In 1935, Daniel Perry Sampson faced the gallows in Halifax, marking the final execution in the city under the death penalty. His family insists on his innocence, leading to renewed efforts for his official exoneration nearly a century later.
Sampson, an African Nova Scotian and a veteran of the No. 2 Construction Battalion in World War I, was convicted based on a confession allegedly signed by him, admitting to the killing of two young white boys. However, discrepancies arise regarding the signature used in the confession. While the document was marked with an X, typically used by illiterate individuals, records indicate Sampson was literate and could sign his full name, having acquired these skills during his military service.
According to lawyer David Steeves, who has been advocating for Sampson’s exoneration, the signature on the confession raises suspicions as forensic analysis suggests it was likely not Sampson’s handwriting. The racial biases prevalent at the time may have influenced the case, with Steeves pointing out the absence of African Nova Scotians on the all-white jury that judged Sampson.
Lance Sampson, Daniel’s great-great-grandson and a musician known as Aquakultre, filed a criminal conviction review application on the 90th anniversary of Sampson’s death. Presently, the case is under review by the federal justice minister and the Criminal Conviction Review Group.
Steeves emphasized the role of racism in the handling of the case, highlighting over 15 pieces of new evidence casting doubt on Sampson’s guilt. He also proposed an alternative theory suggesting that the boys might have died in a train accident while berry picking near the tracks, rather than as a result of a violent act.
The pursuit of justice for Sampson continues, shedding light on historical injustices and systemic biases that marred the legal proceedings of the past.