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Elmer Pratt Obituary
Pratt died at his home in a small village in Tanzania, where he had lived for at least half a decade, lawyer Stuart Hanlon, who helped Pratt win his freedom, told The Associated Press from San Francisco on Thursday.
Hanlon said he learned of Pratt's death through the former activist's family members. He did not know what caused Pratt's death, but said he had suffered from high blood pressure.
Hanlon said Pratt refused to carry any resentment about his treatment by the legal system.
"He had no anger, he had no bitterness, he had no desire for revenge. He wanted to resume his life and have children," he said. "He would never look back."
The Los Angeles Times, which first reported Pratt's death, quoted a family member as saying he died Thursday.
Pratt was convicted in 1972 of being one of two men who robbed and fatally shot schoolteacher Caroline Olsen on a Santa Monica tennis court in December 1968. No one else was arrested.
Pratt claimed he was in Oakland for Black Panther meetings the day of the murder, and that FBI agents and police hid and possibly destroyed wiretap evidence that would prove it.
His lawyers, who included high-profile defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, blamed his arrest on a politically charged campaign by J. Edgar Hoover's FBI against the Black Panthers and other perceived enemies of the U.S. government.
Pratt's belated reversal of fortune came with the disclosure that a key prosecution witness hid the fact he was an ex-felon and a police informant.
Superior Court Judge Everett Dickey granted him a new trial in June 1997, saying the credibility of prosecution witness Julius Butler — who testified that Pratt had confessed to him — could have been undermined if the jury had known of his relationship with law enforcement. He was freed later that month.
Cochran, best known representing such clients as O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, called the day Pratt's freedom was secured "the happiest day of my life practicing law."
Prosecutors announced two years after the conviction was overturned that they would abandon efforts to retry him.
"I feel relieved that the L.A. DA's office has finally come to their senses in this respect," Pratt said at the time. "But, I am not relieved in that they did not come clean all the way in exposing their complicity with this frame-up, this 27-year trauma."
He settled a false imprisonment and civil rights lawsuit against the FBI and city of Los Angeles for $4.5 million in 2000.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
79 Entries
Valenda Newell
November 6, 2016
WHEN A GREAT MAN PASSES, ONE CHAPTER IS NOT TORN OUT OF A BOOK, BUT IS TRANSLATED INTO A BETTER LANGUAGE...RIP
FRANK NITTY
January 25, 2014
R I P to my OG PARTNA man I LOVE YOU AN MISS YOU.You taught me a lot on that inside an even praised me for bein sharp an ahead of my time.We hollered at the Ancesters on a regular basis an you knew if you needed anything yo LIL OAK TOWN PARTNA had yo back.Man I LOVE YOU AN MISS YOU FAMILY SINCERELY YO REAL PARTNA FRANK NITTY $
January 23, 2014
Lisa Henderson former FCI carswell,tx .Your book gave me hope and inspiration while I was on the inside........ Before my departure to freedom I donated my copy of your book to the library . I am also a descendant of a black Panther ...........
yahya abdull malik shakur williams
October 13, 2013
Much love true souljah rip
How you can show support
Corinne Smith
June 11, 2013
To let go of anger is to rest in peace. He will always have my utmost respect and gratitude for his Life's work. Corinne S. Smith
(Oak Ridge,Tn.)
Veronica feng
May 7, 2012
I w wondering what's the relationship between Elmer"Geronimo"and the Apach leader-Geronimo.Anybody can help me?@
M. K'Patrick
August 21, 2011
Thank you, sir, for all of your contributions to the struggle!
June 30, 2011
you will always be a hero
Attorney Angela A. Allen-Bell
June 17, 2011
My mind cannot conceive of a greater legacy. You opted not to be just a passerby on a street called injustice; you choose to actually resurface the roadway. Because of you, my drive is a lot less bumpy. Because of you, black America now has an interstate system and an infrastructure. Your memory will forever be treasured. Thanks for the untold sacrifices. Rest in peace…
GAIL POLYDOR
June 13, 2011
TO THE PRATT FAMILY I PRAY THAT "GERONIMO" SOUL IS RESTING .GAIL SMITH POLYDOR (CHARLESTON,SC)
MARSHALL HARTMAN
June 11, 2011
TO UNCLE G
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE!!!
MARSHALL HARTMAN
MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA
June 8, 2011
'GP', 'G', 'Geronimo' are the names of a HERO who I grew up with in a small town of Morgan City, LA who we are indebted to for his commitment and enduring impact for our people freedom and equality in the U.S. and the World. May God be with him and his family. DeeDee, Calgary,AB,Canada
Mikii Hooper
June 8, 2011
To the Pratt Family:
My deepest sympathy know always that he will be remembered always and loved by the truly conscious among us who know that freedom begins within. RIP Geronimo.
louise taylor
June 7, 2011
You are a hero. Now you can join the band with other heros.
God bless your family.
D C
June 6, 2011
To The Pratt family;
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May the God of comfort and tender mercies who comfort us in all our tribualtion provide you peace at this very difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
June 6, 2011
To the Pratt Family,
May we all remember his strength and conviction. He lived the life of a true warrior,a Panther and a man for all to admire. May he find Peace on the other side.
All Power To The People
J.Hood - Savannah,GA
pam marcel
June 6, 2011
he is a man of conviction, loyalty and
strength; condolences to the family of
Elmer "Geronimo" Pratt~
never forget.
Steve Dothard
June 6, 2011
It's your type of perseverence and strength that has been a shining beacon to those in the struggle for freedom.
PATRICIA CLAY
June 6, 2011
BROTHER WARRIOR SPIRIT R.I.P.
Victoria Valdez
June 6, 2011
path of serene peace
I Have no more tears'
Our Condolences
To
Elmer "GERONIMO Pratt~
sara horton
June 6, 2011
R.I.P.my brother!
Dr. J
June 6, 2011
Our most sincere sympathy goes out to the family of "Geronimo" . He embraced us during a difficult time at San Quentin. If not for his love and support we would not have made it. May you rest in peace . Dr.J and Sheila
June 5, 2011
to the family of mr.pratt keep your head up and always remember your loved one at all times...may GOD be with you all
Sonia Hunt
June 5, 2011
To the family of "Geroniimo" Pratt. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. He was a hero in my eyes.
M TERRY
June 5, 2011
RIP MR PRATT. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
Lipscombe
June 5, 2011
Rest in peace Brother .
Dwight Leblamc
June 5, 2011
Mr.Pratt,my beloved,may Allah clothe you and the family in his mercy,his compassion that no human being could ever give.
C.A. Young
June 5, 2011
God bless you ,Rest in Peace
Sheryl
June 4, 2011
Rest in peace Mr. Pratt. Prayers to the Family.
Shawn Bivens
June 4, 2011
I met him in Washington, DC soon following his release from prison. I've read his book, LAST MAN STANDING: THE TRAGDY AND TRIUMPH OF GERONIMO PRATT, and could not put it down! I read it again, and again. God rest his soul!!
Micheal L. Nesbitt
June 4, 2011
My Sincere Condolence...
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Burbank,CA.
June 4, 2011
To The Pratt' s Family
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God give you strength to cope. Just think what a happy moment it will be to welcome them back.
Ruth Wells
June 4, 2011
Rest in peace my brother. Your struggle for many was stifled by a few but God had His way for the last decade. Thanks for the dedication of The Black Panther Party. I'm 62 years old and still walking the battleground.
J. EARL VEEDER
June 4, 2011
Rest in peace Geronimo=I would
like to extent my condolences to the Pratt family. I worked with Geronimo on some of his VA problems for a while he was in the Morgan City, La. area. Quickly grew to respect him as a good soldier, but more importantly, a good man who cared. He will be missed.
Terry Le Boeuf
June 4, 2011
May God bless you and all your family
Jacqueline Hamilton Baxter
June 4, 2011
To The Entire Pratt Families,
God Bless you all in your time of sorrow. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot Heal.
Garth Newberry
June 4, 2011
To Virginia and the Pratt Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Woody 1/17th cav 1967 Ft Bragg.
June 4, 2011
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
Warm christian love
June 4, 2011
To the family and friends of Mr. Pratt. Sorry to read that he has fallen asleep in death. Many thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mureithi Brown
June 4, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the Pratt family and friends. Baba Ji Jaga was a true revolutionary in word and deeds. His work in the struggle is a constant reminder that we all must do our part to bring real change. The ancestors are pleased with him!
James Yarrell
June 4, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 4, 2011
May the holy scriptures bring you comfort..,ps.146:5,9
Srerena Scott-Henderson
June 4, 2011
Rest in eternal paradise dear Brother and Warrior!
June 3, 2011
Just watched one of your tv interviews and in seconds, learned what life is all about. thank you! Gardner (Tampa, Fl)
Samuel Stephens
June 3, 2011
To the Family and Friends of Mr. Pratt I am sorry for the lost of your loveone.He was a shining star who never gave up.
Born True
June 3, 2011
Rest in peace king geronimo. tell pac Ill see ya'll 1 day. Peace
C. Ford
June 3, 2011
Mr. Pratt made a difference in my life and the lives of many others, although he never knew us. The Black Panthers had an honorable role in securing the rights of many, from the oppressed Black Americans to the physically impaired. I am so glad that he received vindication and had a measure of time to enjoy his freedom. May the family find comfort in appreciating the difference that securing civil rights for one group would have on many others. Thank you Mr. Pratt.
Ollie Washington-Watson
June 3, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pratt family and friends as we celebrate the homegoing of our homeboy, Gerard, as he meets up with Timothy, Emelda and all the angels. We have always been so proud of him.
R Golay
June 3, 2011
To the the family of Elmer Pratt - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
June 3, 2011
TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ELMER,I AM TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,HE DID NOT MAKE IT TO HAVE A FAMILY,BUT THERE IS BETTER TIMES JUST AHEAD,PLEASE FIND CONFORT AT PSALM 37;10,11.AW.HOUSTON,TX.
Deb Wells
June 3, 2011
Rest in paradise solider"
June 3, 2011
May you all find your comfort in God. We are all greatful for the work done by Geronimo and pray that he will now rest in peace. "Power to the people!"
janice wilson
June 3, 2011
rest in peace thank you for all the work you have done for civil rights for black , my prayer's go out to the family God Bless you all.
Jim delagrade
June 3, 2011
Has the world lost a desciple , I think not
but has gained truth .
Yolanda Wilkerson
June 3, 2011
Sending out my heart-felt condolences. Thanks for all you've done.
Yolanda Wilkerson (Springfield, Ohio)
Kellie
June 3, 2011
Thank you for blessing us all with your time here amongst us.You have left an indelible imprint on the souls of many. May your family and friends find peace knowing that your spirit lives on through the lives you have touched.
Brenten Johnson
June 3, 2011
God bless the family of Geronimo Pratt.
Miss CC
June 3, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
T Boyd
June 3, 2011
To the Family,
I know you all will miss "G's" physical presence but please find solace in knowing & truly believing that he is only a breath away. Call on him! I sure will. GOD BLESS!
Sheena C.
June 3, 2011
May he rest in peace. And, we pray God's comfort for the Pratt family. Reflecting on how we all went to school together. He will be missed! IL via MC, LA
Respectfiully, Annette M. Crawley
June 3, 2011
RIP Mr. Pratt, you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, EVER!!!My blessings to the family on the loss of an amazing fighter for justice and equality of our people. My the gates of Heaven open widely to receive his soul.
Sherry Hiler
June 3, 2011
May peace be with you & your family.R.I.P.
Patricia Bailey
June 3, 2011
Rest in Peace Brother "Geronimo" Pratt!
michael cheaney
June 3, 2011
the struggle,will go on brother,love and peace to your family.
Mary Bracy Patterson
June 3, 2011
Rest in peace,Elmer Geronimo Pratt.
June 3, 2011
Hope you are now at peace.
T. J. "Dashiki" Ware
June 3, 2011
We will prayer for your family
You gave all innocent black men hope
norris tuggle& family
June 3, 2011
rest my brother.pace&love to the pratt family.
Celeste Singleton
June 3, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jacqueline Swain
June 3, 2011
While the Panthers were way more radical than many of us, much of what we now call "Black Pride" is due to their willingness to buck a government who refused to recognize African Americans as citizens of this nation. I followed a less violent/radical code to civil rights, but am grateful to any group radical or not which helped move my people forward in being recognized as citizens of this great nation. Forty years ago a black American President could not even be imagined!!
Gidget Muhammad
June 3, 2011
You are one of our many heroes. May God bless your soul and comfort your family. You can walk with Angels now. Power to the People. Rest in Peace brother your journey has been great. Gidget Muhammad
Linda
June 3, 2011
I hope you can finally have some peace, rest well in the arms of Jesus.
June 3, 2011
REST IN PEACE COMRADE OUR CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY STAY STRONG YOU
HAVE ALOT OF SUPPORT FROM THE BLACK PANTHER COMMUNITY LOVE SACRAMENTO CHAPTER
BLACK PANTHER ESUTOSIN OMOWALE(CHARLES
BRUNSON)ANIKE OSUNKOYA 9MARGO ROSE-BRUNSON)
BRUNSON
Dee Shelz
June 3, 2011
RIP G Pratt!!!! One of many in the struggle.
Shawneen Hicks
June 3, 2011
May he get the peace he deserved on earth and may we as a race keep up his fight. GOD BLESS his family.
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