Clemons releases letter to public
The man who stands accused of the 1992 murder of El Dorado businessman Billy Ponder has written a letter to the editor of a Wisconsin newspaper claiming his innocence.
James E. Clemons wrote the letter to the Wausau Daily Herald in Wausau, Wis., and it was published on June 26.
Clemons, originally from El Dorado, had been living in Wisconsin until El Dorado Police extradited him on the murder charge.
Following is the letter in its entirety:
For those who do not know me, my name is James E. Clemons. I want to take this time for my voice to be heard. I did not do this crime that I’ve been charged with. My family and friends who are close to me know me well enough to know I could never do this. The investigators and press have found me guilty.
I did not kill or rob Billy Ponder, the Arkansas man who police say I killed.
I, a family man, a man that is very outgoing, caring and soft-hearted, could not have lived with myself knowing I was responsible for someone’s death.
Judge Patrick Brady ruled that I was a fugitive. I have been in this area for 16 years. Until now I have not been charged with a serious crime such as this — much less fled the area. I have been back and forth to Arkansas several times during these 16 years so why am I ruled a fugitive?
When I get set free I will be back. I will be standing tall, with my head held high saying, “I told you so.”
So until then.
James E. Clemons,
Wausau