Rice–Poindexter case facts for kids

David Rice (1947 – March 11, 2016), also known as Mondo we Langa, and Edward Poindexter were involved in a significant and controversial legal case in Omaha, Nebraska. This case concerned an event on August 17, 1970, when a bomb exploded in a home in North Omaha. Sadly, Omaha Police Officer Larry Minard died in the explosion, and Officer John Tess was also hurt. David Rice passed away on March 11, 2016, at 68 years old.

Both Poindexter and Rice were members of the Black Panther Party, a group that worked for civil rights and social justice. Their legal case has been debated for many years. Many people believe there were problems with how the case was handled.

The Controversial Case

The legal case involving David Rice and Edward Poindexter has been a subject of much discussion and disagreement. This controversy stems from several key issues that arose during and after their trial.

Questions About Evidence

One major point of debate was about evidence. It was suggested that the Omaha Police did not allow an important piece of evidence, a recording of a 911 call, to be used in the trial. This kind of evidence, which might help show someone is innocent, is called "exculpatory evidence."

FBI's Involvement: COINTELPRO

Another important part of the controversy involves the FBI. At the time, the FBI had a secret program called COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program). This program aimed to watch and sometimes disrupt groups that were against the government's policies, including anti-war groups and civil rights organizations like the Black Panther Party. Rice and Poindexter were among those targeted by this program.

Calls for Review and Release

Many groups and individuals have looked closely at the case over the years. Amnesty International, a global organization that works to protect human rights, has followed the case. They have suggested that Rice and Poindexter should either have a new trial or be released.

The state's parole board, which decides if people can be released from prison early, also recommended that the men be set free. However, political leaders did not act on these recommendations. The case remains a significant part of Omaha's history and a topic of ongoing discussion about justice.