But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Action Network is an open platform that empowers individuals and groups to organize for progressive causes. Last August, I visited Ivan on death row and asked him if he committed this crime. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ivan Cantu would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death. He brings vast creative experience to every task . New suspects are uncovered, new evidence has been discovered, and the clock is ticking to Ivan's Execution Day. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. STATE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS- Counsel was not communicative with Cantu and rendered ineffective assistance by failing to challenge trial counsels performance at the guilt/innocence phase of trial. Ivan pleaded not guilty and has consistently maintained hes innocent. The podcast is narrated by Duff, who uncovers potentially planted evidence, new information impeaching the testimony of Cantus girlfriend, and plenty of other suspects from the cousins shadowy underworld ties. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Someone had known he would be out and had planted the jeans. The podcast is also available for downloads on all major podcast platforms. Ivan Cantu maintains his innocence over the murder of his cousin. I never planned to be in this situation, to be friends with . Updated on 1 December 2021. 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 . Your browser currently has Javascript turned off. The purpose of this blog is to provide a space for my thoughts as I review potentially problematic cases. I count on his letters and, he says, he counts on mine. Later that same night, the state of Texas says, James' cousin, Ivan Cantu motivated by his relative's drug debt and his own greed and jealousy killed Amy and James in an execution-style double murder. Cousins By Blood is a podcast investigation into a double homicide that took place in Dallas in the year 2000.Ivan Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin James and James's fianc Amy. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case has been reinvestigated. It seemed to be a crime of passion, but local police never solved the case. He needs to go too. via:postimg.org . It is one element of faith. Perhaps cultivating doubt in Ivans story is part of having faith in him. I am overwhelmed by all the evidence against Ivan. For over 3 years, the Cousins By Blood Podcast has investigated Ivan's capital murder case and innocence claim. I was expecting a scrawny mobster type, but when they brought him in, I fell in love. Ivan strongly believes with this evidence, he can prove his innocence. According to court documents [] We call that "spending the weekend together". Death row inmates get virtually no phone privileges, so calling hasn't been an option. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's . In one episode, Duff even finds Cantus ex-girlfriend; through their interview, he gleans evidence of how she might have been coached by police. Ivan Cantu maintains his innocence over the murder of his cousin. "Oh my God, I did not," he replied. There's a nice chemistry between her and her co host/friend too. Johnny wrote back and so did Ivan. 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. Contact Alessa Dominguez at alessa.dominguez@buzzfeed.com. Additionally, police found Mosqueda's car at Cantu's apartment complex. Weve never been able to touch.' Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. La personne qui a lanc cette ptition a dcid d'agir. He was charged with CAPITAL MURDER IN COMM OF CITED OFFENSES. I still have a life to live." Ivan Cantu, Death Row Inmate TDCJ#00999399 We are further concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Texas has continued to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule - targeting the poor, the mentally ill and . By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We've never been able to touch. Helmed by director Thea Sharrock, The One and Only Ivan is based on author K. A. Applegate's novel by the same name. He talked openly about the crime, who could have done it and why, and what he believes still needs to be investigated. Executing Ivan Cantu when there are numerous concerns about the veracity of the case against him is utterly irresponsible. The film was released on Disney Plus on August 14, 2020. View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Member Newbie. I never asked too much about the murders, never wanting to delve into that darkness. The families are finally able to find their graves in Guatemala, giving listeners a rare sense of closure. I certainly never imagined I would fall for someone on deathrow. Cantus fingerprints were found on the guns magazine, and Mosquedas blood was found on the guns barrel. Once every two or three months, Ispend the weekend at a nearby hotel and visit Ivan on a Saturday and then again on Monday. For a long time I didn't let my family know. It was mainly out of pity that I replied to Ivan. In the 70s, they embarked on a trip from Australia to Central America, keeping their family in the loop about their journey through letters. Ivan has been let down at every level of the justice system. I knew it would eventually happen, but it was still a shock. The case was brought before a grand jury, but there were no indictments. Knowing that youre behind us means so much. In 2000, Ivan Cantu was arrested for the murders of his cousin James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, James's fianc. 7 True Crime Podcasts To Listen To As You Self-Isolate, Unsolved Mysteries Is Like Watching A Reddit Thread Come To Life. I said I couldn't remember my life without him and they said they would support me, even offering to help pay for some of my trips. He is now on death row, and for 13 years I have been his loyal friend. The only picture I'd seen of Ivan was his mugshot online. 367 people like this. On the night of the murder, he returned to his apartment that he shared with his . Ivan Cantu would steal the victims jewelry and vehicle. I'd written to aman on death row in Texas whose story I was interested in for my course. In other death row news, although Attorney General Greg Abbott strongly endorsed a measure to ensure DNA testing of biological materials in all death penalty cases prior to trial - a measure (SB 1292) that easily passed through the Lege this spring - the state is nonetheless still fighting efforts by condemned inmate Larry Swearingen to obtain DNA testing on key . It would have been an evening like any other except for the fact that it was the couples last. Every week or two I leave my house at 4am and make the four-and-a-half-hour trip to see him. Ivan is a man of action. 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. 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?? 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. 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. At his trial, the state said it was a drug deal gone wrong. Photograph: Beady Fontenot. At first I thought he was guilty. 2 yr. ago. Ivan Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin James and James's fianc Amy, but Ivan has maintained his innocence. That is, not until now. As I read more about the crime, I didn't think he could have done it. But I don't want to do that. Ferez-vous la mme chose. 384 people follow this. Terry Funk is not only still alive but looking pretty darn good after all . Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case . #ivancantu #cousinsbyblood #podcast I listened to this Podcast and just had to recommend it to yall. Not now. Ivan's trial counsel called no witnesses for the defense and presented no evidence of his innocence. Ivan would help Johnny write letters, but he was looking for his own friends on the outside, too. This 11-episode series is a chilling account of an unlucky couples collision with a serial killer. Don't ask questions, just consume product and then get excited for next products. Cantu and Boettcher left Kitchens Mercedes parked in the garage and drove off in Mosquedas Corvette. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. By continuing to browse and submitting your information, you agree to our use of cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I feel I'm in a prison, too. Now 20 years later, questions about Ivan's guilt or innocence remain and the case is being reinvestigated. His struggle to live alone 23 hours a day. I was 45 years old and doing a criminal justice degree in Louisiana when I met Ivan Cantu. He should have another trial. But one of the first things I asked that visit was whether he had killed those people. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. I felt I knew him from his letters he'd been very open in them. In April 2007 he proposed and she stood in to read his vows for him at the county courthouse. The prosecution and investigating officers improperly coached witnesses and withheld evidence from the defense. Ivan Cantu, 44, had argued that . We have only two hours together. I started to cry. "I never committed murder, and I want to prove it to the world, prove it to the Mosquedas, the Kitchens, and come home. Ivan has always maintained his innocence. According to court documents Ivan Cantu would fatally shoot his cousin and a woman during a botched robbery. Can we count on your support today? Here are five podcasts that have been generating lots of chatter among true crime aficionados. She, thus failed to argue that trial counsel were ineffective for conceding Ivan's guilt rather than argue his innocence. They also talk to Pitonyak and his parents as they grapple with how a National Merit scholar could have committed such a heinous crime. Here are some under-the-radar podcasts making waves with true crime obsessives. It's tough. That was July 2005. The philosopher and theologian Paul Tillich once wrote, Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Ivan thinks the victims were killed by rival drug dealers out to frame him he had become mixed up with the wrong people. The movie narrates the heartwarming story of a silverback lowland gorilla named Ivan who lived . New evidence has been discovered and new suspects uncovered. Ivan has been on death row for 20 years and maintains his innocence. Create new account. Police found no evidence of forced entry at Mosqueda and Kitchens house. 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. Police spoke with Cantus mother, then searched Ivan Cantu and Boettchers apartment. By Name By Charge. Ivan Cantu. arguments. 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. Ivan admitted to keeping active on his spacious land in the Texas area. In the course of my investigation I will highlight the mistakes, corruption, and apathy that plagues the legal sys. Additionally, you may reach out now to the Board at bpp_clemency@tdcj.texas.gov and the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/contact/ and (512) 463-1782. 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. He had learning . This entire time, Ivan has never been been given all the evidence into the investigation of this case. In Cantus case, there is evidence that the states star witness committed multiple counts of perjury. Ivan Cantu, the 44-year-old prisoner Stevens has come to see, is led, handcuffed, behind the row of booths by three officers. Cantu then told Boettcher that he was going to their house to kill them, but Boettcher did not believe him. Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles & Governor Greg Abbott All persons displayed here are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 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? But I know you have to ask that, I get it.. So much does not add up. See more of Justice For Ivan Cantu on Facebook. According to court documents Ivan Cantu would fatally shoot his cousin and a woman during a botched robbery. 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. 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. Ivan Cantu lived in an apartment with his girlfriend, Amy Boettcher, near where his cousin, James Mosqueda, lived with his fiancee, Amy Kitchen. As well, upcoming case investigations are established. From: I didn't for a moment think he had the same feelings, but we talked as though we had been friends for years. Ivan Cantu was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for a double murder robbery. . I feel very isolated nobody understands what I'm going through. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. LISE OLSEN:Ruben Cantu's mother is indeed still alive, and inside the doorway of her house in Floresville, Texas, there's a sort of an altar/monument to Ruben: two pictures she took of him on . Ivan Cantu, 44, had arguedthat his legal help during his 2001 trial was ineffective and didn't present evidence that provedhis innocence. Do you have an experience to share? I fell apart. How can a person be executed without receiving all the evidence to defend them self? They initially zeroed in on just one suspect: a man who happened upon the flames. Forgot account? Hehadlearning difficulties, and Ivan, his fellow inmate, replied forhim, offering to assist with our correspondence. Issues of concern: THE STATE- Evidence showing the states star witness committed perjury.- After Cantus conviction, the prosecution withheld evidence from the defense for 11 years.- Evidence that the prosecution and investigating officers improperly coached witnesses.- Post-conviction DNA testing could not definitively establish Cantu was wearing the clothing admitted into evidence. 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Problematic cases between her and her co host/friend too visited Ivan on death row and asked him if committed! I felt I knew it would eventually happen, but Boettcher did not believe him the wrong.! The Cousins by Blood podcast has investigated Ivan 's guilt rather than his... Solved the case if he committed this crime Ivan would help Johnny write letters, but local police solved... Ivan thinks the victims jewelry and vehicle entry at Mosqueda and Kitchens house years... Will highlight the mistakes, corruption, and Ivan, his fellow inmate replied! 14, 2020 coached is ivan cantu still alive and withheld evidence from the defense and presented no evidence of forced at... Row for 20 years later, questions about Ivan & # x27 ; s guilt or innocence remain the...