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Greetings friends of Free Battered Women,<br><br>
It is with deep sadness that I report that on July 3rd 2009, Governor
Schwarzenegger released his decision to reverse the Board of Parole
Hearings' decision to grant parole to survivor Carol Sue McInnis.
<br><br>
Carol Sue McInnis is a 70-year-old battered woman who has served nearly
20 years on a 15-to-life sentence for the death of her abusive and
manipulative husband. Ms. McInnis uses a wheelchair and an oxygen
tank full-time. She is currently at the infirmary at Valley State Prison
for Women and has been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Diabetes. <br><br>
Ms. McInnis had a stroke shortly after she was incarcerated and was
declared medically disabled in 1992. Due to extensive medical
limitations, vocation, education, and group therapy have been virtually
impossible for her to participate in during her incarceration. Free
Battered Women joins with Ms. McInnis and her supporters in grieving over
the Governor's reversal. We remain committed to supporting Ms. McInnis'
freedom. <br><br>
Despite this devastating news we must continue to fight for the freedom
of many other survivors whose cases will be up for review before the
Governor in the next few months. We are hoping to help secure the release
of two survivors Norma Cumpian and Linda Lee Smith, and we need your
support. <br>
<br>
Please take a moment to send a free fax to Governor Schwarzenegger
at
<a href="http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/Alert_Norma.html">
http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/Alert_Norma.html</a> urging him to
release incarcerated domestic violence survivor Norma Cumpian. Ms.Cumpian
has spent 17 years at the California Institution for Women (CIW) on a
15-to-life sentence (plus a four year gun enhancement) for the death of
her abusive boyfriend. The Board of Parole Hearings found Ms.
Cumpian suitable for parole and I urge you to support their decision to
release her. <br><br>
Ms.Cumpian is a 39-year-old woman who has had an exemplary disciplinary
record while in prison. She has used her time in prison to
transform herself through support groups, study, work, and service.
During her incarceration, Ms. Cumpian has displayed considerable
leadership skills, as well as a commitment to self-improvement and
support for others’ growth. She has been a leader within Convicted
Women Against Abuse.<br>
<br>
Please take a moment to send a free fax to Governor Schwarzenegger at
<a href="http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/Alert_Linda.html">
http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/Alert_Linda.html</a> urging him to
release incarcerated domestic violence survivor Linda Lee Smith. In 1981,
Ms. Smith was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to
15-years-to-life in connection with the death of her two-year-old
daughter, Amy, who was beaten to death by her abusive boyfriend. Although
the victim in Linda's case was not her abusive partner, the fact that she
was a battered woman was significant in her inaction to stop the crime.
Linda has been found suitable for parole by the Board of Parole
Hearings <b><u>ten</u></b> 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. Linda currently is in her <b><u>29th</u></b> year in
prison where she 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. <br><br>
Please add your voice to those calling for Ms. Cumpian’s and Ms. Smith's
freedom by sending the Governor a free fax at
<a href="http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/alerts.html">
http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/alerts.html</a>. <br>
<br>
Sincerely, <br>
Emily <br><br>
-- <br>
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Emily Harris<br>
Coordinator, Free Battered Women<br>
1540 Market St., Suite 490<br>
San Francisco, CA 94102<br>
415.255.7036 x 304<br>
<a href="http://www.freebatteredwomen.org/">www.FreeBatteredWomen.org</a>
<br><br>
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<font size=3 color="#FF0000">Freedom Archives<br>
522 Valencia Street<br>
San Francisco, CA 94110<br><br>
</font><font size=3 color="#008000">415 863-9977<br><br>
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