Flozelle Woodmore is free!

Governor approves her release on parole

Free Battered Women is thrilled to report that on August 2nd, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger decided to uphold the parole board's decision to release Flozelle Woodmore.

Flozelle is being released after serving 20 years in prison for killing her abusive boyfriend.  This was the 6th year that the Board of Parole Hearings had found her suitable for parole.

Flozelle was 18 years old when she killed her abusive boyfriend, whom she had been dating since she was 13. In 1987, Flozelle pled guilty to 2nd degree murder and was sentenced to 15-years-to-life in prison. Flozelle had no prior criminal history.

Expert testimony on battering and its effects never was admitted in Flozelle's court proceedings, even though the history of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse that she experienced by her boyfriend was critical in explaining what happened.

Flozelle's release is the result of a collective effort.  Tremendous thanks to everyone who took the time to write, call, and fax the Governor urging him to release Flozelle!  Together, we make a difference! 

Free Battered Women also wants to express our deep appreciation to the following people who were instrumental in Flozelle's fight for freedom:

• Johanna Hoffmann, who represented Flozelle on parole this year
• Ruth Dewson, community activist extraordinaire, who used her voice in every possible way in calling for Flozelle's freedom
• Olivia Wang, formerly of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, who represented Flozelle for many years and continues to be her champion
• Nancy Lemon, who served as Flozelle's expert witness on battering and its effects
• Angela Fitzsimons, who represented her on parole last year
• Flozelle's loving family, who stood behind her for years and never gave up the fight for her freedom
• And countless others who have supported Flozelle along the way.

We join all of these amazing supporters - and above all, Flozelle - in celebrating her sweet freedom! 

Read media coverage of Flozelle's fight for freedom:

• Flozelle – Free at Last, San Francisco Chronicle Editorial (August 3, 2007).
• Governor backs down, will not oppose parole. Woman, 39, was 18 when she killed her abusive boyfriend, San Francisco Chronicle (August 3, 2007).
• Justice Denied: One man stands between Flozelle Woodmore and the ‘free’ world — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, In These Times, (August 2, 2007).