Thank You Jeff Feldman & Alaska Ear

A couple weeks ago, Alaska Ear (part of ADN.com) reported that Mechele had agreed to do an interview with Dateline and then left them high and dry when they showed up with their camera crews in Alaska. That was not the way I had heard the story, and we debated about whether or not to post our own version. It looks like Mechele's lawyer took care of that with Alaska Ear. To read the revised (and what I think is TRUE) version, of the story, check out Alaska Ear here. (Page down a bit to see the part about Mechele. It starts "No no no.")

Appeal News: 38 Points

The latest news on Mechele's appeal can be found on ADN.com here. We are happy to report that she has some highly respected lawyers, Jeff Feldman and Susan Orlansky, on the case. I know that Mechele and her family also have great respect and gratitude for her trial lawyers. From ADN, "Linehan's attorney during the trial, Kevin Fitzgerald, is still on the case. He recommended Feldman and Orlansky for the appeal, according to Linehan's husband, Dr. Colin Linehan. It is standard for a different lawyer to take up an appeal because it brings fresh eyes to the case, Feldman said of why Fitzgerald wasn't handling it."

The appeal, which was filed last week, includes THIRTY-EIGHT (38) reasons Mechele did not get a fair hearing. THIRTY-EIGHT. For the whole story, go to ADN. They also have a .pdf of the statement of points on appeal.

We are currently working on Free Mechele T-shirts and other merchandise, the proceeds from which will be donated to her family's fund to help with legal and travel expenses. I can see the possibility for using the number 38 in some of them now.

One thing I do want to specifically point out is the time frame for the appeal process, as I'm sure many will be interested (myself included). According to the article, "The case will likely be heard by the Court of Appeals in the late fall or early 2009, Feldman said. Decisions typically are made six to 12 months later."

Based on that, we are looking at spring 2009 as the earliest possible date for some good news. Please continue to keep Mechele and her family in your thoughts and prayers as this process unfolds.