“Evil can only happen when good people do nothing.” Let us open our hearts to a truly gentle fellow human being in need! I will be happy to make a donation to give him a fair shake at proving his innocence!

How manipulative and sad that Yoga Journal has been used as a source to raise funds for a now convicted killer- Paul Cortez under the guise of a pure hearted yogi. I suppose Tucker and Hilsen- Bernard have incredible insight to explain the following:
... apparently the defense arguments were not able to overcome two crucial pieces of evidence: fingerprints left in blood and cell phone records that showed Mr. Cortez called Ms. Woods repeatedly the day she was killed.

Bill,
I for one applaud the charity displayed by Tucker and Hilsen- Bernard in opening their hearts to a fellow human being in need and giving him a chance for proper representation. I wish you had taken the time to open your mind and read the website to study the facts. Rather than be rude to Tucker and Hilsen-Bernard , try to learn from their goodness and perhaps you won't be so close minded and judgmental.

There are very logical explanations to the items you reference at http://www.freepaulcortez.org/Site_2/Trial.html
I have pasted the text below...

FINGERPRINT:

By applying chemicals, the police investigators were able to identify one fingerprint from a wall in Catherine's bedroom that had blood splattered on it. According to trial transcripts, the prosecution's fingerprint expert stated that the fingerprint "was not visible to the naked eye and only visible when interacted with chemical solutions." The District Attorney, in his closing argument, blatantly manipulated the expert's testimony, advising the jury that the fingerprint could only have been left by the killer at the time of the murder.

Paul's attorneys inexplicably did not call an expert witness to explain how Paul's fingerprint could have been found in the apartment, and they did not ask the prosecution's expert whether the fingerprint could have been left at the time of the murder. Had this been done, an expert could have explained that Paul had been all over the apartment in the preceding months and the police could expect to find his fingerprints in any room, and that blood could have splattered on any of his pre-existing fingerprints.


PHONE CALL FREQUENCY & ORIGIN:

Some of the many phone calls Paul made to Catherine on the day of her murder were made from only a few blocks away from her apartment. The prosecution explained to the jury that Paul was a jealous, scorned lover who tried over and over again to speak to Catherine. They further theorized that Paul was a possessive man unable to handle repeated rejection and reached a breaking point, whereby his rage led him to murder.

Paul worked at the Equinox Fitness Center, just a few blocks from Catherine's apartment. He actually spent most of his waking hours in this few block radius on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Although Paul and Catherine had an on-again, off-again romantic relationship that was not exclusive, they spoke very frequently on the phone each day - often up to 30 times in a single day. Months of their phone records corroborate that 18 phone calls on the day of the murder was not so unusual for them. Paul was actually on a date with another woman only hours before the murder.


TIMING OF PHONE CALLS:

Paul's cell phone records indicate that he placed a call to Catherine at 5:53 p.m., approximately 20-40 minutes prior to the estimated time of the murder, and then placed another short phone call to Catherine at 6:33 p.m. (during or immediately after the estimated time of the murder). The prosecution further theorized to the jury that Paul's last call to Catherine was at 5:53 p.m. when she was still alive and that he never called her again because he knew she was dead (the prosecution further theorized that the 6:33 p.m. call to Catherine was an accidental misdial).

Paul and Catherine had a routine in which he would often call prior to her going to work at the Strip Club. Often, she decided to skip out on work and hang out with him. In this situation, Paul knew that Catherine was supposed to leave for work around 6:30 p.m. Based on their prior phone conversations, Paul knew Catherine wasn’t particularly in the mood to go to work that evening and was contemplating skipping out. However, since he did not hear back from Catherine or reach her on the phone, he assumed that she had, in fact, made the decision to go to work that evening. This coincides with the fact that David left the apartment to get the car and drive her to work. Paul did not phone Catherine again that evening because as a stripper, she was not allowed to keep her cell phone with her and was consequently unreachable until she got off from work at 4:00 a.m.

If the 6:33 p.m. phone call to Catherine was an "accidental misdial" as theorized by the prosecution, one would assume that there would be some traces of blood from the very bloody, gruesome murder on the cell phone that Paul voluntarily handed over to the police the next morning. There was not. Unsurprisingly, the media never picked up on this last "accidental" phone call.

Additionally, Paul called his voicemail at 6:46 p.m and made phone calls to his clients at 6:50 p.m. and 6:51 p.m. to coordinate schedules for the training appointments at the Equinox Fitness Center early the next morning.

I hope this clears up your concerns.

As we have learned from the numerous recent overturnings of wrongful convictions, our current system is not a perfect system. It is not so uncommon for the wrong person to be convicted of a crime for which he/she is innocent. That said, we only hear of the ones where the wrongfully convicted has the resources or support base to fight for their justice.

Under our jury system, juries listen to the arguments of the attorneys. It is naive to think that the level of persuasiveness does not differ greatly among top attorneys and inferior attorneys. I read the freepaulcortez website and it definitely sounds like his attorneys were bottom of the barrel attorneys. In fact, I googled one of the attorneys (Dawn Florio) and she was actually indicted on drug smuggling charges. These inferior attorneys were up against one of top prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's office. For those that have attended law school, that office is EXTREMELY competitive to land a job at. In addition, there were so many missing pieces of evidence. Real life is unfortunately not like CSI where every piece of evidence is forensically examined. This was a murder trial with lots of DNA at the scene of the crime that was never tested. How can you justify that in your mind?

Do you think that the quality of the attorneys in the OJ Simpson trial did not impact the verdict?

I used to think that we had a flawless justice system and that a conviction by your peers was conclusive proof of guilt. I now realize that my old viewpoint is very naive and idealistic.

Regardless of whether we are talking about Paul Cortez or someone else, why are you having difficulty accepting that mistakes are sometimes made? When those mistakes are made, how do you give someone back those years of their life? Do you think there any wrongfully convicted people in prison today? Is that number 1%, 5%, 10% or who knows....That said, it is devastating to know that it is possible for a person to lose their freedom for something they didn't do, especially if one of the main reasons is that they could not afford competent attorneys.

Whether you like it or not, OJ Simpson was able to buy his freedom. Any attorneys other than the best would have likely resulted in a different verdict. The same also holds true on the other end of the spectrum when you have very weak attorneys representing a defendant.

I actually think more people need to come to the aid of those less fortunate. We all need to fight for what is right. Money should not be able to buy freedom or the lack of it should not cost one their freedom.

Bill,
I'm certainly not saying Paul Cortez is innocent or guilty. But when a yoga teacher is put in jail and a number of other yoga teachers take action, it is news. This blog is simply meant to reflect what is in the news.

Having read the Cortez website I have to agree with Bill. Cortez was tried and found guilty and justice has been done. The fingerprint, journal entries and cell phone calls are definitive. My question for all the yogis (including YogaJournal) is why are you so sure he was wrongly found guilty? Because he happened to teach yoga? There are thousands of people found guilty every single day of brutal crimes.

In addition, "truly gentle human being in need" (quoting DMartin)? From the trial records Woods' roommate reported numerous negative traits about Cortez told to him by Woods. This included controlling, manipulative and obsessive behaviour. As well, read his letter from prison carefully. It reveals a very self-absorbed, disturbed individual with little concern for his supposed well-loved ex-girlfriend.

Humans are capable of murder, even yoga teachers.

Tara,

I too read the web site. If the fingerprint was a pre-existing fingerprint, what exactly is that definitive of? Also, the journal entries were so lyrics? If violence in song lyrics were a crime, there would be a lot of musicians in jail...also, I believe I read that Cortez co-wrote the songs iwth another band member...

what do cell phone calls prove - that he called her? Not quite murder...all of this seems like very weak circumstantial evidence...I have read several blogs on the Internet and the consensus is that Cortez did not have a very fair trial...

I read that Woods' roommate only met Cortez once and he was also another man she was dating...not sure if one meeting makes you an expert on a human being, especially if you have the bias of being in competition for the same one

I agree that anyone is capable of murder...That said, it sounds like Cortez was a situation of Guilty until proven innocent...I still have not read about any concrete evidence against him

Tara,

Icannot say definitively one way or another whether Paul is innocent or guilty. But,based on what I have read, there was not very much concrete evidence against him. All of the evidence was very tenuous and circumstantial. Unlike you, I do not believe any of it to be definitive. It is mind-boggling why there was not DNA testing done-that would be definitive in mind. Journal entries, phone records, a potentially old fingerprint and heresay from a biased roommate (he was the other suspect in the polices' eyes) do not amount to a whole lot. At the very least, Paul deserves his fair day in court with the DNA results ultimately being the definitive piece of evidence.

The fact that he is a yoga instructor really does not have any bearing on my opinion. Even yoga instructors are capable of bad actions.:)

That said, when I peel back the media sensationalism, I have not read anything so damaging to Paul. I am shocked however that a judge would allow a drug smuggling attorney to try a case - I would think she should be disbarred if convicted.

I feel, at a minimum, Paul should have another chance to make his case with DNA part of the trial. In the fairness of disclosure, I just made a donation to his defense fund.

Yes, you are correct! Paul was found guilty; that is not in dispute! The question is how and why was he found guilty! Yes, the three items you mentioned were definitive in existence! The thing in question is how their existence was manipulated by the media and the DA to spin a possible incorrect tale using circumstantial evidence to convict someone without proper representation. When someone didn't have a proper defense, the conviction in question could possibly be WRONG! Any caring, fair minded, objective person should be concerned with the injustice of that situation!

I was a student of Paul's and stand by what I originally said about him being caring and gentle. That was my personal experience with him! I get that you are defending your friend(s), but I am not comfortable with your negative pronouncements about this site, the humanity and integrity of the yogis supporting the path to finding the truth, or the evaluations of Paul's mental health. You are asking everyone to turn away from an injustice. It can not be disputed; PAUL DID NOT HAVE A PROPER DEFENSE! Yes, Paul was a yoga instructor but I truly believe these good people would reach out in compassion to any human who was unfairly treated!

I do not mean to be rude but, when I read this post, I cannot help but think how much you could benefit from yoga in developing some mental and spiritual well being! This hopefully could lead you to open your heart and your mind and follow the example of incredible people like Tucker and Hilsen-Bernard who are seeking the truth and lending their support to someone who deserves an opportunity to prove their innocence. We should never be afraid to seek the truth!

After reading through all of the information referenced above, I think it is truly beautiful the way this group of people has embraced this potential injustice and are fighting to give Paul a shot at a fair trial. It is terrifying to see what the media is allowed to do and the influence they exert. I for one will do more than just this post and send in a donation to help aid a Yogi in a dire situation. Thank you Yoga Journal for bringing this situation to light.

-This website was made by Catherine's friends .. unfortunatly there is alot Paul's website doesn't tell about the evidence and their friendship..

-this is from catherine's best friends who were told about hers and pauls friendshop from her words..

www.dontfreepaulcortez.org

WW.DONTFREEPAULCORTEZ.ORG

WWW.DONTFREEPAULCORTEZ.ORG

truth from catherines friends and her own words

I stand by my comments. Cortez was tried and convicted by a jury. Not one of us writing on this blog was in the courtroom. The jury knows much more than we do and to presume they "got it wrong" and convicted an innocent person is to presume we know more than they do. It is also presuming the jury was too unintelligent as to be able to decide the case for themselves. They were there in the court - not us - and observed the Defense attorneys and Prosecutors as well as Paul Cortez himself. I believe in and respect the legal process (here in Canada but also respect the U.S. system) and also believe that it is run by humans (therefore can be subject to errors). However, it is not for us "armchair jurors" to decide.

p.s. to D.Martin - your self-righteous smugness is indeed quite rude. Please don't assume you know what I need or don't need to "open my heart and mind". Closed minds and closed hearts reside in those that cannot tolerate differing opinions. Why are you so upset that I have a different view on this than you and why do you assume this means I am not interested in the truth. The truth cannot be found by those that want to shut down discussion. Discussion of diverse opinions and ideas is how truth shines through. By the way - not only do I "benefit from yoga", I am a yoga instructor as well (with many students who love my classes and keep coming back!)

Cheers.

www.dontfreepaulcortez.org

-see the side of paul cortez they wouldnt dare say on his website, from friends of his and most of all catherine

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.".......
Arthur Schopenhauer
I hope one day you will be able to open your mind to all the facts and not the" leaks" and blunders and make it to the third step! In the mean time, I cannot understand why there is such resistance about wanting to have a fair trial and investigation! Thank heavens the Duke players were not subjected to your legal logic! A fair trial and thorough investigation is something I would want for the person accused of harming my loved one so I could feel at peace with the conviction! Let me say that Katherine seemed like a special person, and I can see why she is dearly missed!

Thank you all who posted www.dontfreepaulcortez.org.

D. Martin, you weren't in the courtroom so how are you going to perceive what is 'fair' .. other than paul's defense fund site, whatever it is. Everyone believes including the jury and judges and many attorneys that he indeed have a fair trial. And if your going to give me the line like others that ' then why has a powerhouse appellate attorney take the case' .. 75k and more exposure from a high profile case, thats why an attorney would take the case.

And the defense site only gives partial truth, especially the 'fingerprint'. which places paul AT THE SCENE.. and enough circumstantial to convict anyone.. People have been convicted with less evidence than Paul's case.

D. Martin: Paul's attorneys inexplicably did not call an expert witness to explain how Paul's fingerprint could have been found in the apartment, and they did not ask the prosecution's expert whether the fingerprint could have been left at the time of the murder. Had this been done, an expert could have explained that Paul had been all over the apartment in the preceding months and the police could expect to find his fingerprints in any room, and that blood could have splattered on any of his pre-existing fingerprints.

--The defense argued how the print could have gotten there and Paul agreed to testify to it!!! But for your comment: here we go

Lets know here that Paul was only in her apt. a few times (according to catherines friends which I believe more than Paul aka the convicted), So being that Catherine has millions of prints of her own in her house(they lived there for 3 years), her live in boyfriend david has millions of prints in the house, and catherines friend that stayed at her place for months at a time has millions of prints in the house, and just the other people that may have stopped by (friends, plummer, electrician, landlord etc...). And we are suppose to believe that the blood when she was killed just happened to land on Paul's 'previous' print (who was probably there the least, from her friends statments, which I believe more than his own). I don't buy it. ** He was there at the time she was murdered. On top of the bloody hand print attached to this fingerprint(which isnt said On Paul;s site).. and no blood found between the ridges of the print which shows the print and blood splatter on it were made at the SAME TIME.. plus 13 points of identification.

Wow - now you (D.Martin) are Schopenhauer? Which stage are you in (in relation to my speaking my own truth)? I'm guessing somewhere between still ridiculing and violent [bit too strong a word] opposition. All your exclamation marks point to being quite over-emotional about all this.

How is it you are so sure you have all the answers, facts and....truth? You seem to see the world in black and white - either people are with you or they have closed hearts and minds (according to you). Take a few moments to sit and breathe. Reflect on why you think you possess 'absolute truth'. Leave aside the Cortez issue. Reflect on your need to attack others with differing perspectives.

Namaste

Jeanne :I posted a few comments yesterday. what happened?

Im am going to try and make sense to this in my perspective. Paul Cortez says the bloody print was a previous fingerprint of his in the aptartment that blood splattered on. Ok, Paul was only in her apt. a few times, being that Catherine has millions of prints of her own in her house, her live in boyfriend has millions of prints in the house, and catherines friend that stayed at her place for months at a time has millions of prints in the house, and just the other people that may have stopped by (friends, plummer, electrician, landlord etc...). And we are suppose to believe that the blood when she was killed just happened to land on Paul's print (who was probably there the least, from her friends statements, which I believe more than his own). I don't buy it.

You still have to ask that question? It is obvious where I am. I am seeking the truth through a fair trial which is what I would hope for all of us. I absolutely do not have the answers because they were never asked. That is the whole point. He did not have the benefit of proper representation. You are the person attacking, and you are the person who does not want to have an appeal. Asking a question is not an attack. What do they say? Seek and you shall find the truth! There was no seeking according to everything reported! The appeal process is an important part of our legal system. I don't feel he should be denied that also. Having someone receive their due process has always been my concern. I am concerned with citizen's amendment rights. I am still not quite sure what is your agenda .

Dmartin, and you were there during the cross-examinations to hear what questions were asked by the defense? Who are you to determine what 'proper' representation is? Only to your standards I guess. Or, this is all the word from Paul's site telling you his representation wasnt 'proper' beacause he was convicted!. Because you get convicted doesnt mean you could say your representation wasn't 'proper'.

'one would assume that there would be some traces of blood from the very bloody, gruesome murder on the cell phone that Paul voluntarily handed over to the police the next morning. There was not. ' - Dmartin

Man, you are full of assumptions, and at least don't make them as ridiculous as the one above. The truth is out and done with. Your assumptions is just confusing people, and if he ever has the chance for an appeal, and all you who love assuming things are present. Your going to feel quite ridiculous after you see the evidence in the light of day

No D.Martin, you are not "seeking" truth. You think you already know it - that Cortez is innocent.
None of us know the truth of whether Cortez is guilty or innocent. Only Paul Cortez does. You seem to have confused my statement that I think he was properly found guilty with knowing the absolute truth. I have no qualms about having an appeal trial. So be it. I never once said I am against an appeal. You are projecting onto my emails. All I was doing was stating my conclusion after reading both the pro and con sides of the issue. You are the one who went on the attack (and continue to do so). Re-read all our emails and you will see the differences in tone. You are absolutely convinced - and very emotional - about the issue of his lawyers' abilities. This has clouded all discourse with you. Please breathe.....its not worth getting so upset about.

Namaste

I have read both sides, and still find myself thinking and knowing that paul is innocent.. i do hope that his innocence is brought to light that he deserves.
glad to know that yogajournal is behind paul and are giving him the support that he should be getting.

good luck paul! hang in there and keep meditating.
namaste

Ug, I hate seeing this headline dredged up.

I AM TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO VISIT THIS MAN IN THE PRISON, TO BRING HIM SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT, WHICH HE DESPARATELY NEEDS, AND TO FIND A WAY TO GET SOME REALLY TOP-SHELF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS TO HIM TO HELP HIS HEALTH.
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN HELP WITH DONATING ANY DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS, ESPECIALLY THESE:
Isotonix Resveratrol (from Market America)
OPC-3 (from Market America)
StemEnhance
Isotonix HGH (from Market America)
Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (for mood/energy)

I am personally already selling StemEnhance since I began using it to arm my body with healthy cells while I heal 100% naturally from Hodgkin's Disease (which is now successfully in regression!!!) - I'm using that with Protocel (just a tip for those who need to know about great natural treatments for cancer - also, Haelan is a powerful natural treatment, and resveratrol is hitting headlines for restoring apoptosis)... back to Paul...
I am also getting into Market America, but I am still financially strapped because of treating my cancer all-naturally for roughly two years now on my husband's income! I cannot afford to purchase the supplements for him... I am going to try to write to various top-quality supplement companies to appeal them for donations, as well.

NAMASTE' FRIENDS OF THE WORLD!
Ya Baha'u'llabha!

You don't even get a very basic fact right: Paul Cortez was NOT a yoga teacher. He worked at Bikram Union Square -- as a receptionist.
Maybe you're also wrong about a much more fundamental fact: his guilt. 12 people reviewed the facts and found him guilty of brutally murdering a 21-year-old girl. Do you really want to help him get out of jail?