Robert has served 26 years of his life in Angola Prison where the conditions are known to be the worst in America and deemed as inhumane. Mervin Guillory (victim) and many others are advocating for the release of Mr. Robert Bates. I first met Robert when I was 23 over 13 years ago. I am best friends with his sister and considered family in their home. When I first heard of Robert's story I immiediately started looking into his situation. 

I learned that at age 17 Robert was pressured into participating in a botched robbery by adult accomplices where the target (black male) was shot but survived and a stray bullet took the life of a 72 year old (white woman) near the scene. Robert was sentenced to juvenile death at 17 but fought diligently with the help of inmates and access to the law library to have his sentence reduced to life with the possibility of parole but has had no luck. At the time I was young and had little resources but I made some calls and found some Pro Bono lawyers who would aid in getting Mr. Bates sentenced reduced so he could have a second chance at life. 

Mr. Bates while incarcerated has a risk assessment of 0.3 less likely to commit a violent act and has no violent offenses on his record for the 26 years he has been in Angola. He is CPR certified, participated in the nursing program, ministries, theater, and plays. Robert has earned certificates for welding, basic education, GED preparation classes and more. Robert says" I made a choice out of desperation and I will pay for it the rest of my life, I was a kid and If I could go back in time I would just say NO I'm not doing it!" Robert said with tears in his eyes. Anyone who speaks to Robert can see how serious he takes his rehabilitation and his surviving victim Mr. Guillory is still asking for Roberts immediate release. Please aid us in this effort by signing the petition and giving Mr. Robert Bates his freedom.