Sandra Redmond | Elnora Francis | Vonda White

governor denies freedom to Sandra Redmond!

On March 19, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger reversed the parole board's decision to release Sandra Redmond on parole.

Sandra has been in prison since 1983 for the death of her abusive boyfriend. Thus far, she has served over 24 years of her life in prison on a 17-to-life sentence. This was the second time that the parole board recognized that Sandra is suitable for release.

Sandra endured physical, sexual, and psychological abuse by her boyfriend (and by others before him). The parole board investigated her history in 2005 and found evidence that she was abused.  An independent expert on domestic violence also concluded that she had been physically and sexually abused. Nevertheless, Sandra takes full responsibility for her boyfriend’s death and expresses deep remorse for taking his life.

We are outraged that the Governor once again reversed the parole board's decision to grant Sandra Redmond parole. Sandra remains in our thoughts as she faces another year in prison.

We are grateful to our allies at USC's Post-Conviction Justice Project, who represent Sandra, for leading the fight for Sandra's release, and to everyone who contacted the Governor on her behalf.