Appeals expected to delay Dorsey execution

By Fred Childers - bio|email

http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S= ... v=menu50_2

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - When Felton Dorsey was handed a death sentence for his part in the brutal murder of Joe Prock, family members took some comfort that justice has been carried out.

But the process has really just begun, prosecutors expect numerous appeals.

"The challenges we could face could range anywhere from trial issues that were objected to in the present case, all the way up to the manor in which Louisiana carries out it's execution," said Dhu Thompson, one of the prosecutors in the case.

All of which the prosecution team has prepared for, but with Louisiana's system, delays are inevitable.

"It can be a very time consuming process there can be multiple filings with cases of this nature, the files are voluminous," said Thompson.

Compared to Texas - the state that leads the nation in execution - Louisiana pales in comparison.

This year, Texas has already killed 16.

So far this year, no death row inmates have been executed in Louisiana. And the last time one was executed from Caddo parish was back in 1990.

"An individual by the name of Wayne Felde, and it took about ten years from the time he was convicted. Thompson believes the time on death row has been extended because there are now more filings.

According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas' average time on death row still sits at ten years. Some estimate Louisiana's post conviction relief will result in about 15, maybe longer.

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