On August 1, 2010, Rico Gray began arguing with Marissa Alexander over text communications on Alexander's phone between her and her ex-husband. Gray, a man with a history of violence exacted on all 5 mothers of his various children, had strangled and beaten Ms. Alexander on prior occasions, and had beaten her during her recent pregnancy (their daughter was nine days old on August 1st). As Gray raged through Ms. Alexander's home, she demanded that he leave; he refused. Under duress, Ms. Alexander ran to her garage and retrieved her gun - a gun she was licensed to own. She again demanded that Gray leave. He refused and blocked her exit path. At that time, Ms. Alexander shot a warning shot into the wall of her garage. One month after the death of Trayvon Martin, Ms. Alexander was sentenced to 20 years of prison under the current Florida 10-20-life law, which requires a minimum of 20 years for anyone convicted of an aggravated assault when a firearm is discharged -with no regard to extenuating circumstances. State prosecutor, Angela Corey, presented evidence that the gun was fired into the wall of a room where two children were. Corey offered a three year sentence, but Ms. Alexander rejected the "deal" because she believed she was "standing her ground." Her defense was rejected. Governor Rick Scott must pardon Marissa Alexander, and the state of Florida must trash the 10-20-life law. A person, and especially a woman who has been victimized previously by their batterer, should have the right to defend themselves from further known serious bodily harm. Additionally, there should absolutely be judicial discretion to consider extenuating circumstances in sentencing. Join me in signing this position for the pardon of Marissa Alexander...

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