We, the undersigned, together with the family and friends of William Garner, urge Governor Strickland to commute William’s death sentence.

Garner was convicted for setting a fire that killed five children.  The following are factors that exist in Garner’s case that warrant consideration by Governor Strickland:

Garner’s IQ is estimated at 76 and his attorneys have argued that he is mentally retarded and received an inadequate education.Garner’s low intelligence made it impossible for him to comprehend his Miranda rights, which include warnings about the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.

We deeply sympathize with the family and friends of the victims, but we respectfully offer that another death will neither heal nor resolve this tragedy.

Action petitioned for:  We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge Governor Strickland to commute the sentence of William Garner to life without parole.