Update: Was it a lynching or justice?

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original post

Marcus Dixon is a black high school honor student serving a ten year sentence in a Georgia prison for consensual sex with his nearly-16-year-old white girlfriend.

Although a jury acquitted Marcus of rape and three other counts of violent acts, the prosecutor also charged him with "aggravated child molestation." Consensual sex with a virgin fits into the technical reading of this Georgia statute. The statute has never been applied to consensual sex between two teenagers with less than three years age difference, until now.

Supporters of Marcus Dixon are invited to join Southern Christian Leadership Conference President Emeritus Dr. Joseph Lowery, Rep. Tyrone Brooks, Sen. Vincent Fort and people from throughout the state and the country who will attend a special church service and candlelight vigil to the steps of the Georgia Supreme Court on Jan. 20, 2004 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Central Presbyterian Church, located at 201 Washington Street across from the Georgia capitol (Atlanta).

The service will also include an opportunity for people to donate to the Dixon relief fund aimed at funding Marcus’s college tuition whenever he gets out of prison, providing for him after college, and reducing the debt his family has encumbered. For those who can not attend the event but would like to send a donation, please make checks payable to “Marcus Dixon Trust” and mail to: Marcus Dixon Trust, P.O. Box 102812, Atlanta GA 30368-2812.

For media coverage of Marcus's case, check out:

Fox World News is airing a piece "The Big Story" at 9:30 EST Saturday 17th;
CBS Evening News two part segment Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th;ABC Nightline on Wednesday 21st

Marcus' appeal is pending in the Georgia Supreme Court. It will likely be heard on January 21, 2004 with a decision rendered some months later. Lis at Riba Rambles adds her thoughts, having seen a post by Skippy at American Street.

Please sign the petition opposing the wrongful conviction and sentencing of Marcus Dixon.

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