Linda Lee Smith | Deborah Peagler

governor blocks release of linda Lee Smith!

On August 13, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger issued his decision to reverse parole for Linda Lee Smith for the eighth time.  Our hearts go out to Linda and her family as she faces another year in prison.

Linda is serving her 27th year in prison on a 15-year-to-life sentence.  In 1981, Linda and her abusive boyfriend were convicted of 2nd degree murder for the death of her two-year-old daughter, Amy, who was beaten to death by her boyfriend.

Linda has been found suitable for parole by the Board of Parole Hearings eight 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.

During her nearly 30 years in prison, Linda 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.