Dear AmericanIndianPrisoners visitors,
I have as multitude
of assorted interests. There is very little that I do not like. I like to travel
and experience different cultures and history. Debate and discuss opinions,
science, politics and re-
ligions. I voice my thoughts along with the ability to be a good listener. Most
of all I do not like
negativity in any shape or form. I have a lie of crafts which include: drum
earrings, medallion earrings,
moccasin earrings, beaded horse hair necklaces, chokers and drum key chains. I'm
in the process
of getting pictures of these items and posted here at a later date. I use to
play guitar, also do some
drawing, nothing serious. I use to do mechanical drafting of my concepts. I
write some poetry. Right
now I'm in a metamorphosing stage with my poetry. I want to break away from the
anger, hate and fru-
stration. I want to write myself out of these moods. Similar to a meditative
state but in another
productive concept. I take pride in my skills and penchant to create and build
with my hands & mind.
It doesn't matter if it's pen and paper, hammer and wood or a torch and metal;
any and all material.
My main interest are technology and business. Someday I'd like to take my
interests to the streets
and really do something productive. I almost forgot to mention that I like the
outdoors, that's what
weekends are for. I love to camp and enjoy a crisp early morning outdoor moment.
6 am the sun is
up, but not in the valleys. Pine trees, wild flowers, the unseen lake, the smell
of
the path. 7 AM approximately 2 trout later, back to camp. 8 AM to cap off a
total stimulation of all
senses, trout, eggs, and hash browns cooked on an open fire!
Those were memories
of more then 20 years ago. My youth was grand but lined with stupidity, which
explains my situation. I'm 40 years old now. When I was 17 years old I was given
a life sentence.
In the state of South Dakota there is no parole board for a Life Sentence. You
can apply for a
Commutation of Sentence and if you receive a sentence reduction to years, then
you will receive a
parole date. Between now and September, at any time, I should find out whether I
will be granted or
denied Commutation of Sentence. I feel very positive on my chance to receive a
Commutation of Sen-
tence. This is the reason I'm writing this website. I believe one of the main
pieces to my success
is knowledge. I do not fear reentering society. I fear having not the
opportunity.
DECEMBER 2005:
Caption for the
photo;
Here is an older photo of my biker days. That’s my Pops driving! Back in
the day when real bikers didn’t need no stinkin’ leather, just an extra
diaper and baby powder for that protection against “Fender Chafe!”
Dear Americanindianprisoners visitors,
I’m sorry for
being so late updating this site. Thank you for bearing with me and being
patient.
The last time I wrote I had just gotten a recommendation for commutation of
sentence from the
Board of Pardons and Paroles. The next step was for the Governor of SD to review
it. He did so,
7 months later and denied the Board’s recommendation. The Governor stated in the
newspaper that
he had talked to the judge and prosecuting attorney of each individual
recommended by the Board
for review. My prosecuting attorney was Larry Long in 1981, mine was his first
case to prosecute.
He has worked his way through the ranks and is now the Attorney General of the
state of South
Dakota. This man has a strong dislike for me. There is no doubt in my mind that
he played a de-
trimental part in the outcome of my request to the Governor for commutation of
my sentence. I
know that as long as he wields this kind of power I do not have a chance. I was
a juvenile in
1981, but was tried as an adult. I was sentenced to life without the possibility
of parole.
Right before I went before the Board that then recommended the commutation of my
sentence, my
Mother passed away. I had been hoping to get out before that ever would happen.
My mother had
been a big part of my motivation to apply for commutation of sentence. A person
remembers a lot
when his mother dies… I waited one year after I was denied the recommendation
and requested
another interview before the Board. This time the Board just flat out denied me
an interview.
I never got another interview or recommendation. A month and a half after this,
my older sister
passed away. She had been battling cancer; it did go into remission for a while
but then came
back. The past few years have been hard on me. I do hope that some day the
strength that I have
gained through all this will benefit someone other than just myself. I believe
my next course
of action will have to be through the court system. Legally, I think I have some
leverage. Right
now I am trying to learn about the procedures of transferring juveniles to adult
court. I would
also like to find out if there are any practices or rulings about excessive
sentencing and what
is considered excessive even if the sentence is within the maximum of sentence
allowed. I would
appreciate any help in this matter. We only have access to basic law books here
in prison, re-
search capabilities are not the best.If you wish to correspond with me, be sure
to give me your
correct address.
I would love to hear from anyone out there!
Thank you! Sincerely, Tim Caffrey
Spring
From the Mountains
This drawing not only represents Spring from the Mountains, but also a dream.
Dreams will come to whoever wishes for them. The tipi has no designs on it,
let me explain: I like to use old school abstract art and symbols. It fits
my style to keep my visions simple. I use this simplicity to not drive you
to a certain place. It is an open place. It is your place. You drive your-
self to this place. The mighty sun is splitting the sky as it breaks through
the clouds, which are represented by the space between the blue. The eagle’s
aura tells he is of the sky. Below are the different hues of green with which
Mother Earth has blesses us. This scene is at the edge of a valley stream.
Your own inner eyes can take you to this place.
Tim and Arnie, his “Man to
Man” friend of 24 years who has fought for
Tim to receive equal justice for many years. One of these days Tim will
really wear this jersey and stand next to his friend in his own house,
serving coffee to his guest. Anyone out there who can help make this
dream come true, please write!