PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Free Aaron Vargas
  1. Signatures
    332 out of 50,000
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of CA
  2. Created By
    Mindy Galliani
    Beverly Hills, CA
Why This Is Important

Aaron is serving a 9 year prison sentence for killing a man who sexually and psychologically abused him for 20 years.

Story: Aaron endured decades of sexual and psychological abuse by Darrell McNeill. Many others in the small community of Fort Bragg, California were also abused by McNeill. One victim committed suicide in 2006 after being harassed by McNeill. Victims, as well as McNeill's former wife, went to the police but no investigation was ever done. Aaron was stalked and harassed continually by McNeill. McNeill took an interest in Aaron's daughter and even offered to baby-sit on several occasions. On 2/8/09, Aaron went to McNeill's home with a gun to try and scare him into leaving his family, and others, alone. There was a heated argument and the gun discharged, and McNeill was shot and killed. Aaron does not remember the gun firing (he was heavily intoxicated and suffers from PTSD, and I believe he suffered a psychotic break). Aaron was charged with 1st degree murder in the shooting death of McNeill. In April, 2010, Aaron pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. On 6/15/10, he was sentenced to 9 years in prison. Aaron maintains that he only intended to scare McNeill into leaving his family and others alone. Aaron has never been a violent person, and he is not a danger to society.  He needs help so that he can heal from the hell that he has been through. He is being revictimized by a justice system that failed to protect him and many others.

For more info on Aaron's story, and to see how else you can help, please go to SaveAaron.com. Aaron's family formed a non-profit, Ending the Silence (EndingSilence.org), to raise awareness, advocate for victims of sexual abuse, and change laws pertaining to sexual abuse.

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Free Aaron Vargas

Governor Brown,

We, the undersigned, are adults and are aware of the general circumstances of the incarceration of Aaron Vargas and his association with Darrell McNeill. We strongly urge you to release Aaron Vargas from prison so that he can return to his family and get the help that he desperately needs.

[Your name]