10 signatures reached
To: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Help James Jones Pursue A Commutation
Meet James Jones, a man who is currently serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit. He was wrongfully convicted of a drive-by shooting that resulted in the passing of an individual in 2001. The evidence used in the trial and the legal personnel involved in his case are questionable in their credibility. PLEASE READ ALL (thank you so much)!
Evidence:
- Faulty Line-up: Before a criminal line-up set up by the Detroit Police Department, the three witnesses in the case were picked up by a legal official and shown a picture of Jones. It's alleged that they asked for "the name of the man in the photo" as opposed to asking if he committed the crime, but showing the photo of Jones still influences one to associate him with the crime. This calls the line-up into question.
- Lack of Codefendants: Jones was charged with First-Degree Murder-Aiding and Abetting. How is he guilty of aiding and abetting a premeditated murder without any codefendants he allegedly assisted?
- Lack of Witnesses: The prosecution heavily relied on only one witness who placed him at the crime scene. Part of the primary evidence used in his case was hearsay.
- Corrupt Officials Who Oversaw the Case: The first lead detective on Jones' case, Detective Dale Collins, has recently been listed in a wrongful conviction lawsuit by exonerees Ramon Ward (served 27 years) and Larry Smith (served 26 years). Collins is involved in several other wrongful conviction cases. The late former DPD detective and second lead detective on Jones' case, JoAnn Miller, has also been cited as an “unreliable source” (Baugh v. Nagy, pg. 20 of linked source). In Baugh v. Nagy, she omitted a significant statement that exhibits the innocence of the accused. In turn, Jimmy Baugh was wrongfully incarcerated for approximately 20 years.
About James Jones:
Jones has been serving his time in a low-level security facility with no assault or fighting tickets on his record. He has recently received a certificate in Public Leadership and Administration and is completing his studies for a degree in Business Law! When he isn't studying or speaking with friends/family, he is perfecting recipes, like his special steamed rice BBQ chicken dinner. Despite his incarceration spanning 24 years, Jones has maintained a close relationship with his family and friends. His mother, wife, and other family members continue to fight fiercely for his freedom, inspiring others, including myself, to do the same.
What You Can Do:
YOUR VOICE CAN CALL ATTENTION TO INJUSTICE! YOU HAVE CIVIC POWER! YOU CAN CHANGE OTHERS' LIVES FOR THE BETTER!
James and his legal team have long sought exoneration. He is now working on his application for a commutation, which can only be granted by Governor Whitmer. Call her office and let her know James Jones needs to come home!
- Contact Info:
- Executive Office Number: 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services)
- Important Information to Include:
- Include his name and MDOC #: James Jones; 362351
- Mention any aspect of the evidence stated previously that you feel is strongest.
- EX: "The lead detective in James Jones' case, Dale Collins, has been a part of exoneree cases, including Ramon Ward. This implies further corruption in other cases Collins has handled. Please urge Governor Whitmer to approve James Jones' commutation application!"
- Request for his commutation to be reviewed/approved!
Thank you so much for contributing to his fight! Together, we can change the trajectory of injustice and make the world a better place one case at a time!
Why is this important?
The United States has a long and distressing past of mass incarceration. It is widely acknowledged in sociological and political studies that mass incarceration disproportionately affects black people. According to the Sentencing Project, there is an average of 6.7 black individuals to one white individual currently incarcerated in Michigan. Black people make up 13% of the entire US population, yet are the highest incarcerated demographic in the US at 32%.
Mass incarceration creates a cycle of disadvantage that affects individuals, families, and even entire neighborhoods. Family members are removed from their homes, directly impacting family relationships and childhoods. Social networks are broken, and community members experience a disruption in collective action. This evokes financial strain and further emotional stress in communities that are intentionally left without resources to support themselves.
James Jones is a black man born and raised in the city of Detroit who has endured a wrongful conviction and was initially targeted by the Detroit Police Department.
With the current state of this country, we need to change these trends of devastation in the black community and fight back through awareness and direct action!! Help communities such as James' experience the return of a beloved son, father, and scholar. Repair these social networks and restore black communities!!
Sources:
Mass incarceration creates a cycle of disadvantage that affects individuals, families, and even entire neighborhoods. Family members are removed from their homes, directly impacting family relationships and childhoods. Social networks are broken, and community members experience a disruption in collective action. This evokes financial strain and further emotional stress in communities that are intentionally left without resources to support themselves.
James Jones is a black man born and raised in the city of Detroit who has endured a wrongful conviction and was initially targeted by the Detroit Police Department.
With the current state of this country, we need to change these trends of devastation in the black community and fight back through awareness and direct action!! Help communities such as James' experience the return of a beloved son, father, and scholar. Repair these social networks and restore black communities!!
Sources: