TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition on behalf of Devon Bristol, DIN 13-A-3353, who is currently incarcerated within the New York State prison system. Devon is serving a 25-year sentence for a violent offense in which, importantly, no one was physically harmed. He has now served approximately 15 years of his sentence.

We respectfully ask that Devon’s case be reviewed in light of the substantial rehabilitation, personal growth, service to others, and commitment to nonviolence he has demonstrated throughout his incarceration.

STATEMENT OF CIRCUMSTANCES

Devon has faced significant hardship during his incarceration, including an ongoing and unresolved medical condition for which he continues to lack a clear diagnosis or adequate answers. He has also endured physical and mental abuse. Despite these challenges, Devon has maintained a positive attitude and demonstrated remarkable resilience, personal growth, and transformation.

Devon experienced profound loss at a very young age, losing both of his parents by the age of 15. Without a stable support system, he turned to the streets in search of belonging. While these circumstances do not excuse his past actions, they provide important context for understanding the path that led him there and, equally importantly, the tremendous effort he has made to change the direction of his life.

REHABILITATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH

During approximately 15 years of incarceration, Devon has made a sincere and sustained commitment to rehabilitation, self-improvement, and nonviolence.

Among his accomplishments are:

● Completion of the Alternatives to Violence Project.

● Participation in 64 days of voluntary nonviolence practice.

● Completion of a food handling certification.

● Participation in a 5K walkathon.

● Continued efforts to encourage unity, accountability, and positive change among other incarcerated individuals.

These accomplishments demonstrate that Devon has not simply served time; he has used his time to work toward becoming a better person and contributing positively to those around him.

THE MONTH OF UNITY

In September 2025, Devon helped create and organize “The Month of Unity,” an incarcerated-led and self-funded restorative initiative.

Working with a couple of his peers and using their limited personal funds, Devon and the others:

● Provided food for more than 40 incarcerated individuals.

● Organized a charity raffle.

● Assembled a care package containing hygiene products, food, and clothing for an individual in need.

This initiative demonstrates leadership, compassion, responsibility, and a genuine desire to give back to his community—even while incarcerated and despite having limited resources.

POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS

Devon’s creative work has also been accepted and recognized by the Seneca Falls Museum, providing further evidence of his personal development and positive contributions.

His accomplishments, community involvement, and continued commitment to nonviolence demonstrate meaningful rehabilitation and a desire to use his experiences to positively influence others.

REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION

Devon has served approximately 15 years of a 25-year sentence. During that time, he has experienced profound hardship while also taking meaningful steps toward rehabilitation and personal transformation.

He has acknowledged his past, worked to change his behavior, participated in programs designed to promote nonviolence, obtained certifications, contributed to his community, supported other incarcerated individuals, and demonstrated leadership through restorative efforts.

Most importantly, Devon is committed to living a nonviolent, productive, and meaningful life. He is ready for the opportunity to reunite with the loved ones who continue to believe in him and are prepared to support him as he moves forward.

PETITION

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, RESPECTFULLY REQUEST that Devon Bristol, DIN 13-A-3353, be granted a meaningful review and consideration for any available form of relief, release, clemency, commutation, or other opportunity that would allow him to demonstrate that the person he is today is not the person he was when he committed his offense.

We respectfully ask that the decision-makers reviewing his case consider:

1. The approximately 15 years Devon has already served;

2. His demonstrated commitment to rehabilitation and nonviolence;

3. His completion of programs and educational certifications;

4. His efforts to support and give back to other incarcerated individuals;

5. His leadership in organizing The Month of Unity;

6. His continued positive contributions through his creative work;

7. The significant hardships and losses he has experienced throughout his life;

8. His demonstrated personal growth and transformation; 

9. His commitment to living a constructive, nonviolent life and his strong family and community support.

Devon deserves the opportunity to show that rehabilitation is real, that people can change, and that a person’s worst decision does not have to define the rest of his life.

We respectfully ask that you hear his story, review his record, recognize the transformation he has made, consider giving him a second chance & sign his petition. 

Thank you for your time, consideration, and for the important work you do.