Over 30,000 people have now signed an online petition pressing Governor Pat McCrory to issue a pardon for two half-brothers who were exonerated last September after serving 30 years for a wrongful conviction.
Henry Lee McCollum and Leon Brown were convicted for the 1983 rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl. Three decades later new DNA evidence proved another man committed the crime.
The petition at change.org goes on to explain:
When they were finally released from prison 6 months ago, the state gave them $45 dollars each for their trouble and sent them on their way to survive in a world completely different from the one they left in 1983. Both Henry and Leon have limited education and due to their lack of ability to get jobs have relied on the kindness of strangers. This is not freedom or justice. They both lost 30 years of their lives, and even after being proven innocent, have been forced to live in limbo because the state won’t pardon them. These men deserve a real chance to live life and be a part of the American dream. Everyday Gov. McCrory delays, is one more day Henry and Leon spend in a virtual prison.
Governor McCrory’s office has reiterated that it is reviewing the case.
But those signing on to the petition, which has gained national attention, believe the pardon should be expedited. Here are just a few comments from those who’ve signed on:
These men should be pardoned and compensated for 30 years of loss of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
– Raymond White PEMBROKE PINES, FLToo many innocent people are being convicted, and we seem to find it far too acceptable. We need to examine the testimony & evidence and find if there was wrong doing and convict people for false testimony and fraudulent evidence in order to keep it from happening.
– Daniel Richards BEATRICE, NEThese men have suffered enough. Do the right thing.
– Robert Schenkelberg LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ
Saturday, April 4th, will mark seven-months since McCollum and Brown were freed from prison. Click here to view the petition.
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