Interviews with the Condemned

Interview no.6

The sixth interview is being held with William David (Bill) Riley. Bill is currently housed at the G.D.C.P. in Georgia. During the last months we have repeatedly informed our visitors about Bill's case and the petition that Death Row Speaks organized in collaboration with his family and friends. If you haven't signed it yet you should do it after reading this interview. A link to the petition can be found below. We have come across many inmates with many cases, most of them claiming to be innocent. It's not to us to claim someone's innocence or guilt in anyway, but however we're able to doubt or question if someone has received a fair trial and or that we believe in someone's innocence. Bill is such a person that definitely needs a new (fair) trial. His case needs attention from the media, politicians and you. Read his story by clicking the link below this interview and don't forget to sign the petition. We thank Bill for working with us on the Interview with the Condemned series.

Personality:

Name: William David (Bill) Riley
Prison Register: 1131540 G-3-78 GDCP
Address: PO Box 3877, Jackson, GA 30233-0078, USA
Age: 36
Race: White
Sex: Male
How long on Death Row: 2 1/2 years

1:

Question: Where were you born and raised?

Answer: Born in Akron, Ohio on October 20, 1968. I went to Florida in 1972, back to Ohio. Moved to Texas around 1977 and lived there until 1982. 1983 – 84 Raleigh, N.C. I lived from 1984 to present in Georgia.

2:

Question: Will you share with us what it was like for you growing up? (Did you have a pet, a favorite game, hiding place, or favorite toy? Were you raised by both parents, a single parent or relative?)

Answer: I had a good childhood and was raised by both parents. I’ve had a few dogs but mostly cats. My favorite game was Monopoly. My favorite toys were trucks. And I loved to pick on my little sister, Tami.

3:

Question: Do you have a favorite childhood memory? If so, what is it?

Answer:  When I was around 7 or 8 I went into town on my big wheel looking for my Sunday school teacher and was brought home in a police car.

4:

Question: Did you like school? If so, share with us your favorite memory from your school years.

Answer: I liked school up until high school. My favorite memory of school was flirting with the girls.

5:

Question: What person or event impacted you most as a child?

Answer: My mom impacted me the most because she raised me to be sincere and respect people. I have a very sweet mom and I would be devastated if anything was to happen to her. She taught me to never give up.

6:

Question: What hobbies or activities did you participate in while growing up, e.g. scouting, sports, etc.

Answer: The hobbies I enjoyed were building model cars, playing family games, and roller skating. I also enjoy music.

7:

Question: What was your first job? Please describe your duties/responsibilities and whether or not you liked the job.

Answer: My first job was as a stocker at a Winn Dixie grocery store in North Carolina. I stocked shelves, unloaded trucks, cleaned up the store, bag groceries, and collect carts. I liked the job and made plenty of friends.

8:

Question: As a child or teenager, what did you want to do when you grew up? Why?

Answer: I wanted to make a career in the U.S. Navy so I could travel. I’ve always admired the military officers and the discipline they learn to live by.

9: 

Question: Do you have a favorite movie or book? Please elaborate.

Answer: My favorite movie is Armageddon because things like an asteroid heading for earth could really happen and the bravery of the crew in the movie was awesome.

10:

Question: Where was the most beautiful or special place that you can remember having visited? Please describe it.

Answer: I really like Chattanooga, Tennessee because it’s a beautiful town with so much to do. I visited a lot of the attractions but like the Ruby Fall best because of the pretty water fall.

11:

Question: What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

Answer: When I was little my sister jumped on a bed and busted my nose for picking on her so much because I’m very close to my sister.

12:

Question: What job or occupation did you have prior to your incarceration? Were you employed at the time of your arrest?

Answer: Prior to my incarceration I worked as a security officer and then a cabinet shop. Yes, I was employed at the time of my arrest.

13:

Question: Were you involved with drugs or alcohol prior to your incarceration? If so, please share the effects this had on your life.

Answer: I did not do drugs but only drank alcohol on occasion. I didn’t let alcohol control me.

14:

Question: What do you miss most about the outside world and why?

Answer: I miss being with my family and friends and my freedom, you don’t know what you have until you lose it and I lost everything except for my family who support me 100%.

15:

Question: What is the one thing you regret most? 

Answer: The only thing I regret most is not thinking and not understanding the law and in turn giving a false statement to the authorities.

16:

Question: Do you have any strong spiritual or religious beliefs? If so do they influence how you view the future?

Answer:  Yes, I have very strong religious beliefs and I know that through my faith I can endure anything. I believe that miracles happen everyday and prayer is very powerful.

17:

Question: How important is it for you to have contact with your family, friends and/or the outside world? Please elaborate.

Answer: It is very important for me to have contact with my family, friends, and the outside world because it makes it easier to live in here and know that I have people who love me and believe in me which helps me fight for my freedom even harder and never give up.

18:

Question: Do you remember your first thoughts when hearing the jury’s verdict of death as your sentence? Will you share this experience with us, e.g. your thoughts, feelings, reactions?

Answer: When I heard the jury’s verdict of death I was scared and felt let down by my attorney for not fighting harder. The sentence didn’t surprise me with the length of time it took.

19:

Question: What is a typical day like for you on death row?

Answer: A typical day for me is getting up at 6 am for breakfast and medication, getting ready for daily inspection, eating lunch, count, mail call, evening meal, and bed time. We have run-around time throughout the day depending on the group you are on.

20:

Question: Do you feel that capital punishment serves as a deterrent? Yes/No Please elaborate on you answer.

Answer: No, I don’t believe that putting someone to death is a deterrent for anything. It’s not man’s place to kill people. In today’s society everyone wants revenge on the accused person and also injecting poison in a person’s veins should be outlawed. All the death penalty is is state sanctioned murder.

21:

Question: If you could change one thing in the world today, what would it be and why?

Answer: I would change the way the criminal justice system runs, so more defendants will have fair trials without all the politics. I would also do away with the death penalty because I feel it should be unconstitutional and is an inhume way of dealing with humans.

22:

Question: If you could go back in time, where and to what date would you travel and why?

Answer: If I could go back in time it would be August 16, 2000, in Georgia and I would have stayed awake that morning and I’d still have my children who I miss more than anything in the world.

23:

Question: What has been the most important and life-altering event you have experienced?

Answer: I would say being here on the row has been the most life-altering experience I’ve had. It has taught me how to become stronger both physically and spiritually.

24:

Question: What is the most important thing that you want our visitors to know about you?

Answer: I am a very sincere, honest, caring, and loving person. I respect everyone I encounter in life. I love making friends from all over the world.

25:

Question: If you have anything else that you would like included as a part of this interview, please share it with us now.

Answer: I want people to get to know me for who I am and not for the mistakes I’ve made in life. I’m a human being with feelings, emotions, dreams, and goals. Thank you for this opportunity.

Visit Bill's profile, poems page, case information, and sign his petition. 

Back to interview introduction page.

Webmaster’s note: I have tried to type the handwritten answers as complete and correct as possible. There is always a possibility that a typo or so slips in. Please send an e-mail when you come across them. Thank you!