The long-term sexual and psychological abuse that led up to the crimes Heath is incarcerated for must be acknowledged and his sentence must be adjusted accordingly. Thus far, the State of Arkansas has refused to recognize the mitigating factors of child sexual abuse as the reason the murders of Heath's family occurred. They have failed to show good faith towards a child who was failed by the State during the 10 years of abuse he suffered, failed by the Boy Scouts of America who enabled his predator, and failed by the local authorities and legislators due to their personal relationships and loyalty to Jack Walls, his abuser. Heath has suffered more abuses than they themselves could possibly withstand, yet a blind eye has continued to be turned for the sake of political aspirations. In 2007 Gov Beebe rejected mercy for Heath and stated that the damaging effects of his abuser were "without merit." We must send the message that this is unacceptable and that the effects of child abuse MATTER!

Heath is presently in an Arkansas prison, sentenced to life without parole for the murders of his family. Heath's abuser, a trusted Boy Scout Leader and "pillar of the community", Charles "Jack" Walls III, had an enormous amount of power and control in the small Arkansas community of Lonoke. The power this abuser had over his victims kept even the mention of Heath's abuse and the psychological pressure he placed on Heath to commit this act from coming up at his sentencing. It wasn't until a year after Heath was sent to prison that the story of Jack's abuse was made public and the community learned that Heath's family was murdered because he had disclosed the secrets of this pedophile to them. 

The influence of Walls in this crime is evident; he currently sits in prison after pleading no contest to the rape of Heath and many other boys in the community of Lonoke. His standing in the community protected him from being charged with the murders of the Stocks family even though he was the orchestrator and the one who had the greatest motive to silence them. 

Please sign Heath's petition today and send the message that the abuse he suffered matters and warrants a reduction in his 3 life without parole sentences! Thank you!