Empathy is simply the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and understand circumstances from their point of view. This trait is one of the most important to possess if humans wish to fathom the varied states of nature and emotion. Within life’s daily interactions empathy can be the necessary tool to cope with a situation and quell a negative reaction. And in cases of dire events, it causes pain at the very thought of the tragedy. When someone else makes a sloppy driving mistake on the road, I recall my instances of incompetence, and when death occurs I shudder at the thought of that piercing my heart close to home.
I heard that a friend of a good friend had been charged with a murder he did not commit a couple months ago. Over that span of time, I’ve come to understand the fine details of the case and I believe that Tennesse native Eric Volz is innocent of murdering Doris Jimenez in San Juan, Nicaragua on Nov. 21, 2006. As he awaits his appeal in maximum-security Modelo prison beginning his 30-year sentence, I know that his plight and ordeal could have happened to me.
Eric’s case finally gained some national press attention here in the United States on Monday, when the Wall Street Journal published a front page article titled “Romance, a Murder And an American in Nicaraguan Jail”.
The article does not give Eric the complete benefit of the doubt, but it is somewhat holistic and nuanced in its presentation. Toward the end of the article the points are given that prove Eric’s innocence including:
1) Eric had seven eye-witnesses during the time of the murder, as well as cell phone records showing his location.
2) Eric was charged with rape, though the autopsy later showed that this did not occur.
3) There was no blood, hair, or other physical evidence that the prosecution provided to link Eric to the crime.
I’m just trying to bring some further awareness to this man’s situation. Here’s how you can help:
-Read more on his case at his family’s website and write to your congressman.
-Become his friend on myspace and get your friends to as well.
Just imagine if that were you:
Also check the new youtube of Eric Volz’s case.