Legal representatives for Robin “Rocky” Myers, a Black man serving life in prison in Alabama, are working to overturn his conviction for the 1991 murder of Ludie Mae Tucker, a white woman. The defense argues that Myers’ original attorney, John E. Mays, was actively involved in the Ku Klux Klan, raising serious questions about his ability to provide adequate representation.
Myers was convicted of stabbing Tucker to death in her home in Decatur. Sentenced to death in 1994, he spent over three decades on death row. Last March, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commuted his sentence to life in prison, citing the case as “riddled with conflicting evidence from seemingly everyone involved.” Ivey expressed doubts about Myers’ guilt, noting that the jury had recommended a life sentence, which was overridden by the judge, a practice allowed under Alabama law until 2017.
Investigations into Mays’ background revealed that he was not only a lawyer but also a known figure within the United Klans of America. It was disclosed that he had represented prominent Klan members and had spoken at various rallies across six states. Newly uncovered evidence shows that Mays had been active in Klan activities, including writing for the Klan newspaper, The Fiery Cross, and advising parents on how to resist school desegregation.
According to a recent filing from Myers’ legal team, Mays’ prejudiced views may have significantly compromised his representation of Myers. Leah Nelson, one of the investigators, stated, “I believe the contemporaneous newspaper accounts over what he says now.” She emphasized that Mays’ actions indicated a clear alignment with Klan goals, questioning his suitability to represent a Black man effectively.
The motion to vacate Myers’ conviction argues that no forensic evidence directly tied him to the crime. Furthermore, a key witness for the prosecution has since recanted, claiming he implicated Myers in exchange for leniency in an unrelated auto theft case. Myers’ defense underscores that Mays acted under an “unwaivable conflict of interest,” due to his documented racism that likely influenced his representation of Myers.
Assistant District Attorney Courtney Schellack filed a response to the court, characterizing Myers’ petition as “wholly without merit” and denying any significant allegations made in the filing. While Schellack acknowledged Mays’ past involvement with the Klan, she argued that the information presented did not constitute “newly discovered” evidence, stating that Mays had denied being a Klan member.
The extent of local legal community awareness regarding Mays’ Klan ties in the 1970s and 1980s is still uncertain. However, an emergency motion filed by Myers’ current lawyer indicates that there may be evidence of Mays’ Klan activities stored in the Morgan County Courthouse, including potential artifacts like certificates or trophies. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of this evidence being lost during ongoing renovations at the courthouse.
As Myers’ legal team prepares to respond to the district attorney’s dismissal of their claims, the case remains under judicial review. The outcome may not only impact Myers’ fate but also raise broader questions about the integrity of the legal representation in cases involving racially charged histories.
