How does one ask forgiveness from a thing they've not yet forgiven themselves for? After serving thirty years in the Ohio prison system, I still struggle with the question. Looking out over my life to see the substantial number of good people among it, people coming from all kinds and sorts of walks, backgrounds, professions, industries, etc. Not only is it inspiring, but it is these people's presence and support that encourages me to accept I belong amongst such company, because I am good people too.

I could not imagine so many would have an interest in what I have to say, valuing my perspectives and at times, even seeking and accepting my counsel. After getting to know me as more than just some dude in jail, most, if not all, have spoken a similar thing to me. "Jason, you've got to forgive yourself." Maybe. It's just not that simple for me. In my mind, to forgive myself would be equivalent to letting myself off the hook. As if to say what I did was OK and who I did it to can be forgotten.

Forgiveness is not a thing I feel I ought give to myself, rather it's reserved for the giving to me by others. Others being the respected friends and family members of Melissa and Keith, who've had to lived in the emotional wreckage left behind after their murder. From my own small family and friends who I've shamed, hurt and abandoned. From the community I traumatized. And for real, from the State of Ohio I've financially burdened through the necessity of having to be incarcerated (tax payer dollars). These are the sources of forgiveness that matter most to me.

For those unaware and for the record, six months into my 18th birthday, I willing allowed myself to be lead by a man 6 years my senior into the senseless killing of Melissa Palmer (RIP) and Keith Gray (RIP). I was charged with aggravated murder, complicity to aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, complicity to aggravated robbery, and kidnapping (all charges carrying a death penalty specification and a gun specification). In exchange for a penalty other then death, I entered a plea of guilty to all charges and specifications. Thereafter, I received the maximum sentence on all charges, with an additional 15 years in gun specifications. Resulting in a prison term of 105 to Life with parole eligibility in the year 2087.

At that point in my life, I didn't understand what it meant to go to jail for a hundred years, how could I? Nor could I properly contribute during the court proceedings going on around me. I struggled in coming to terms with the meanings and realities of what it meant to kill someone. I basically remember just being sad and depressed. Feeling helpless to not be able to change things back to the way they were before.

What would be a young man's motivation to become a better person, knowing that dying in prison of old age was the limit to his future?

My early years in prison consisted mostly of trying to survive. Prison has been what it was meant to be, hard. The physical dangers and restrictions, the psychological pressures and emotional hardships, the life in general of a good looking kid growing up in a man's prison. What I didn't have in those early years was adequate space and support to help me deal with my issues. I was basically thrown to the wolves.

That is, until I transferred here to Marion Corr. Inst. about ten year ago and was given the opportunity to work for the non profit organization Healing Broken Circles (HBC). This is when I discovered my voice, where I learned how to live with a purpose, and found joy in the service of others. It took some doing, but despite my bouts of self sabotage, my lack of self worth and at times half assing it, the people of this organization, along side my friends and family, stayed committed to encouraging the good out of me.

I can not recount the course my life has taken over the last thirty years, not in as much detail as I'd like to. Not here, not now. What I share with you here is an acknowledgement of my mistakes, the miscalculations and of course, some of the dumb ass moves I've made. Alongside the array of personal failures, there is a growing list of personal accomplishments I am proud of. Such as appearing as a speaker on a TEDX stage here at Marion three years in a row. Creating and facilitating more then a few pro-social programs in my work with HBC. A few college courses and way too many other institutional programs to list here. My community service is genuine, most notably in the Education Dept helping the youngsters obtain their GED. I am establishing and maintaining healthy relationships now. I have the respect of the last several Warden's of this prison, along with other administrative officers who recognize my character, personality and creativity. Mostly though, I learned the art of getting out of my own way, and quite frankly, I enjoy my own company quite well these days.

I am submitting to the Ohio Parole Board Authorities and to the Governor's Office a formal request to be allowed a parole hearing this year, versus in the year 2087. Therefore, I ask you to sign my petition, to add your name in support of this cause. You can ask anyone who knows me, I am ready for freedom.

There is also an opportunity for you to write an email of support and recommendation that will be attached to my formal request. For those who are encouraged to do so, there is an address located on this page. Please head it: To whom it may concern.

My personal appreciation is sincere for all those who have been supporting me and continue to work with me to make this happen. Most especially those family members of Keith and Melissa who have given me their forgiveness. Know that I will never forget. Thank you to all who have taken a moment to read a little bit of the story that is a part of so many other people's lives.

Thanks for Listening,
Jason B. Thompson

Please send letters of support to jasonbthompson497@gmail.com with the heading "To Whom It May Concern"