Patty Prewitt is currently serving a life sentence for a crime she, and many others, claim she did not commit. In the 80's, Prewitt's husband was murdered in their home, and she became the prime suspect. A neighbor noticed a suspicious car parked by their house, but that eye-witness account was not brought up during Prewitt's trial. Patty Prewitt has served 27 years and is not eligible for parole until 2036.
Petition: To Governor Nixon of Missouri
Her defense attorney, Robert Baird, now a retired judge, still believes in Prewitt's innocence. Baird claims Prewitt trial was similar to that of the 'Scarlet Letter.' She was accused of trying to seduce the prosecution, the bailiff was reportedly pressuring the jury to make a quick decision, and the neighbor's account was never presented during the trial. It makes for a grand miscarriage of justice.
"I was Patty’s lead defense lawyer when she was convicted of the murder of her husband nearly 30 years ago. Investigators were all too quick to judge Patty as their prime suspect, and they failed to collect and in some cases simply ignored key evidence, preventing us from fully presenting Patty’s account of a home intruder that attacked her and killed her husband." -Former Judge Robert Baird
Prewitt was offered a plea bargain, but like so many who feel they are innocent, she turned it down. She chose to believe in the jury and the judicial system. Patty Prewitt could have walked out of prison within 7 years of her trial. Instead she has lost nearly three decades of freedom and time away from her family, because she believed justice would prevail. How does one learn to find acceptance year after year, imprisoned, knowing they are innocent?
The decision for clemency is in the hands of Governor Jay Nixon (Democrat - Missouri). Prewitt's children have consistently campaigned for her release. A mother of four, Patty Prewitt is 64, and has ten grandchildren, all of whom have never known their grandmother outside prison walls. She has been a model prisoner and helped other inmates learn skills while in prison, which they used to start successful businesses after they were released.
Many have spoken out in support of Patty Prewitt including President Jimmy Carter.
"I would like to add my voice to those who request a thorough review of her good conduct and service as a prisoner in determining her possible release from prison." -President Jimmy Carter on Patty Prewitt
The amount freedom that has been stolen from Patty Prewitt is so disturbing, it's hard for me to write about it. The biggest question - why hasn't Governor Nixon granted her clemency, when so many believe she deserves clemency? Even if she were guilty of murder, she has served more time than most would with the same conviction. Though it's not professional to write, the words that keep popping into my head are, "What the fuck is going on here?"
Below is a petition to Governor Nixon asking for Patty Prewitt's release, followed by links to more information and news about her case. If Prewitt was guilty, would a former president of the United Sates, and a former judge be asking for her clemency? Hopefully, Nixon will ask the same questions and do the right thing. If you feel compelled, please sign and share the petition.
Petition: To Governor Nixon of Missouri
* PatiricaPrewitt.com contains news and information including:
* Associated Press Reports On Patty Prewitt
* A Call For Clemency By Former Judge Baird
* A Call For A Clemency Sabbath by Sister Mary Ann McGivern
* Patty Prewitt News On Facebook