I wrote a previous blog on the William J. Hetherington spousal rape case that can be found at http://mensnewsdaily.com/2007/12/29/tentative-thoughts-on-the-william-j-hetherington-spousal-rape-case. It gives many specifics on this case and links to other articles with even more details.
Michigan resident William J. Hetherington has been imprisoned for more than 20 years on evidence that was weak and questionable. Two police officers testified that they saw tape marks on the face of Linda Hetherington that appeared to support her story that she was bound by him. However, photographs taken of Linda Hetherington after the alleged attack were not disclosed to William’s attorneys. A decade after his conviction, a lawyer was able to obtain them through the Freedom of Information Act. These photographs were analyzed by John Valor, a forensic photographer who testified against Ted Bundy. Valor wrote about the pictures of Linda Hetherington that he could “not find anything unusual in the skin tones of these photos.â€Â
Prior to William’s trial, the prosecution was offered a plea deal that would have allowed him to be released with the time served in jail constituting his sentence. He refused the deal because he insisted that he was innocent. However, it is obvious that the prosecutors would not – or certainly should not – have made this offer if they felt that he was a danger to the public.
William J. Hetherington had no criminal record. The judge disregarded the sentencing guidelines to throw the book at this defendant for no other reason that that the jurist found something “disturb[ing]†about him.
His was the first spousal rape case prosecuted in Genesee County and the prosecutor and judge may have been grandstanding to make an example out of him – perhaps a scapegoat! – to prove that spousal rape will be severely punished in that county.
Anyone who examines the facts set out in my previous blog and in articles linked in it ought to conclude that he might well have been innocent. He indisputably received a sentence vastly disproportionate to what the sentencing guidelines say he should have received.
For over two decades, William J. Hetherington has suffered the deprivations and degradations of prison life. He is aging and in ill health. It is too late for justice for him. All he can hope for is the relief of being finally granted his freedom.
Some of those reading may not think much of me. You may think I am crazy, stupid, and a total waste of humanity. I ask that you lay those feelings aside and consider only the plight of William J. Hetherington. He needs your help! Write on his behalf to both the parole board and to the Michigan Governor. Your letters should be respectful and include mention of his prison number, 186155.
The parole board can be contacted at the following address.
Michigan Parole Board
c/o Executive Secretary
PO Box 30003
Lansing, MI 48909
Mr. Hetherington has asked that those who write to the parole board mail a copy of their letters to him. His address follows.
William J. Hetherington #186155
1790 E. Parnall Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201-7139
Information about contacting the Michigan Governor to request a commutation or pardon for Mr. Hetherington can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995—,00.html.
Please write today. Every day that passes is a day of horror for William J Hetherington.

