Year End Thoughts and an Update…

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As 2023 draws to a close, I’d like to share some thoughts on what this “journey for justice” on behalf of six innocent men has meant to me.

But first, an announcement. On August 30, Keith Kutska, was released on parole.

WBAY coverage of Keith Kutska’s release.

For the first time in decades-with the exception of Dale Basten-all of the men; exoneree, Michael Piaskowski, Keith Kutska, Michael Hirn, Reynold Moore, and Michael Johnson are home for the holidays with loved ones! Sadly, Dale passed away on June 23, 2018, nine months after his release from prison.

Dale Basten in 2016 at Stanley Correctional Institution

Since 2009 when I first learned of this grave injustice and pledged my support to help free these men, I had no knowledge of the eye-opening realities of our criminal justice system. While I still believe that the system gets it right the majority of the time, it is those instances; too many of them, that we as a society must scrutinize and remedy.

I do not claim to be an expert in this field and I certainly do not have any grand solutions to rid the system of wrongful convictions. I only know that what I’ve seen up close as a bystander in one of the most notorious cases in Wisconsin history is quite disturbing. And the results can only be measured in lives destroyed…lives lost…lives wasted…all for no good reason.

Keith Kutska with his lawyers during his evidentiary hearing in 2015

In the Monfils case there has been adequate opportunity for those with the ability to do so, to finally correct this injustice in light of the new evidence and information brought forth during the 2015 evidentiary hearing for Keith Kutska by a well-respected and unbiased law firm. Sadly, that has not happened. On the contrary, the pushback to maintain the status quo in this case has been unrelenting.

Former DA John Zakowski is currently a judge in the same district

Unfortunately, that defiance is not unique. But thanks to the Innocence Project organization and the more recent installations of CIUs (Criminal Integrity Units), there are credible and effective resources available to help push through such barriers.

Observing and watching in real time how the more recent legal process has progressed in Wisconsin has been more of an education than I could have ever imagined. Unfortunately, my takeaway has been a less than stellar opinion of the entire judicial process. I no longer readily accept at face value, the information provided in news clips regarding other arrests, investigations, etc. I just always have this nagging fear of possible “gaps” in those stories.

I’ve gotten to know the six men in the Monfils case and many others since who have experienced the nightmare of being falsely accused. Above all, I’ve witnessed remarkable courage, unwavering determination, and unparalleled strength of character. Ironically, the very folks who’ve overcome absolute hopelessness, devastating disappointments, and brutal animosity are some of the nicest people on the planet. It has been a privilege for me to have met enough of them to know that there is so much to be learned from all of them.

While the goal of full exonerations for all of these Wisconsin men has yet to be realized, I am proud of my role as a social justice advocate. I am proud of this legacy for myself and my family. I am proud of my accomplishments as a writer who has found her voice and who has chosen to use it to educate, to inspire, and to advocate for those victimized by a flawed criminal justice system.

Many of you have lent your support in various ways over the years. For this I am grateful. Now, for the sake of continuing to educate the public, you can help me spread this story far and wide. Maybe consider buying a copy of my book for a friend or a loved one.

Purchase through my website. Click on the book image in the upper right corner of this page.

Order the book through my publisher, Kirk House Publishing

If you’ve read the book, THANK YOU! A brief review on Amazon is always helpful in maintaining a book’s visibility.

Most importantly, it truly is a gift for these men to see and feel the amazing support from all of you on their behalf!

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

 

 

Extraordinary Declarations…

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“Guys! I’ve been invited to give a presentation for an organization called The Green Bay Area Retired Men’s Club. They meet every Tuesday at the Brown County Library and they have 200+ members! I’m scheduled for Tuesday, July 25th. Who wants to join me?”

Mission Statement: “The Green Bay Area Retired Men’s Club provides a welcoming, friendly, social, organized, entertaining, and educational experience to promote camaraderie among the members. It focuses on social events, speakers, and tours.”

This opportunity to speak to such a large and diverse group of local men was a significant prospect for us. It was imperative that we make the most of it. I remembered meeting members of this group years ago when I accompanied John Gaie and Denis Gullickson who were invited in to talk about their newly published book, The Monfils Conspiracy. The feeling I had walked away with was one of respect and acceptance. I had witnessed a definite willingness by club members to listen to what eight years of research had revealed about this case. There was no reason to think that this second appearance in 2023 would be any different. A great platform for opening minds, initiating future actions, and soliciting new connections would also provide another equally important aspect of this mission that would become clear during the event. It was something I had not considered.

In a meeting to discuss the details prior to this event, I reassured the guys of my belief that this will be a positive experience. I expressed the importance of allowing the public to see who they really are. I shared with them something I’ve heard time and again, that once people meet them it becomes clear that they are not the “union thug murderers” they were portrayed as by the media and in the courtroom. I stressed that only they can convey the true scope of this tragedy.

Michael Piaskowski: Exonerated: Jan 8, 2001, Released: Apr 3, 2001

December 18, 2018

July 3, 2019: Mike and Joan Treppa with Kim and Mike Johnson the day Johnson was paroled

Michael Piaskowski, Michael Hirn and Michael Johnson, not only agreed to being there, they all agreed to participate in a highly visible way rather than merely sitting in the audience. We must remember that these are regular guys who went to hell and back after having been convicted of a brutal murder. One exonerated, the others paroled, but not before losing precious time behind bars. It was only fitting that they now be allowed to share their truths of what happened inside the paper mill on that fateful day. A valid concern of exposing themselves to retribution from an uninformed audience unwilling to hear the true facts is never far from their minds, despite facts that are now widely available which strongly support their absolute innocence.    

Samples of the kinds of scrap wire found at the James River Paper Mill

Samples of the slurry inside the pulp vat

Following an informative presentation that covered the new facts, new developments, and insightful readings from the guys, I made my way out of the auditorium to a large open area where my husband had set copies of my book on a side table for members to purchase. In passing I overheard one member say to another, “That was a powerful presentation.” Many others expressed genuine thank yous as I walked passed them.

Rope and weight found around Tom Monfils neck.  

This type of knot found on the rope and weight was labeled by the crime lab as “nautical in nature.” Their recommendation during the original investigation was to have the knots analyzed by the Coast Guard. This was never done

In hindsight, this event accomplished more than we could have imagined…

Some members came over to the table to make their purchases and to share their impressions of this case and its aftermath. I was dumbfounded by this extraordinary declaration from two of them: “What you are doing is really helping this community to heal.” I was rendered speechless. Once again, proof that this mission…journey for justice…however it gets defined, has never been a waste of time.

Many club members stayed well after the presentation to chat with all of us. The three guys received congratulatory handshakes and encouragement. We all heard appreciation of our efforts to inform. One member mentioned that ours was one of the best presentations they’ve had.

What we learned about these Club members: Some had worked at the mill. Some had family members who were directly affected by this tragedy. Some had witnessed the dire effects that this case has had on their community. One hundred fifteen men in attendance with a story of their own to share, in regard to a death in the early 1990s…at a paper mill…in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

7-27-2023 (LtoR) Clare Martinson, Mike Johnson, Joan Treppa, Mike Treppa, Linda Patzke, Mike Hirn, Mike Piaskowski at the Retired  Men’s Club event.

And Justice for Whom…Exactly?

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                                        Sketch of Tom Monfils by Artist Jared Manninen

I was contacted recently by Kelli Arseneau; a reporter with the Green Bay Press Gazette/Post Crescent in Appleton, WI. She explained that with the 30th anniversary of Tom Monfils’ death approaching, they were putting together an article that would include a “summary of events that occurred, the trial, and its aftermath.” She asked if I’d be interested in speaking with her to share some of the things I’ve learned through my research.

I declined. Given the focus of the article, it made more sense for me to step aside. Besides, it was too unclear to me the value my opinion might bring to her piece. I explained that I did not have anything more to say other than what had already been printed in my book. I suggested that she review it and use its content. I then offered to send her a copy. I cannot know how much content was pulled from the book, but the book itself was mentioned in the article.

Aside from a few misstated details, the article was very well researched and written. It is the most comprehensive and yes, objective article about this case that I have seen to date.

It was refreshing to see, laid out in amazing detail, exactly how the police had failed the victim, Tom Monfils first. In turn, I feel that it illustrates how the courts then failed the six men.

                             Pictured (LtoR) Tom Monfils, Dale Basten, Michael Johnson,                                                  Michael Hirn, Reynold Moore, Keith Kutska, and Michael Piaskowski

Toward the end, this online version* includes a powerful statement by exoneree Michael Piaskowski.

After the article was posted on social media sites, I did as I always do. I monitored the comment sections. It broke my heart to see this exchange, which illustrates exactly how there has been absolutely no justice for either side:

Comment: “Put it to rest.”

Response by someone who was personally affected by this case: “—, we would all like to put it to rest but some of us care about the truth. I’m not being mean and I understand your view.”

There are too many cases with flaws similar to this one. We all must do better if we want to achieve a more “just” system for ALL!

*Note that all online versions have much more content than any of the printed versions.