**IN ADDITION TO SIGNING THIS PETITION** If you’d like to make a more effective impact, please write an email/letter voicing your concerns. You can email victimservices@ppp.sc.gov or mail a letter to the address below. Include Jeffrey Whitlock’s SCDC ID #00184875 & parole hearing date 07/24/24.

     The South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons

     293 Greystone Blvd

     Columbia, SC 29202

State vs Charping case - please note that this contains details of rape, torture, & murder

Joann "Joanie" Pruitt, a beloved young mother, daughter, sister, and wife, was tragically taken from us on February 1, 1990. Her life was cut short in a senseless and horrific act of cruelty and violence perpetrated by Jeffrey Whitlock, along with James Michael Charping.

On that fateful evening, the trio drove Joanie to a secluded area in Lexington County, SC, where she was brutally raped, tortured, and ultimately drowned by Whitlock and Charping. Her murder left a lasting impact on her family, notably her young son, Rick, who grew up motherless and tragically passed away from cancer in 2021 at the same age of his mother, 32.

Despite the gravity of Jeffrey Whitlock's crimes, there is a chance he could be granted parole. This thought not only poses an existential threat to public safety but also profoundly undermines the justice served for Joanie's cruel death. Joanie was robbed of the opportunity to see her son grow, and Rick was denied the unconditional love of his mother.

Our sorrow and our pain have not faded away with time. We cannot allow this man, whose actions took away an innocent life, to walk free. Our fight has moved beyond seeking justice for Joanie to protecting society from a proven threat.

Therefore, we call on the The South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons to deny the parole application of Jeffrey Whitlock, Offender #00184875 and ensure he serves the full term of his sentence, for Joanie, for Rick, and for the countless others whose lives have been forever scarred by his actions. Please sign this petition to deny Jeffrey Whitlock's parole and seek justice for Joanie and her grieving family. We truly thank you for your support.