Pardon Temujin Kensu: A Call for Justice Beyond Thanksgiving Games

Thanksgiving is a time when we come together to celebrate gratitude, share meals, and reflect on the things that matter most. For many, it’s a time to cherish family and freedom. But for Temujin Kensu, a man wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, Thanksgiving serves as a painful reminder of the injustice he’s faced for decades. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent choice to play games, asking Michigan schoolchildren to name a turkey for pardon, feels tone-deaf in light of the very real human suffering that continues in her state’s prisons.

In this article, we will revisit the case of Temujin Kensu, an innocent man languishing behind bars, and urge readers to take action in demanding his immediate release.

The Temujin Kensu Case: a.k.a., “Michigan’s Shame”

Temujin Kensu, born Fred Freeman, was convicted in 1987 for the murder of Scott Macklem, despite maintaining his innocence from the beginning. His case is riddled with issues that raise serious doubts about the fairness of his trial and the integrity of the justice system. Key concerns include:

1. **Inadequate Legal Representation**: Kensu was represented by a court-appointed attorney who failed to provide an effective defense, further undermining the credibility of the trial. His attorney,David Dean (now deceased), was abusing drugs and was on probation at the time of the trial and was later disbarred for drug abuse.

2. ** Court Documented Prosecutorial Misconduct**: Brady violations that suppressed evidence and the use of unreliable witnessesd cast doubt on the fairness of the prosecution. The original prosecutor, Robert Cleland, put his own personal friend and pilot on the stand to testify as an “expert” witness, claiming Kensu could have chartered an airplane to commit the crime. Not a shred of evidence was provided to substantiate this outlandish claim: No pilot, no flight records, no proof Kensu paid for this flight, no co-conspirator, nothing!

3. **Unreliable Witness Testimonies**: Philip Joplin was a “witness” for the prosecution. He has since recanted his testimony, admitting that he was provided favors of not returning to Jackson prison if he testified. Records later reflected this fact.

4. **Lack of Physical Evidence**: The absence of physical evidence linking Kensu to the crime scene leaves the case largely reliant on unreliable eyewitness testimony, although NOBODY actually witnessed the murder.

5. **Possible Alternative Suspects**: Information pointing to alternative suspects was never thoroughly investigated. A call to St Clair County after Kensu was in jail was turned away because “they had their guy.”

It’s a shame for Michigan’s Governor to be “playing games” at the expense of real lives.

While Governor Whitmer’s attempt to engage Michigan’s schoolchildren in naming a turkey for Thanksgiving pardon may seem light-hearted, it is far from humorous for those who have loved ones wrongfully incarcerated, like Temujin Kensu. The decision to prioritize a holiday tradition over addressing real issues of justice sends a disheartening message to the wrongfully convicted and their families.

Action Steps for Justice

If you believe in justice and wish to see an innocent man like Temujin Kensu receive the freedom he deserves, there are steps you can take:

1. **Write to Governor Whitmer**: Pen a heartfelt letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, urging her to review the case of Temujin Kensu and grant him the pardon he rightfully deserves.

2. **Call Constituent Services**: Contact the Constituent Services department in Governor Whitmer’s office and express your concerns about Temujin Kensu’s case. Request immediate action for his release. The phone number is 517–373–3400.

3. **Support Organizations**: Get involved with organizations that work towards criminal justice reform and the release of wrongfully convicted individuals. They can provide guidance and resources for advocating on behalf of Temujin Kensu. we recommend Proving Innocence in Royal Oak.

4. **Raise Awareness**: Share this article and the story of Temujin Kensu with your friends and social networks. The more people who know about his case, the stronger the call for justice will be. You can also find and follow Paula and Temujin on X, Instagram and Facebook. Look for #MiWrongfulConviction

Conclusion

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to remember that true thankfulness extends beyond the dinner table. Temujin Kensu’s story is a stark reminder that the pursuit of justice is an ongoing battle. Let us unite in our demand for his pardon and an end to the suffering of wrongfully convicted individuals and their families.

Governor Whitmer, it’s time to prioritize justice over holiday games and grant Temujin Kensu the freedom he has been unjustly denied for far too long.