May 10, 2007 — On the eve of his bail hearing and a defense request for a new trial, hundreds of supporters of convicted St. Thomas physician Paul Maynard filled Emancipation Garden for a Thursday evening vigil.
Maynard was found guilty in February on four counts of prescribing pain medication to patients without "a legitimate medical purpose."
During the vigil, many of the doctor’s former patients, some who've known him since 1982, spoke and repeated their belief in and admiration for him.
The evening's guest speaker was Siobhan Reynolds, president of Pan Relief Network (PRN), who once again flew in from New Mexico to speak and to attend Friday's hearing.
On its website, PRN describes itself as “a network of pain patients, family members of people in pain, physicians, attorneys, and activists who are working toward a day when people in pain will be afforded the simple dignity and compassion due all ill Americans.”
Reynolds and PRN have taken the Maynard case to the national stage and have been actively advocating for the doctor on local radio and television.
In all, six local pastors spoke on behalf of the doctor. There were many dynamic deliveries of prayers, and the crowd was on its feet throughout the evening.
Vigil organizer Lynette Gumbs closed the evening by thanking the many people who had helped with the event. She had a long list of pastors and community leaders that she thanked for their support. She said, “I want to thank everyone who came out tonight. We must continue the fight to free Dr. Maynard.”
Many in the crowd said they were going to be at the courthouse Friday to show their support.
Efforts to win a new trial for Maynard were dealt a setback Tuesday when District Judge James T. Giles denied a subpoena request by Maynard's defense attorney (See "Appeal Efforts for Local Physician Dealt Minor Setback Tuesday").
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