Hempstead, NY Vol.77 | Issue 10
The Hofstra
Chronicle
Thursday
November 17, 2011
Keeping the Hofstra Community informed since 1935
Tankleff promotes Innocence Project that saved his life By Samantha Abram SpeciAl to the chronicle
hofstra’s criminology Department sponsored a lecture on Wednesday with Martin tankleff, who was wrongfully accused of murdering his parents in Suffolk county, new York in 1988. he served 17.5 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and then finished his undergraduate degree at hofstra. in 1988, authorities found tankleff’s parents attacked in their home and almost immediately accused him of the brutal attacks. he was in police custody and interrogated until he was forced into a false confession. in the 1980s no one believed that innocent people could go to jail; if the person was convicted they were guilty. public perception was that a wrong conviction was impossible. in 1990, tankleff was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison, two years after his arrest for double homicide.
“My life changed that day and it will never be the same,” said tankleff. there was no forensic evidence linking him to the crime and several witnesses came forward to prove his innocence. Still authorities didn’t listen and made him suffer. “there was no evidence that matched what prosecutors said,” said Bruce lambert, a former writer for the New York Times, who took an interest in the case to help tankleff. “they said he killed his parents using a barbell and a knife, but couldn’t find any blood or tissue on either of them,” he added. tankleff wasn’t going to let his life go to waste, so he made a point to prove his innocence by studying at the law library in prison and connecting with his lawyers. During his time in prison he appealed his case every year, only to be turned down every time. 30 witnesses came forward with stories proving his innocence, but
“It amazes me that he fought so hard to prove his innocence after spending almost 18 years in jail.”
Svenja van den Woldenberg/The Chronicle
Martin Tankleff spoke about his wrongful conviction and the perseverance that made his freedom possible. The lecture was sponsored by Hofstra’s Criminology Department, added this year for Sociology majors.
still nothing was done in his favor. Finally, in 2007 the Appellate division ruled in favor of tankleff and he was released on Dec. 27, 2007. “it amazes me that he fought so hard to prove his innocence after spending almost 18 years in jail,” said Jessica Barros, a freshman at hofstra University. “Most people would give up after the first year.” Soon after his release, tankleff enrolled at Hofstra to finish his education. he became part of the innocence project, a national public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted persons. through this organization, tankleff has helped many innocent people prove their innocence and come to justice. he encourages students to become part of the organization and make a difference. on the organization’s website, students can read about little things they can do in their community to help people in this situation. “An average college student can help do fundraisers and volunteer their time to help contribute to wrongful conviction cases,” said tankleff. For more information visit: www.innocenceproject.org
Dom Lavin says “cockroaches” are crickets, beetles By robert Binger SpeciAl to the chronicle
in the oct. 20 issue of The Chronicle, an article entitled “Unconfirmed Critters” detailed the ordeal of a few hofstra students spotting cockroaches in their dorms. A week later, Associate Director of residential programs for operations Jean Anne Smith and Director of campus operations Dom lavin said that the whole ordeal was “a case of misidentification.” lavin told The Chronicle that when the case mentioned in the october issue was reported, an extermination company came in and set traps. the report was followed up and the traps were checked.
“We have not had any positive sightings, or evidence in traps,” he said. “the last article that was in The Chronicle, the picture that was in there, it was a cricket.” lavin went on to say that the picture had been sent to the exterminating company [Assured environments] for identification and thus this information was obtained. “Up near the towers we have those evergreens,” said lavin. “they get this certain type of beetle.” Smith agreed that this may be what students have seen. these beetles are in no way cock-
roaches, though they may look like them. the two said that these bugs could get in through open windows or bags that students may have. even though lavin says that the cockroach story is just a misunderstanding, he still encourages students to call in if they see anything. “Make sure you call into this office and we’ll send somebody, and we do follow up with it. But the ones we’ve seen so far, we have not found any cockroaches. But we do treat it anyways.” For any students concerned
“The last article that was in The Chronicle, the picture that was in there, it was a cricket.”
with toxins in their room as a result of the extermination, lavin made it clear that “they proactively treat with a very low level type of bait.” this bait isn’t dangerous to humans, but simply gets on any insects that are around, and carries to bugs they may come into contact with. “these folks are available 24/7 and they will respond within two hours notice,” said lavin. lavin especially would like to send this message to students such as Kristina Kovacs, a sophomore, who say that they have seen cockroaches. “My roommate, Sam, called me into the room when i was in the lounge because she saw a cockroach run out from under her drawers. When i got to the room
it was behind our dressers in the corner of the room,” said Kovacs. Kovacs says that the two couldn’t even sleep in the room because they were “so skeeved out.” Smith and lavin say that this situation was treated, but as far as cockroaches go, this was just a case of misidentification. Students are still encouraged to report any possible sightings with which the University will be happy to help. “We try to be as proactive as possible.” If you believe there is a pest in your room, you should call Residential Programs x3-6930 or the Physical Plant Department x3-6619 during the day, and Public Safety x3-6606 after hours.