We the undersigned request that the reduced sentence of Jah-Lah Vanderhorst be overturned and the original sentence of 25 years be reinstated.

                On April 30, 2011 amongst a large crowd of teenager, Jah-Lah Vanderhorst stabbed beloved Albany High School track star Tyler Rhodes in the heart ultimately resulting in his death. An onlooker recorded this grievous act on a cell phone video. The pleading of the crowd to “put the knife down” can be heard clearly. While Tyler’s response was low, he can be heard saying, “Just shoot the fair one”. Vanderhorst’s was not in danger, in fact he charged Tyler five times in the video. If Vanderhorst’s intent was not to cause serious harm or death, why did he bring a knife to the fight? Vanderhorst had ample opportunity to resolve the altercation in a manner that would have prevented the death of Tyler Rhodes. 

                In a hearing on July 20, 2019, Supreme Court Justice Peter Lynch resentenced Vanderhorst to a reduced sentence of 12 and half years. This ruling is insensitive and unfair. It is sending a message to our community and our youth that violence is an acceptable for of conflict resolution. This ruling gives our youth the unrealistic perception that they can commit violent crime in return get a smack on the hand and told not to do it again.

                On August 8, 2012 a mere five days after Vanderhorst’s 18 birthday and moments before his initial sentencing of 25 years, he was married to his girlfriend. If he was mature enough to make this decision 466 days after plunging a knife into the heart of Tyler Rhodes, surely he knew the consequences of his actions 1 year, 3 months and 9 days earlier. During Vanderhorst’s seven years of incarceration, he received 12 violations, five of which were of a violent nature. This is not the behavior of a rehabilitated person. Vanderhorst should not be reintroduced into society without serving his initial sentencing of 25 years.

                Tylers Rhodes’ family and friends will never know the joys of him becoming a husband or a father. Tyler’s legacy will not be carried on thru his child or wife, but instead thru the memory of his premature death.