The news finally broke that my grandfather is coming home after twenty two years behind bars. I am drained from this long fight but seeing his freedom become a reality makes the exhaustion worth it. We will be focused on his transition back to family life now.
June 2, 2022
Mobile & Baldwin: Fight to Free Edward Daughtry!
Final supporters
My grandfather Edward Levern Daughtry, a Navy veteran and minister, desperately needs your help.
He's been in prison for the past 22 years for a nonviolent robbery he did during a hard time in his life. But now he's an elderly man that's turned his life around.
If Edward was sentenced today for his only class A offense, he would've been eligible for parole 7 years ago.
I want to present our cause to the Alabama State House and Senate, and the Baldwin County DA. Hopefully, they'll see that he is a harmless and earnest man that wants to return to society and reunite with his family. 22 years for a nonviolent crime is far too long, so his sentence should be considered complete.
I haven't seen my grandfather in several years and he hasn't met his three great grandchildren yet. Although I value our bittersweet conversations over the phone, I want to hug him in person, introduce him to my husband and son, and make his favorite dessert Pineapple Upside Down cake.
He said when he gets out, he wants to share his life story in a biography and spend time with his family.
"I try to be a light in a dark place," He said. "I try to be a kind word where there is pain."
He's serving his term at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama.
Alabama's Habitual Felony Offender Act(HFOA) is an outdated law that has largely contributed to the overcrowded and violent state prisons. It enhances a person's sentence based on how many prior felonies they have committed.
HFOA Facts:
- 536 people are incarcerated in Alabama for sentences of life or life without parole for robbery. The vast majority of cases involve no physical injury. Of these, 239 will die in prison unless the law is changed.
- Alabama’s Habitual Felony Offender Act is more severe than repeat offender statutes in every other southern state – except Mississippi.
- 3 out of 4 people sentenced to die in prison under HFOA are Black.
Links to learn more about HFOA:
Alabama Appleseed Organization Report
If you want to help, please sign this petition, share it with your friends and family on all social media, and reach out to any justice organizations or elected officials that can spread our message.
Thank you so much for whatever you can do!
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
May 25, 2022
May 22, 2022
The exhaustion is setting in but I refuse to stop fighting for my grandfather. We need to reach two thousand five hundred names before I approach the decision makers again. Please get this in front of anyone who will listen because he has waited long enough.
May 12, 2022
The days at the facility remain long and frustrating for my grandfather but he keeps telling me to stay patient. I am still working to get the right people to listen because his time inside has stretched far beyond justice. It is heavy work but I will keep pushing until he is home.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 13, 2022
Reached 100 supporters
December 15, 2021
314 Comments
This man should of been home to live out his life, as an Alabamian I am very disturbed by the severity of his time for such a small offense.
Free this man— he’s done his time and doesn’t deserve to die here. Let him grow, let him see his children and grandchildren. Let him pet dogs and feel the grass.
If he were white, his sentence would have been drastically shorter. Looking at similar cases in the same city/state, shows disproportionate sentencing for black people. This is an injustice of the courts and judiciary system and it must be corrected.
He is more than deserving of a second chance. 22 years is more than enough time. He has been able to reach rehabilitation in spite of a system that does not promote healing. Much love to the family.
Until the American justice system can pass sentences with the blind eye it’s supposed to have, it can’t claim moral superiority in cases like this. Free this man.
Free that MAN
Much love
Share Petition
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The news finally broke that my grandfather is coming home after twenty two years behind bars. I am drained from this long fight but seeing his freedom become a reality makes the exhaustion worth it. We will be focused on his transition back to family life now.
June 2, 2022
Mobile & Baldwin: Fight to Free Edward Daughtry!
Final supporters
My grandfather Edward Levern Daughtry, a Navy veteran and minister, desperately needs your help.
He's been in prison for the past 22 years for a nonviolent robbery he did during a hard time in his life. But now he's an elderly man that's turned his life around.
If Edward was sentenced today for his only class A offense, he would've been eligible for parole 7 years ago.
I want to present our cause to the Alabama State House and Senate, and the Baldwin County DA. Hopefully, they'll see that he is a harmless and earnest man that wants to return to society and reunite with his family. 22 years for a nonviolent crime is far too long, so his sentence should be considered complete.
I haven't seen my grandfather in several years and he hasn't met his three great grandchildren yet. Although I value our bittersweet conversations over the phone, I want to hug him in person, introduce him to my husband and son, and make his favorite dessert Pineapple Upside Down cake.
He said when he gets out, he wants to share his life story in a biography and spend time with his family.
"I try to be a light in a dark place," He said. "I try to be a kind word where there is pain."
He's serving his term at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama.
Alabama's Habitual Felony Offender Act(HFOA) is an outdated law that has largely contributed to the overcrowded and violent state prisons. It enhances a person's sentence based on how many prior felonies they have committed.
HFOA Facts:
- 536 people are incarcerated in Alabama for sentences of life or life without parole for robbery. The vast majority of cases involve no physical injury. Of these, 239 will die in prison unless the law is changed.
- Alabama’s Habitual Felony Offender Act is more severe than repeat offender statutes in every other southern state – except Mississippi.
- 3 out of 4 people sentenced to die in prison under HFOA are Black.
Links to learn more about HFOA:
Alabama Appleseed Organization Report
If you want to help, please sign this petition, share it with your friends and family on all social media, and reach out to any justice organizations or elected officials that can spread our message.
Thank you so much for whatever you can do!
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
May 25, 2022
May 22, 2022
The exhaustion is setting in but I refuse to stop fighting for my grandfather. We need to reach two thousand five hundred names before I approach the decision makers again. Please get this in front of anyone who will listen because he has waited long enough.
May 12, 2022
The days at the facility remain long and frustrating for my grandfather but he keeps telling me to stay patient. I am still working to get the right people to listen because his time inside has stretched far beyond justice. It is heavy work but I will keep pushing until he is home.
Reached 1,000 supporters
January 13, 2022
Reached 100 supporters
December 15, 2021
314 Comments
26 years for non violent robbery of an amount less than $200 is insane and unconstitutional. we have seen murderers and rapists get community service. fix this injustice.
This man should of been home to live out his life, as an Alabamian I am very disturbed by the severity of his time for such a small offense.
Free this man— he’s done his time and doesn’t deserve to die here. Let him grow, let him see his children and grandchildren. Let him pet dogs and feel the grass.
If he were white, his sentence would have been drastically shorter. Looking at similar cases in the same city/state, shows disproportionate sentencing for black people. This is an injustice of the courts and judiciary system and it must be corrected.
He is more than deserving of a second chance. 22 years is more than enough time. He has been able to reach rehabilitation in spite of a system that does not promote healing. Much love to the family.
Until the American justice system can pass sentences with the blind eye it’s supposed to have, it can’t claim moral superiority in cases like this. Free this man.
Free that MAN
Much love
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26 years for non violent robbery of an amount less than $200 is insane and unconstitutional. we have seen murderers and rapists get community service. fix this injustice.