Precious Releases?
Hudie Joyce Walker was released on May 1, 2007 after serving 16 years of a 19 years-to-life sentence for killing her abusive husband. In February 2007 the Court of Appeals granted Ms. Walker’s habeas petition, overturning her conviction. Ms. Walker was represented by a Habeas Project volunteer legal team from Latham & Watkins. It is the first published decision under Penal Code section 1473.5 which allows expert domestic abuse testimony not permitted at the time of her trial.
Sandra Redmond was released on June 14, 2007 after nearly 24 years in prison based on Penal Code section 1473.5. Ms. Redmond was represented by Carrie Hempel of the USC Post-Conviction Justice Project which is part of the statewide Habeas Project. Although Gov. Schwarzenegger had reversed the Parole Board’s decision to release Sandra Redmond on parole on March 19, 2007, the courts recognized the injustice of Sandra’s continued incarceration and she is now free!
Flozelle Woodmore was released after the Governor finally approved her parole. She had served 20 years of a 15-years-to-life for killing her abusive boyfriend in 1986, when she was just 18 years old.
…And Outrageous Denials
Mary Shields’ parole, granted in May, 2006, was rescinded on March 14, 2007. This was a huge blow to Mary and her family. CCWP hopes that the Board will find Mary suitable for release in August and that she will be back with her family.
Elnora Francis’ parole decision was reversed on March 2, 2007 by Gov. Schwarzenegger. This was the third time that the parole board had recommended Ms. Francis for release.
On February 2nd, 2007, Gov. Schwarzenegger reversed parole for 67-year-old Vonda White. Vonda has been in prison since 1979 after being convicted of 1st degree murder. The Governor reversed Vonda’s parole despite the fact that she has been write-up free for the more than 28 years she has been in prison and had support from hundreds of concerned community members from around the country, including her sentencing judge.
Write the governor to tell him that Mary Shields, Elnora Francis and Vonda White should be released!
Governor Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Thanks in part to Free Battered Women for the information on releases and denials of incarcerated survivors and to the women prisoners for the information about your own cases. WE INVITE ALL OUR READERS TO SEND US INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR OWN RELEASE DATES OR DENIALS!
Parole Beat
