therein. Unfortunately the tape-device would wreck up because the batteries were low. KEN RAY was not aware of the nineteen serious discrepancies between the actual tape [interview transcript] and SALDATE'S narrated report thereof, which reveals a lot about SALDATE'S true techniques in falsifying and manipulating 'a story' to his convenience.

On 12/03/2002 another MIKE from Calgary wrote these lines, assuming Debra could read them herself:

(...) After seeing your case on A&E I could not help but think that you got an unfair trial. I think if the likes of Larry King put his mind to it, that you would be out of jail soon. Unfortunately Arizona still has the old boys club, and the so called big boys protect each other. But don't despair, it will only be a matter of time until public opinion bursts your case wide open. I am only a little guy in Calgary, Alberta and even I know about your case. (...)

Even in France (Old Europe) Debra Milke's case draws more and more attention of observers and people who wish her well. ALAIN wrote on 11/26/2002:

(...) I'm French, and I read the trial of Debra since one month, and some time I use a dictionary. In France there's no death penalty since 1981. (...) How is it possible SALDATE is the only one who heard DEBRA, without recording and sign, maybe I'll never meet DEBRA, but all my thoughts are for her, and hope she'll be free soon. (...)

CINDY T. from Texas shared her thoughts with us in her message of 08/27/2002:

(...) Is this a joke? How can they convict a mother who spends her child's entire life protecting him from his drug addicted father? Are these people stupid? She would go so far as to protect him from his own father, but then kill him herself? I recently lost a high school friend on Texas Death Row. I cannot BELIEVE the idiots that run our country & our judicial system. It is a COMPLETE JOKE! My prayers go out to her!!! (...)

After watching the 'American Justice' program ERIC from Hawaii had several question and eventually concluded in his eMail of 08/26/2002:

(...) No, Scott was a perfect guy for them to use to help build their case. And as far as motive, he is the only one with one considering his comments to Chris. Sounds like he barely knew Chris and to make comments like that seem very odd? any kids missing from his old neighborhood? I thought the American Justice story was Pro-Prosecution when I saw it. Yea, as far as Saldate's transcripts as a paper trail against Debbie, why bother. What I meant by that was they don't have any paper trail to go along with any physical evidence, right! ie: notes from home planning of events, planning a uncharacteristic trip after getting ins money, or wild shopping spree. 'Mahalos' again for taking the time to answer all my questions, sorry there are so many!!! Imagine how my mom felt as I grew up. Hope to hear good news in the future. (...)

On 08/18/2002 a reader from Illinois, DAN, wrote this message:

(...) I have read Debbie's story. Another trial might be appropriate. This is scary, because injustice can happen to anyone. Our justice system works fairly well, but just like everything in life, it has flaws. God be with you Debbie. (...)

A female visitor to this website, PENNY, wrote on 06/21/2002:

(...) First of all, let me state that I am in favor/support of the death penalty, but not when carried out unjustly (makes me sick). I've only at this point read Debra's words. It is one of the most compelling stories I have read (I relate!) (...) I have heard/read/saw the most horrible stories of women taking their own children's lives. Though, most mothers that take the life of their own child succumb to their own guilt and hideousness that they justly confess. Those who don't are depraved people with no conscience. The ones that are accused falsely. I think to myself how I would feel if I accused of killing my child at the same time that I'm being told that he's dead. I would go mad!! (...)

An award-winning prison guard at the Perryville prison - where Debra is unjustly rotting day by day - who was initially strongly in favor of executing Debra immediately, started to ponder after being confronted with more facts of the case (06/13/2002):

(...) It will be interesting to see how this thing turns out. I'd like to see what the State has that would merit execution without Saldate's alleged confession. (...)

MICHAEL R. from Las Vegas, NV sent this message after seeing the 'American Justice' program and reading about Debra's case on this website on 01/10/2002:

(...) Hello my name is Michael R., I live in Las Vegas Nevada and watched American Justice on 1/9/02. I found myself drawn to the case. From the beginning. I wanted to say that I am in support of Debbie being released. I think the trial and the method that the evidence was collected was shameful, and leaves a lot to be desired to the validity of criminal investigation. I wanted to say basically that I support Debbie and hope soon she will be able to receive a new trial or have the evidence ruled inadmissible. (...)

A doctor from Oregon also claimed that he was convinced of Debra's innocence and wrote on 01/10/2002:

(...) I think Debbie is a good woman, a good mother and a good human being who has been very clearly cheated by a corrupt us justice system and arrogant lying prosecutors. When she gets out of jail, she needs to sue the state of Arizona for millions. I think she will go free soon and she will be able to sue the state for false imprisonment. (...)
P.S.: Give her my regards and tell her that we here in Oregon believe in her. (...)

A participant to our newsletter, a supporter of Debra from Minnesota, DAVID, related in his message of 12/28/2001:

(...) We can only hope that the Arizona judicial system will start to sit up and take notice. Will watch for the petition and promise to send one in - as well as circulating as many copies as I can manage to my online 'family', which extends to every corner of the globe. (...) My voice is but a small one, but it will always be raised against injustice, especially on a scale as horrible as that which Debra has suffered. (...)

Supporters of Debra from Mesa wrote a reaction to the 'Phoenix New Times' on 03/22/2001:

"(...) The Arizona Attorney General's Office is reluctant to talk about the death penalty issues because it has been caught in covering up sloppy investigative work that was done with the county prosecutors at the time of the original trial ["Janet Clams Up", Amy Silverman, March 15]. Rather than debate the issue on all fronts, the office only accepts interviews that will articulate its best performances in cases in which the county and the state have acted responsibly and professionally.
Just like the capital murder case mentioned in your article, the state is reluctant to discuss the Debra Milke case and the impropriety of police investigative work. Milke's case highlights a confession that Milke never made to a police officer who was reprimanded for developing false testimony.
[ ... ]
via Internet"