The Mississippi Justice Project Presents
The Peggy Starns Story
The death had originally been ruled to have been from natural causes or accidental but the biological mother, seeking "closure" and needing someone to blame, hounded the authorities and the media persistently for the whole of the 18 years until they decided to re-open the case.
The prosecution opened the trial with the confession that "We have no new evidence what we do have is theory, speculation, and conjecture".
When the little girl had died the death had been thoroughly investigated, as all unexplained deaths should be, but no evidence of foul play was found. The biological mother was, even that early and driven by nothing but grief and hatred, telling everyone who would listen, "That woman killed my child!" But, no one had killed her. Peggy and the child had enjoyed a close and loving relationship and the biological mother simply needed someone to take the blame.
Peggy was thoroughly investigated at that time but no reason was found to charge her. Eighteen years later there was nothing new in the way of evidence but she was charged, tried, and convicted in a trial that must be one of the worst travesties of justice ever to have occurred in America. She received a life sentence.
For a more detailed and comprehensive account of the story, click here for Peggy's Story or select from the site navigator. You may also learn more about this Lady, from whom The Great State of Mississippi is protecting you, by visiting "Who is Peggy Starns".
Don't miss "I'm On My Way" for a hint of what is important to Peggy and what her attitude is now that she is in prison.
Travesty in Mississippi
Certain rights are just taken for granted by most Americans. The right to a fair and speedy trial is among them. The right to confront witnesses. The right to be considered Innocent until proven Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The right to a trial by a Jury of our peers.
These rights are not always available to us when really needed. This case illustrates that point. Peggy Starns was not afforded those basic rights when she was brought to trial for a crime that had never occurred. She was, inexplicably, charged with murder, in the death of a little girl who had, at that time been dead for 18 years.
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This page was last updated on: September 23, 2007
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