Free Raul Garcia, an innocent man, sentenced to 50 years to life!
Free Raul Garcia, an innocent man, sentenced to 50 years to life!
The Issue
Castroville, CA.
On the late evening of December 31, 2009, the Monterey County Sheriffs respond to a residence where a shooting had occurred. No one was hurt, but 9 shots had been allegedly fired. The alleged victims lived down the street from Raul Garcia and his family. Minutes after leaving the residence of the victims, Sheriffs arrive at Raul Garcia's house. And the chaos began. The sheriffs call out for Rogelio Raul Garcia. They charge at Raul Garcia. Raul is literally dragged out of his family's home, dragged through an alleyway, and put into the Sheriffs patrol car. Everyone could hear Raul screaming. They tell Raul's family that Raul is being arrested for attempted murder. Raul's family tell Sheriffs that Raul had been there the entire time and could not have done it. The family requests the Sheriff do a Gun Reside Test to prove Raul Garcia did not shoot a gun. The Sheriffs refused to do so, saying they were already "working overtime." Raul was arrested for attempted murder and booked as Rogelio Garcia. Sheriffs even documenting a different birthdate.
A newspaper article was written the following day. (One from the Monterey Herald which no longer comes up... three i have seen, but now i can only find one...) January 1, 2010, a newspaper, VC Star reported that Rogelio Garcia, a known Gang Member had been arrested. (references below)
It took the county literally months to change Raul's Name and birthdate. And it was obviously not taken into consideration that they had the wrong man! During Raul's trial, false witnesses claimed Raul was the gunman. Yet we found a document that was not filed that says no one positively eye-witnessed Raul doing anything.
Raul's Family paid for legal defense, but that attorney was in process of being disbarred and the family was not aware of it. Raul had seriously poor defense and was not even allowed to have witnesses.
Raul was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life. He was initially taken to Pelican Bay. And Innocent Man went to Pelican Prison!!!! It is one of the harshest prisons in America.
Raul's life has been turned upside down. For no damn reason at all!!!! This is a clear cut case of Mistaken Identity followed by False Allegations, Wrongful Arrest, and Wrongful Conviction! He is paying for a crime he CLEARLY did not commit!
Raul was denied all DUE Process. Like so many cases, that have not been properly and thoroughly investigated. Mistakes were made from the very beginning. Raul should not have to pay for what someone else did or pay for the mistakes the Monterey County Sheriffs made when they arrested him, THE WRONG MAN!
When Raul's Mother, Lupe, cried out for help, we did all we could to help her, writing to countless people and organizations. But our pleas went unanswered. We did two prior petitions but never had enough signatures. We will not give up! We KNOW Lupe's pain, Raul's entire families pain. We have only "seen" the pain Raul has... in too many innocent people. We could not even imagine the extent of Raul's pain, the daily psychological torment, struggles he faces...
We are requesting to petition the California Governor, Gavin Newsom for the immediate release of Raul Garcia, an Innocent Man. It is as follows:
March 18, 2022
Dear Mr. Newsom,
Hello. We are writing to you specifically. In some aspects we believe that you just might be in to true Justice, even while knowing there may be opposition. That is admirable, so this is why we chose to send our petitions to you. We are believing that you can help. There is an innocent man named Raul Garcia, who has been incarcerated for over 12 years, since he was just 19 years of age.
We have been trying to get help for him but not many people have had any power to do anything. We would like to explain the story, but yet knowing, you can always see the court documents yourself, to confirm all that had happened to Raul Garcia. There is an online reference for an (2014) denied appeal but it does not state all the facts, just the outcome. (Ref. A) Raul's story started the night of Dec 31, 2009, in the small town of Castroville, Ca. Raul Garcia, was falsely accused of attempted murder. On Feb 3, 2012 Raul was convicted and sentenced to an seemingly excessive 50 years to life. Especially for an innocent man.
We know there are thousands of innocent people in prison today, and we wish someone could help them all. As like so many cases of mistaken identity & false allegations & wrongful convictions, if this case would have been properly and thoroughly investigated, it may not have happened the way it did. We would sincerely appreciate your help to bring Raul back home to his beautiful family. Despite all Raul has been through, he still has hope. He knows there are people who love him and want him home. Please read this in all understanding of the miscarriages of justice. We are pleading to you to allow Raul's immediate release.
The alleged victims in the case were opposing neighbors who did not like Raul or his family. On December 31, 2009, Those neighbors, the alleged victims accuse "Raul Garcia" of shooting at their resident. At that time, Raul Garcia was home with his entire family celebrating New Years Eve. Police were called and they went to the alleged victims resident, alleging that 9 shots had been fired, one that shot a refrigerator. The alleged victims tell police "Raul Garcia" had shot at them. The Sheriffs barge into Raul's Family's home and take Raul away. The Garcia's New Years Eve celebration turned into complete chaos. The Sheriffs did not care what anyone had to say, they literally dragged Raul through an alley to their patrol car while everyone heard Raul screaming. All of the people at Raul's residence came forward to prove Raul was still at home during the alleged time the alleged shooting occurred. Their pleas and claims must have went ignored.
The facts are: 1. The Sheriffs barge into Raul's resident, looking for a "Rogelio Garcia" but not "Raul Garcia" specifically. 2. Sheriffs arrest Raul Garcia. 3. Sheriffs search the Garcia's residence for an alleged gun but did not find one. 4. Sheriffs refuse to give Raul a gun residue test, which everyone asked for, to prove Raul had never fired any weapon. 5. Raul was arrested and booked under the name Rogelio Garcia even documenting a different birthdate, which was changed quite a while later. 6. He was also charged with "gang related drive by with weapons enhancements" making Raul look as if he were a gang member because of people he may have been friends with, but yet there was still no gun. A gun charge without a gun.... 7. An article was made in the newspaper called "VC Star" on the following day, claiming Monterey County Sheriffs arrested "Rogelio Garcia." But they had actually arrested RAUL GARCIA. (Ref. B) There were other online published articles that i can no longer find, claiming "Rogelio Garcia" was arrested. 8. Raul was not given Due Process. 9. During his trial, Raul was denied his own witnesses. 10th and final fact; Raul was convicted by pure 100% hearsay by three false witnesses. The alleged victims, falsely claiming he shot at their house. Mere words... With not one shred of evidence to actually, honestly prove Raul had done anything.
This is a clear case of mistaken identity, false accusation, wrongful conviction and can be easily proven! But no one has done anything about it! Hearsay is not supposed to be considered legal evidence but in this case that seems to be what has happened. There was no cold hard evidence proving Raul had done anything. All because Raul did not shoot anyone, or any thing.
The Sheriff arrested Raul Garcia mistaking him for Rogelio Garcia. Raul has maintained his innocence since minute one! Raul has been incarcerated for over 12 years... He and his family have been suffering for 12 long years. We are requesting his immediate release because as you will see, this is a clear case of mistaken identity. And if you are able to, please grant him some compensation as well. Granted, money cannot make up for all lost freedom but it can help him to get on his own two feet, start healing, and start living the life he dreamed of before this miscarriage of justice took place.
As we started Raul's Support page and his two prior petitions, ten years ago, many supporters told us about what the two Castroville Sheriffs have done to other residents. All of the stories contain misconduct of some sort. Some of these stories are briefly posted on Raul's older petitions, on the "reason for signing" area. (ref. C below) If at all possible, after Raul is released, we would like these sheriffs to be reviewed, and if alleged misconduct is found, to be corrected by proper authorities. In hopes to help someone possibly victimized by the alleged misconduct, and/or prevent another innocent man for paying for someone else's mistake. Raul is currently incarcerated at Tehachapi State Prison, after being transferred from two other prisons. Raul's sentence started off at Pelican Bay, which is one of the harshest prisons in USA.
Raul has been through hell. For no reason. Please show Raul and his family the meaning of Life, Liberty and Justice. Granted Raul is not your son, but what if he were?
We believe that you know what to do and will take proper action. We eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
Advocates for the Exoneration Of Raul Garcia All those who Love Raul Garcia
References:
A: Appeal dated 2014, https://casetext.com/case/people-v-garcia-1537
B: Article proving mistaken identity, https://archive.vcstar.com/news/monterey-county-sheriffs-nab-norteno-in-shooting-ep-370043285-350262701.html/
C: Prior Petition 8 years ago, https://www.change.org/p/exonerate-raul-garcia-based-on-new-evidence-that-proves-his-innocence-2/c
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The Issue
Castroville, CA.
On the late evening of December 31, 2009, the Monterey County Sheriffs respond to a residence where a shooting had occurred. No one was hurt, but 9 shots had been allegedly fired. The alleged victims lived down the street from Raul Garcia and his family. Minutes after leaving the residence of the victims, Sheriffs arrive at Raul Garcia's house. And the chaos began. The sheriffs call out for Rogelio Raul Garcia. They charge at Raul Garcia. Raul is literally dragged out of his family's home, dragged through an alleyway, and put into the Sheriffs patrol car. Everyone could hear Raul screaming. They tell Raul's family that Raul is being arrested for attempted murder. Raul's family tell Sheriffs that Raul had been there the entire time and could not have done it. The family requests the Sheriff do a Gun Reside Test to prove Raul Garcia did not shoot a gun. The Sheriffs refused to do so, saying they were already "working overtime." Raul was arrested for attempted murder and booked as Rogelio Garcia. Sheriffs even documenting a different birthdate.
A newspaper article was written the following day. (One from the Monterey Herald which no longer comes up... three i have seen, but now i can only find one...) January 1, 2010, a newspaper, VC Star reported that Rogelio Garcia, a known Gang Member had been arrested. (references below)
It took the county literally months to change Raul's Name and birthdate. And it was obviously not taken into consideration that they had the wrong man! During Raul's trial, false witnesses claimed Raul was the gunman. Yet we found a document that was not filed that says no one positively eye-witnessed Raul doing anything.
Raul's Family paid for legal defense, but that attorney was in process of being disbarred and the family was not aware of it. Raul had seriously poor defense and was not even allowed to have witnesses.
Raul was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life. He was initially taken to Pelican Bay. And Innocent Man went to Pelican Prison!!!! It is one of the harshest prisons in America.
Raul's life has been turned upside down. For no damn reason at all!!!! This is a clear cut case of Mistaken Identity followed by False Allegations, Wrongful Arrest, and Wrongful Conviction! He is paying for a crime he CLEARLY did not commit!
Raul was denied all DUE Process. Like so many cases, that have not been properly and thoroughly investigated. Mistakes were made from the very beginning. Raul should not have to pay for what someone else did or pay for the mistakes the Monterey County Sheriffs made when they arrested him, THE WRONG MAN!
When Raul's Mother, Lupe, cried out for help, we did all we could to help her, writing to countless people and organizations. But our pleas went unanswered. We did two prior petitions but never had enough signatures. We will not give up! We KNOW Lupe's pain, Raul's entire families pain. We have only "seen" the pain Raul has... in too many innocent people. We could not even imagine the extent of Raul's pain, the daily psychological torment, struggles he faces...
We are requesting to petition the California Governor, Gavin Newsom for the immediate release of Raul Garcia, an Innocent Man. It is as follows:
March 18, 2022
Dear Mr. Newsom,
Hello. We are writing to you specifically. In some aspects we believe that you just might be in to true Justice, even while knowing there may be opposition. That is admirable, so this is why we chose to send our petitions to you. We are believing that you can help. There is an innocent man named Raul Garcia, who has been incarcerated for over 12 years, since he was just 19 years of age.
We have been trying to get help for him but not many people have had any power to do anything. We would like to explain the story, but yet knowing, you can always see the court documents yourself, to confirm all that had happened to Raul Garcia. There is an online reference for an (2014) denied appeal but it does not state all the facts, just the outcome. (Ref. A) Raul's story started the night of Dec 31, 2009, in the small town of Castroville, Ca. Raul Garcia, was falsely accused of attempted murder. On Feb 3, 2012 Raul was convicted and sentenced to an seemingly excessive 50 years to life. Especially for an innocent man.
We know there are thousands of innocent people in prison today, and we wish someone could help them all. As like so many cases of mistaken identity & false allegations & wrongful convictions, if this case would have been properly and thoroughly investigated, it may not have happened the way it did. We would sincerely appreciate your help to bring Raul back home to his beautiful family. Despite all Raul has been through, he still has hope. He knows there are people who love him and want him home. Please read this in all understanding of the miscarriages of justice. We are pleading to you to allow Raul's immediate release.
The alleged victims in the case were opposing neighbors who did not like Raul or his family. On December 31, 2009, Those neighbors, the alleged victims accuse "Raul Garcia" of shooting at their resident. At that time, Raul Garcia was home with his entire family celebrating New Years Eve. Police were called and they went to the alleged victims resident, alleging that 9 shots had been fired, one that shot a refrigerator. The alleged victims tell police "Raul Garcia" had shot at them. The Sheriffs barge into Raul's Family's home and take Raul away. The Garcia's New Years Eve celebration turned into complete chaos. The Sheriffs did not care what anyone had to say, they literally dragged Raul through an alley to their patrol car while everyone heard Raul screaming. All of the people at Raul's residence came forward to prove Raul was still at home during the alleged time the alleged shooting occurred. Their pleas and claims must have went ignored.
The facts are: 1. The Sheriffs barge into Raul's resident, looking for a "Rogelio Garcia" but not "Raul Garcia" specifically. 2. Sheriffs arrest Raul Garcia. 3. Sheriffs search the Garcia's residence for an alleged gun but did not find one. 4. Sheriffs refuse to give Raul a gun residue test, which everyone asked for, to prove Raul had never fired any weapon. 5. Raul was arrested and booked under the name Rogelio Garcia even documenting a different birthdate, which was changed quite a while later. 6. He was also charged with "gang related drive by with weapons enhancements" making Raul look as if he were a gang member because of people he may have been friends with, but yet there was still no gun. A gun charge without a gun.... 7. An article was made in the newspaper called "VC Star" on the following day, claiming Monterey County Sheriffs arrested "Rogelio Garcia." But they had actually arrested RAUL GARCIA. (Ref. B) There were other online published articles that i can no longer find, claiming "Rogelio Garcia" was arrested. 8. Raul was not given Due Process. 9. During his trial, Raul was denied his own witnesses. 10th and final fact; Raul was convicted by pure 100% hearsay by three false witnesses. The alleged victims, falsely claiming he shot at their house. Mere words... With not one shred of evidence to actually, honestly prove Raul had done anything.
This is a clear case of mistaken identity, false accusation, wrongful conviction and can be easily proven! But no one has done anything about it! Hearsay is not supposed to be considered legal evidence but in this case that seems to be what has happened. There was no cold hard evidence proving Raul had done anything. All because Raul did not shoot anyone, or any thing.
The Sheriff arrested Raul Garcia mistaking him for Rogelio Garcia. Raul has maintained his innocence since minute one! Raul has been incarcerated for over 12 years... He and his family have been suffering for 12 long years. We are requesting his immediate release because as you will see, this is a clear case of mistaken identity. And if you are able to, please grant him some compensation as well. Granted, money cannot make up for all lost freedom but it can help him to get on his own two feet, start healing, and start living the life he dreamed of before this miscarriage of justice took place.
As we started Raul's Support page and his two prior petitions, ten years ago, many supporters told us about what the two Castroville Sheriffs have done to other residents. All of the stories contain misconduct of some sort. Some of these stories are briefly posted on Raul's older petitions, on the "reason for signing" area. (ref. C below) If at all possible, after Raul is released, we would like these sheriffs to be reviewed, and if alleged misconduct is found, to be corrected by proper authorities. In hopes to help someone possibly victimized by the alleged misconduct, and/or prevent another innocent man for paying for someone else's mistake. Raul is currently incarcerated at Tehachapi State Prison, after being transferred from two other prisons. Raul's sentence started off at Pelican Bay, which is one of the harshest prisons in USA.
Raul has been through hell. For no reason. Please show Raul and his family the meaning of Life, Liberty and Justice. Granted Raul is not your son, but what if he were?
We believe that you know what to do and will take proper action. We eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
Advocates for the Exoneration Of Raul Garcia All those who Love Raul Garcia
References:
A: Appeal dated 2014, https://casetext.com/case/people-v-garcia-1537
B: Article proving mistaken identity, https://archive.vcstar.com/news/monterey-county-sheriffs-nab-norteno-in-shooting-ep-370043285-350262701.html/
C: Prior Petition 8 years ago, https://www.change.org/p/exonerate-raul-garcia-based-on-new-evidence-that-proves-his-innocence-2/c
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on March 18, 2022