Bloggings by Boz links to a Miami Herald article about Eric Volz, a 27-year-old California native imprisoned in Nicaragua for rape and homicide. Writes Boz, “it doesn't sound like the Nicaraguan authorities have any evidence other than one convicted drug trafficker's statement to back up their arrest.” Citizen 192 has posted a documentary video from Volz's friends, families, and supporters. Revaz Ardesher meditates on the need for empathy in his effort to bring about Volz's release. Liestoppers and Loneprairie have more.
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There is a lot more to the story than this. I live in San Juan del Sur, knew all involved–and it is not so cut and dry.
A lot of people had heard and seen Eric threaten Doris. He was sort of a shady charecter, not to mention the fact he had cuts all over his chest.
I have no doubt he was not at the killing, but did he have something to do with it–this is the question. Was there some sort of altercation the day before where he got the cuts–and reacted in revenge. Wouldn’t you have a lot of good witnesses to your where abouts if you were to pay for such a horrible act.
Those blogs and website are from friends and family of Eric Volz, of course they will make a case for his defense. In Barricada (http://www.barricada.com.ni/2007/04/02/la-batalla-de-los-medios/) I wrote about both side of the story telling their side of the facts.
This YT video shows the veridict in the trial… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSo3sb73CZY
Kein is wrong - there were no cuts on Eric’s chest, only a few marks on his shoulder; the same shoulder he used to help carry Doris’ coffin. There was no DNA evidence linking him to the murder at all.
Seems to me there is MORE than enough doubt to aqquit this man. The victim’s family and community members are angry and want someone to pay… Who better than a young relatively successful American man whom is representative of many things that developing countries envy and detest all at the same time. Sometomes we want something to be true so badly, we disregard logic and make it so. It would be easier to accept that some American outsider could commit such a horrendous act before accepting it is someone from your own community.
And from some of the reports I’ve heard, Eric has a reputation for appearing arrogant; that can certainly make people hate you, but it’s no excuse for sending an innocent man to jail.
Regardless of whether or not you think Eric Volz committed the murder that he was accused for, it remains that a judge, one person, decided his ultimate fate. Moreover, she refused to admit compelling exculpatory evidence under the guise that it was biased. I guess they don’t have cross examination over there? Same with the cell phone records, cell phone tower records, test messages,forensic evidence, lack thereof, etc.I can go one with the other specifics. In any event, did an innocent man go to jail? I don’t know. Is the justice system that got him there even remote adequate? Not by a long shot.
Well, I just watched the dateline show. It is clear to anyone with the ability to reason that there was no evidence against him. The so called judge was obviously pandering to the people. I commend the police in almost getting the guy killed by a mob. I think it is safe to say that they are still trying to achieve the status of a third world nation.
Eric Volz was found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit, because this so called judge was afraid of further riots and disturbances.
He might, as a white gringo has a better chance in a different city? (To be honest, I doubt it).If we want to get the Nicuraguans attention, just stop any types of trades, until they are capable of giving anybody a fair trial, regardless of heritage, sex or religion. In my oppinion, that would take another 100 years though.
I am so sorry for that young man, to have to go through this injustice, which was flagrantly thrown not only by that system, but also by that victim mother, who knows that Eric is innocent. Now those real brutal killers are still on the loose to cause more mayhem and heartaches, then what is that incapable, prejudiced judge going to do?
Find an another white person to blame it on?
i watched dateline last night, if Eric was in America he would have never even been charged! The man needs help! he has no right being in that prison! we have money for war but not to help one of our own locked in a prison cell in a foreign country for a crime he did not commit
Even if you had a videotape of the guy killing the victim, you still allow him to bring witnesses and evidence and at least let him be judged by a jury of his peers, and not a by a sole appointed bureaucrat. A society cannot be considered civilized if it does not afford its citizens, residents and visitors with due process. Yes, innocent people still go to jail despite due process but never because of it. Nicaragua is a great country with great people, but this is definitely a blemish to their image around the world.
It is sickening to see how this process has evolved. I am very sorry for the brutal killing of this young lady, but believe it is also very tragic that Eric was not given a fair trial. There is absolutely no evidence against this man, yet this so-called judge finds him guilty in a matter of minutes…what a mockery. The marks on his shoulder are consistent with marks you may get, if you have fair skin, while carrying a heavy object. It is obvious that there is a lot of hate against the US in this part of the world, probably justified, and Eric happens to be an escape valve. I hope Nicaragua is not counting on tourism as a solid source of income…I would extremely afraid of visiting this country.
I watched part of the dateline episode and what I missed I watched on line. This is my take: Does he come across as arrogant? YES Might he be a jerk? perhaps, I don’t know him so I couldn’t say… but that does NOT make him guilty of murder. I think my sentiment is most in line with the reporter that they interviewed on dateline said when he said something along the lines of ….I don’t know him, I don’t want to know him, but it bothers me that such an injustice can be committed against anyone….
I do have one question though on dateline he says that the people with the car rental place lied when they said that they did not see him, however on his website it says that the rental car people never saw him because one of the employees took the credit car receipt for him to sign (see http://www.friendsofericvolz.com/facts.htm) and compare with what he said on dateline story… I do not think he is guilty but that is the only thing I could not understand… can anyone clear this up for me?
This brings to light the typical “anti-gringo” sentiment of people from Central and South America. I feel that it is a vulgar, racist term. However, I hear it constantly from everyday Central and South American people, college-educated or not.
he is innocent KEIN! Those marks had no relation to finger nail scratches!!!!!!!!! The judge is a complete idiotic MORAN and was in fear of her own life so she decided to put an innocent u.s. man behind bars bc it was easier for HER! She threw out ALL the crucial evidence and thinks people made up the fact they were with Eric at the time of the murder. Just proof she is an incompitent, sorry ass excuse for a judge! She needs to go to jail and suffer the same Eric is suffering!
Did he refuse a lie detector test? If so the Judge then KNOWS he’s guilty. A lie detector test would prove his innocence or guilt. And don’t say they don’t work. I happen to know for a fact they are very, very accurate.
claudia, no he did not take or refuse a polygraph test. and they are not accurate or admissible in court. at best they generally run about 55-65% accurate, clearly not enough to convict someone of anything. they are merely an investigation tool to make someone who is dis honest break and tell the truth.
“If so the Judge then KNOWS he’s guilty.”
What? You clearly have no background in law or have a basic understanding of polygraph tests. It is completely subjective. Cliff’s stats are high. The percentage might be somewhat close to that in the context of law enforcement where the majority of the people are guilty and the testers have a preconceived notion. Basically it’s about the same as a magic 8 ball. 55% is almost half wrong as well.
I know him, he may be a litle cocky, he may come across as somewhat arrogant. But Eric is an honest man, he is a loving soul, he could never harm some one like this. NEVER. This judge was just a coward, she KNOWS he’s inocent, she’s just afraid of the treaths she got. He WILL be free, because is IS inocent.
Where is all the media coverage about Julio Rosita Chamorro? The admitted killer of Doris, obsessed with the victim and deeply jealous of Eric… this would be a lot different if the media had shed some light on this guy and not just on the foriegner (Eric). It is amazing that nothing is getting out about Rosita, there is your killer, and there is your story!
I believe the Volz defense opted for the judge to deliver the verdict rather than a jury. Public opinion was so much against him at the time that they felt they had better chances with just a judge. Obviously, this was a mistake on the defense’s part.
The following is footage from the courtroom where Volz is being sentenced, along with some of the evidence that was used to convict him. And then most of this evidence is refuted. Basically, the logic of the judge is unbelievable. For example, it examines the marks on Volz’ shoulder and points out why they are virtually impossible to be caused by human fingernails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLIv9fi-JmI
The judge threw out the testimony of the prosecution’s own expert witness who testified that none of the forensic evidence at the crime scene matched Volz, and even the blood type of blood found did not match Eric Volz.
One of the prosecutor’s witnesses stated that when she called Eric Volz at 2:43pm and informed him of Doris’ death, he didn’t cry. Now, that phone call was made to Eric’s cell phone, and went through a cell tower in MANAGUA. The prosecution’s own witness puts Volz in Managua at 2:43pm!!! The rental car was delivered at 3:11pm to Managua. Thus, whether or not the rental car people saw Volz is irrelevant. The prosecution’s own witness puts him there already.
HELLO, THE GUY IS INOCENT, THEIR WAS SO MUCH LYING BY DORIS´S CRAZY MOTHER, MERCEDES ALVRADO. SHE CAME UP WITH THE FAMILY OFFERED HER A MILLION DOLLARS TO DROP THE CHARGES, BLATANT LIE, SHE CAN NOT DROP THE CHARGES, THE FAMILY HAD NO MILLION DOLLARS, MORE OF THAT EVERYBODY IN USA IS A MILLIONAIRE, DORIS´S GIRLFRIENDS ALL TOLD BIG LIES, LIKE THAT HEAVY SET ONE ON TAPE SAYING ERIC CALLED HER A SLUT, UNBLEIV ABLE, THIS IS ALL NICA GUGENESE. GUGENESE (LYING TO INPROVE YOUR POINT OF VIEW) HOW COME MERCEDES ASKED ERIC TO CARRY COFFIN , THEN A FEW DAYS LATER ORGANIZED A MOB, TO MACHETE HIM TO DEATH IN RIVAS, LUCKKY HE AND THE REP FROM THE AMBASSADOR OFFICE HAD THEIR TRACK SHOES ON.
KEIN, I SEE YOUR GUGENESE SEES SCRATCHES ON ERIC´S BODY. THIS IS DEFFINATELY NOT TRUE.
kein, YOUR SO NEGATIVE ABOUT ERIC, I SAW YOU ON A FEW FORUMS. MAYBE YOU KILLED DORIS ANDARE TRYING TO SHIFTTHE BLAME. THE ONLY PEOPLE IN SJDS WHO ARE NEGATIVE ABOUTE ERIC ARE THE DRUNKS AND LOWLIFES, AND DORIS´S CRAZY MOTHER, WHO SCARED THE HELL OUT OF THE JUDGE, EVERYONE I KNOW IN SAN JUANDEL SUR, BELEIVE HE´S INOCENT, WHERE WERE YOU THE MORNING OFNOV 21 2006, NOW COME CLEAN KEIN
eric volz has no other guilt i can see except maybe his possible seemed arrogance as a successful american gone misunderstood…he must of had other women of interest
I think it is important for everyone who cares about this case to let there opinions known to people that can make a difference… not just talk among ourselves.
Call your representatives to let them know they need to take action.
Call the Nicaraguan consulates. Let them know that this is injustice. Let them know it is scary and that let them know that you will NOT visit Nicaragua in the fear that the same could happen to you.
http://www.consuladodenicaragua.com/consulate.asp#north
(5 of the 8 emails listed do NOT work, so CALL or fax)
Someone needs to organize a ban on tourism and investment to Nicaragua so that justice is served. That will make the Nic government take action.
Did any one see Eric commit the crime? Was a thorough investigation done on all evidence against Eric? How about investigation on the alibi of the others. For instance, one of the defendents claims that he was signing up for classes; and, he did show a piece of paper that, suposedly, proves that he’s telling the truth. Was there a follow up to verify that this piece of paper was legit and not forged or created after the fact? You’ll be surprise what money and who you know can do for a sinner in Nicaragua. Pata y plata (who you know and money make good friends).
Is Eric guilty beyond reasonable doubt?
In Nicaragua if you play fair and by the rules you’ll loose.
Nicaragua is border line Anarchy type of government. Actually, a government do exist on paper; but, it doesn’t carry much weight.
So what’s going on? The answer is not hard to figure out: The big wigs are too busy fattening their bellies and their Swiss bank accounts; meanwhile, the less priviledged, less important people do as they please, including: making their own rules as they go.
Is a mind game.
What about Eric? He didn’t understand how to play the game and got caught on the cross fire.
The game is so simple that most people, specially foreigners, don’t realize that they are players in a game of deceit, intrigue, comedy and lots of drama.
What about Eric? What could he have done? Very good question, with a simple answer. Run!
He would have been better off packing his bag and adios! (goodbye!) Nicaragua. No, it would not have been an admission of guilt; that’s just the way the game is played; you (the player) can also make your own rules as you go. The best way to play and stay on top is to be a step, or two, or three ahead of the game.
The object of the game is to anticipate the freight train coming your way and get out of its way.
Eric Volz simply happened to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time in history. Eric Volz is caught in the middle of the evil and harsh reality of politics, prejudice, emotions and self-interests.
Good post Vince. Couldn’t have said it better myself except to add that you don’t need plata to get something done there. A bottle of glue will work as well.
And Kein, re your post on Apr 6 “he was sort of a shady charecter, not to mention the fact he had cuts all over his chest”.
The only place I’ve heard this is from you. Interesting that you would know something no one else knows. Or perhaps you don’t know the difference between bruises and cuts. Or perhaps you don’t even know the difference between a chest and a shoulder. Or perhaps you know the difference between both but you have some personal agenda to want to hang Eric by telling falsehoods.
I am a Nicaraguan Born US Citizen, BUT this just makes me SICK!!! I can’t believe they would do this to an innocent young man!! My prayers are with Eric and his family and hopefully there will be something that can be done soon!!!
well i think eric is damn innocent i think the other guys is guilty i was aqui y ahora yesterday he straight out looks guilty
Kein, do your homework right. I am a Nicaragua US Citizen i believe ERIC is innocent.
VANESSA AND LUCIA, IT´S NICE TO SEE NICARAGUAN AMERICANS THAT CAN SEE THAT ERIC IS INNOCENT AND WHO DO NOT BELEIVE KEIN, WHO MADE UP ALL HIS MATERIAL. KEIN IS PROBABLY THE LONE TRANSVITITE IN SJDS OR A PSUEDO NAME FOR MERCEDES ALVARADO DORIS´S SUPPOSED MOTHER. MERCEDES IS ALSO THE WORLD GREATEST LIAR.. SHE HAS A ACTUAL TROPHY THAT SAY ¨¨WORLDS GREATEST LIAR¨¨
Eric was doomed from the beginning just for being an American. Kill the gringo that is what was heard,what puzzles me is Danglas had all these scratches even on his private part. Why did no one make a big deal out of that?to me this would have raised more suspicion more soo because he was originally charged with the murder. Eric is innocent it is as plain as day ,he was not given a fair trial.
Help Eric go to petitionsite on the web,type the name eric volz. Spread the word help free him. THANKS!
Eric will walk, but, when and how.
Would the Nic Judicial system admit their goof and set him free? with an apology? Or, would they just simply seat on it for thirty years?
I think they know that they don’t know what to do with Eric. He’s just too much of a hot potatoe to handle.
Finally, Nicaragua is on the map. but, unfortunately on the negative end of global public opinion.
The solution is so simple. The Nic court should let him go, with an apology.
They might be afraid to lose face and the respect of the citizens. To admit that a mistake was made, it just doesn’t happen.
How dare anyone challenge their authority, and final decisions. Got to remind myself that we are dealing with an underdeveloped third world country and their standards are not up to par.
OK. I was reading all these posting adn felt that I had to post something myself. I was inNicaragua a couple months before this murder happened. I actually surfed almost every day for two months with Rosita, and Krusty (who are both known alchoholics and coke feinds, and crack heads). Regardless, beeing a tourist learning Spanish, and loving their local surf in San Juan, I was treated farely well. BUT, saying this, I want to say that Rosita, and Krusty were definately two of the most shadiest charactors in SJDS. I Cannot comprehend putting Volsz in jail on teh testimony of a crackhead like Krusty. This guy is the only thing the prosecution had going for them.
In a first world country, the defense would laugh at the fact that this is what the prosecution had brought to try and convict a man of rape and murder, but in Nicaragua, it seems to be more than enough to completely take away the freedom of an innocent man.
Regardeless of Volz beeing a “jerk”, NOBODY deserves to be treated as he has.The Nicaraguan gov MUST stand up and try and save what ever face they can and rectify this situation before Volz dies in jail, which from my contacts in SJDS, is not far away.
Thank God I am a Canadian!!! I love my county!!
Good luck Eric, God Bless you…
>What about Eric? What could he have done? Very good question, with a simple answer. Run!
Exactly! But he didn’t know the game, like you say. Instead of running he actually went to the funeral, racked with grief, and was a pall-bearer of her coffin.
The prosecution’s own expert witness testified that the marks on his should could not have been caused by finger. It’s pretty obvious where they came from: Eric’s own humanity, naivete and dignity, despite his other shortcomings, that prompted him to attend the funeral and bear the poor woman to her grave, leaving those marks on his shoulder.
He may well be guilty. Just because he is American does not mean that he could not be guilty nor receive a fair trial.
Maybe he should have stayed in the US and become a realtor here.
ERIC IS FINALLY FREE AND IN THE USA.. APARENTLY HE WENT INTO HIDING. SOME DIE HARD NICAS HAVE THREATENED. PROBLEY DANGLAS FRIENDS..TED YOUR CRAZY, I HAVE READ A FEW OF YOUR POSTS HERE AND OTHER FORUM. STAY AWAY FROM ALL MIND ALTERING DRUG, ALL CONTROVERSY, GO ON WELFARE AND FISH FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE..ANY CONTROVERSY GETS YOUR LIMITED BRAIN GOING HAYWIRE.. ERIC IS FREE AND OUT OF NICARAGUA.. I WILL NEVER GO BACK AND I DO NOT THINK ERIC WILL EVEN THINK ABOUT IT..GOD I LOVE SAYING ERIC IS FREE