Elnora Francis |

Elnora Francis released!

Wonderful news!  On February 15, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger approved parole for 69-year-old Elnora Francis!

Ms. Francis was released from prison after serving nearly 24 years of a 15-years-to-life for sentence for the death of her abusive husband in 1984.  This was the fourth year in a row that the parole board had found her suitable for release.

Ms. Francis' release is the result of a collective effort of hundreds of concerned community members who supported her freedom over the course of many, many years.  Tremendous thanks to all of you who took the time to write, call, and fax the Governor urging him to release Ms. Francis!  Together, we make a difference!

We also want to express our deep appreciation to our colleagues at USC's Post-Conviction Justice Project.  Mike Brennan and students at the Post-Conviction Justice Project have been representing Ms. Francis for years.  Their tireless and vigorous advocacy on behalf of Ms. Francis' release is truly inspiring!

We join Ms. Francis and her loved ones in celebrating her precious freedom! 

Again, thank you for supporting the struggle for justice and freedom for incarcerated domestic violence survivors.