In 2009 Tavaria L. Merritt at the age of 17 years old was accused and convicted of a sexual assault crime that he did not commit, nor was their any evidence, proving Tavaria harmed anybody. He was also mistreated and mislead by the courts and his attorney Adam parrish, who represented him at the time, with Tavaria's age and lack of knowing the law or the court system, due to him never being before the face of the law, he was tricked and railroaded by detective Harbarugh in August of 2009 during an interview into saying yes to a crime, infact he never committed. Tavaria a first time offender was sentenced to 225 years at 100 percent without parole, left to die in prison and never to see the light of day, according to the words of the judge who sentenced him. Something has to give, light have to be shown on the truth to my son's story, what first time offender, who never been in trouble before, gets 225 years at 100 percent with NO EVIDENCE I am asking for Tavaria to be set free and given a second chance at life. I hope this story / petition makes it to Governor Bill Lee desk,so Tavaria can be granted commutation as well as around the world,to all those who feel a true, mother's pain. It's my prayer that all who read this, will support this petition, standing in unity with me, stating # Free Tavaria Merritt. This was not a child, who would run the streets and commit crimes but it was a child who was raised in the church and was speaking the word of God. If you have any questions concerning this petition, please contact me Patsy Ellis at 615-218-9408 or 615-489-3886. If you'd like to donate on getting Tavaria a good attorney then do so at GoFundMe: Free Tavaria Merritt page.