Demand justice for Faith's devastating loss
The Issue
Twenty-five years ago, our family was forever altered by the senseless murder of my beloved 11-month-old niece, Faith. The horror of that tragic day in 2001 is something we endure every day. Jonathan C Richardson, also known as Autumn Cordellione, was rightfully convicted of this unimaginable crime—taking the life of an innocent child. Faith would have been celebrating her birthday this year, a milestone that we can only dream of sharing with her.
Despite the severity of this crime, Richardson has been released after serving less than half of the original sentence. Why? Because of a new Indiana law that grants 'old cases' this shocking leniency, effectively reducing sentences by half. This 'quiet release' was a blow to our family and undermines the justice we thought we had secured. This was not merely a number; it represented a just punishment fitting the crime of a baby killer—a message that justice should be delivered fully and not just in part.
The gravity of this issue extends beyond our personal loss. It reflects a broader injustice within the system that allows perpetrators of heinous crimes to walk free before serving their rightful time. This is an erosion of trust not only for victims’ families but for the integrity of our justice system as a whole. With the eyes of the world increasingly focused on issues of LGBTQ rights, the case gained significant visibility, but the core issue remains—a baby murderer was released early, and that is unacceptable.
We are not asking for anything extraordinary—just that the truth in sentencing remains intact. '55 years' was the sentence, and 55 years should be served. We need your help to show the Pardon and Parole Boards and lawmakers that the lives of victims and their families deserve the full measure of justice promised by the courts.
Please stand with us in demanding that justice for Faith be fully served. Let's send a powerful message that 'quiet releases' that tear at the fabric of justice are intolerable. Your signature can help protect not only Faith's memory but also ensure future policies prioritize transparency and justice over legislative shortcuts. Sign this petition and help us make truth in sentencing a reality.
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The Issue
Twenty-five years ago, our family was forever altered by the senseless murder of my beloved 11-month-old niece, Faith. The horror of that tragic day in 2001 is something we endure every day. Jonathan C Richardson, also known as Autumn Cordellione, was rightfully convicted of this unimaginable crime—taking the life of an innocent child. Faith would have been celebrating her birthday this year, a milestone that we can only dream of sharing with her.
Despite the severity of this crime, Richardson has been released after serving less than half of the original sentence. Why? Because of a new Indiana law that grants 'old cases' this shocking leniency, effectively reducing sentences by half. This 'quiet release' was a blow to our family and undermines the justice we thought we had secured. This was not merely a number; it represented a just punishment fitting the crime of a baby killer—a message that justice should be delivered fully and not just in part.
The gravity of this issue extends beyond our personal loss. It reflects a broader injustice within the system that allows perpetrators of heinous crimes to walk free before serving their rightful time. This is an erosion of trust not only for victims’ families but for the integrity of our justice system as a whole. With the eyes of the world increasingly focused on issues of LGBTQ rights, the case gained significant visibility, but the core issue remains—a baby murderer was released early, and that is unacceptable.
We are not asking for anything extraordinary—just that the truth in sentencing remains intact. '55 years' was the sentence, and 55 years should be served. We need your help to show the Pardon and Parole Boards and lawmakers that the lives of victims and their families deserve the full measure of justice promised by the courts.
Please stand with us in demanding that justice for Faith be fully served. Let's send a powerful message that 'quiet releases' that tear at the fabric of justice are intolerable. Your signature can help protect not only Faith's memory but also ensure future policies prioritize transparency and justice over legislative shortcuts. Sign this petition and help us make truth in sentencing a reality.
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Petition created on August 5, 2026