Free Battered Women: Alerts

Norma Cumpian | Linda Lee Smith | Deborah Peagler

Help free Linda Lee Smith now!

Send a Free Fax

In 1981, Linda Lee Smith was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to 15-years-to-life in connection with the death of her two-year-old daughter, Amy, who was beaten to death by her abusive boyfriend.

Although the victim in Linda's case was not her abusive partner, the fact that she was a battered woman was significant in her inaction to stop the crime.

Linda has been found suitable for parole by the Board of Parole Hearings ten times since 1989. Each time, the Governor has reversed the Board's decision, despite the fact that Amy's father and sister (who witnessed the crime) support Linda's release.

Linda currently is in her 29th year in prison where she has remained disciplinary-free, earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of La Verne, and continues to work toward her Master of Theology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.

You can take action to support Linda's release in a variety of ways:

Send Governor Schwarzenegger a free fax below
Call the Governor at 916-445-0873 and tell the Legal Affairs staff that you support Linda Lee Smith's release!
Email him at http://www.govmail.ca.gov/

Your message will be viewed more favorably if you use your own words. Consider including relevant background information about yourself that describes why you support Linda's freedom.

Your Message:
The following information will be included in every fax sent: I am writing to urge you to affirm the decision by the Board of Parole Hearings that Linda Lee Smith is suitable for parole.
You Can Add Your Own Message Here:
During the nearly three decades she has been in prison, Ms. Smith has been a model prisoner. She has a spotless prison record, without a single disciplinary infraction, and has made excellent use of the opportunities available to her. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development and has pursued a Master of Theology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She has taken advantage of numerous self-help programs, and is considered so fully rehabilitated that she no longer qualifies for prison psychological counseling. Ms. Smith is one of seven women who have been hired to facilitate an Associates of Arts degree program at the prison, as well as provide certified college tutoring for women earning their degrees. Ms. Smith also has been a part of the Ministry Team at the California Institution for Women for 25 years and worked in the Mental Health Department as a peer helper for 12 years. She is an award-winning artist and participated in the Graphic Arts vocational program. These are just some of many ways in which Ms. Smith has bettered herself and used her skills and talents in the service of others. Ms. Smith has worked hard to transform herself from the abused and scared woman who entered prison 29 years ago to a responsible and mature woman who accepts full responsibility for her role in her daughter’s death. More than anyone, Ms. Smith recognizes the horrific circumstances of her daughter's death, and that is something Ms. Smith will have to live with for the rest of her life. She cannot change the nature of the crime, but she can and has changed herself. Ms. Smith’s transformation has been recognized by the parole board, which has granted her parole eight times, and by every prison psychiatrist who has examined her. Given the state’s prison overcrowding crisis, it is not necessary to continue to incarcerate Ms. Smith at the cost of at least $43,000 per year. She is a danger to no one, and she has already paid for her crime. I am not asking for leniency toward Linda Lee Smith, only that this woman who has served almost double the minimum term of her sentence and several years more than the maximum recommended term for her crime, and has truly been rehabilitated, be released.
Your Closing:
Your Name:
Your Information:
Privacy Notice: In order for your message to carry weight with the recipient, you must provide your name and address. FBW will not use this information for any other purpose, unless you wish to receive updates from us and check the box below.
* indicates required field
Prefix:
First Name*:
Last Name*:
Your Address*:
City*:
State*:
Zip Code*:
Send Your Message:
Please email me a copy of my message.
Please add me to FBW's email list.
Your email address:

1540 Market St., Suite 490
San Francisco, California 94102 USA
phone: (415) 255-7036 x320 • fax: (415) 552-3150
info(at)freebatteredwomen(dot)org

Help free Linda Lee Smith now!

Send a Free Fax

Your Message:

You Can Add Your Own Message Here:

Your Information:

Send Your Message: