The ugly truth is – Rayvell Finch was in possession of some stolen property once. It was worth over $500. About a year later – he was charged with possession with intent to distribute 24 rocks of crack cocaine.
Those were his wrongs. A parent with a troubled child might be familiar with something like that. For whatever reason – people get sidetracked when they are young, one wrong choice leads to a few more. They make immature, irresponsible choices that we hope and pray they grow out of. With so many of our kids – it might evolve into addiction. The grip of a drug on your kid so powerful, you can’t beat it the hell back, no matter how hard you try.
That is what happened to Rayvell. He became an addict. One day, a few years after the above crimes – he was sitting on a stoop. He was visiting an aunt, and was sitting with a friend outside. The police say there was a ‘No Trespassing’ sign, but none of my research ever showed that evidence was presented.
It doesn’t matter – he was arrested for sitting on that stoop and looking like someone the police thought might be up to something. He had his fix in his sock. That was his third strike. That’s it. That is what he got life in prison without the possibility of parole for.
It’s two decades later. Yes – two decades. He’s still in that prison. But there is a glimmer of hope. Just a glimmer, but it’s there.
On March 16, 2017, Rayvell is going before a parole board. Feeling sympathy, sharing stories, crying over the injustice and the death behind bars – we do that. A lot. This is one of those times something can be done. Please join me in writing on behalf of Rayvell. This is his story if you need to read more.
It’s so easy and it could mean all the difference in the world. If you need an outline, copy and paste what I have below and add some of your own sentiments. The below words are meant to give you a place to start. It’s just a shell to help you compose your own letter, but the information regarding Rayvell’s accomplishments are all accurate.
The address is included in the sample.
State of Louisiana Board of Pardons
Committee of Parole Department of Public Safety and Corrections
P.O. Box 94304
Capital Station
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9304
Re: Rayvell Finch, 00336346
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter in support of, Rayvell Finch, who is appearing before the parole board on March 16, 2017. I am writing to request that you send Mr. Finch home to reunite with his family.
Rayvell Finch never committed a violent crime and the third strike he received that resulted in a life sentence was the result of an addiction that he has long since conquered.
While facing life in prison, he chose to better himself. Where others may have given up, he pushed forward. He has taken courses in anger management, substance abuse and religious studies. He also has experience in carpentry, horticulture and in the culinary arts. He has taken up hobbies while he has been incarcerated, including making jewelry, leather work and woodwork.
He has been incarcerated for two decades and I implore you to release Rayvell at this parole hearing and allow him to spend the rest of his days with his family and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Our reality is a product of what we know and are permitted to know. If all the events that take place behind prison bars were brought to light, there might be a call to action from normal, everyday America.