Attorney A.M. “Marty” Stroud, III, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was the lead prosecutor in the December 1984 first degree murder trial of Glenn Ford.  Mr. Ford was sentenced to death for the November 5, 1983 death of Shreveport jeweler, Isadore Rozeman.

Ford was released from prison on March 11, 2014 after the State of Louisiana admitted new evidence proving Ford was not killer.  Stroud took the unusual step of writing to the editor of Shreveport’s The Times in response to an editorial.  In his response, Stroud argued that Ford should be “completely compensated to every extent possible . . .”

Stroud had more to say.  “My fault was that I was too passive . . .”.

“Had I been more inquisitive, perhaps the evidence would have come to light years ago . . .”.

“In 1984, I was 33 years old.  I was arrogant, judgmental, narcissistic and very full of myself . . .”.

One may wonder whether Marty Stroud is being too tough on himself.   In any event, what emerges from his writing[1] to The Times is that Mr. Stroud is a man with a troubled conscience.  He certainly does not fit the stereotype of either a lawyer or a prosecutor.  What is refreshing and to be admired about Mr. Stroud, is that he has taken responsibility for his actions and inactions.  In a culture where avoidance of responsibility is common, Marty Stroud is an example to his community.

by Patrick Gaffney

by Patrick Gaffney


[1] (March 8, 2015).  Lead prosecutor apologizes for role in sending man to death row.  The Times.  Retrieved from http://www.shreveporttimes.com.