Is justice served by executing a man with the mind of a 10-year-old?
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Early in his childhood
David Raley showed signs of impaired mental capacity. People who knew him as
a child and teenager described him as a "loner," an "oddball."
His problems were exacerbated by severe parental abuse and neglect. David's
parents had a severely troubled relationship, and their two children suffered
as a result. His alcoholic mother was verbally and sexually abusive toward David.
His father was physically abusive and neglectful. Both parents had extramarital
affairs and sometimes demanded David's assistance to facilitate encounters.
On occasion, David's neighbors and teachers noticed his anxiety, paranoia and
odd behavior, and recommended he get professional help. David's parents, however,
refused to provide him the counseling he needed.