Please help by signing this petition intended for Governor Newson of the state of California for mercy and consideration of Eric Chappell’s commutation.

I am writing on behalf of Eric Chappell, who is currently housed at Corcoran Correctional Center at 4001 King Ave, Corcoran, CA 93212. I respectfully request that you find it in your heart after seeing a changed man grant his request for commutation.

On May 18, 1988, at the age of 18, Eric was indicted within three days of First-degree murder and sentenced to Life Without Parole on June 8, 1988. Eric is now 53 years old, and 34 years ago, he stood as an adolescent in court with the mentality of a boy with no sense of direction, who made an awful decision. Eric is accountable for his actions as a youth and takes full responsibility for his participation in other criminality during and before that date. He better understands his actions' impact on the victim's family even today.

Since his incarceration, he's grown mentally and spiritually. Eric used his adversities as an opportunity to learn and grow. The prison system is designed to promote positive transformation; however, redemption is only suitable for a second chance. The time incarcerated has changed Eric into a different person who fosters constructive views of life. He strives daily to improve personal, social, and emotional development. Since incarceration, he orchestrated the first Wasco States Prison's first "Relay for Life Marathon” that inmates raised funds, denoted hair for wigs, and brought awareness of various forms of cancer. The chairperson for the Men's Advisory Council bridged the understanding of prison policies and provided inmates with an avenue for dialogue with officials. His self-motivation is through understanding the consequences of actions, religion, reading, and increasing his knowledge of Business Management. With a plan to own and operate his own business one day. He continues to research, develop strategies, and seek helpful information that will enhance the future of his wife and children.

Eric has grown to be a respectable man, a son, stepfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He is a pillar of strength and joy to his family. Eric looks forward to the opportunity to one day create new memories with his wife and children outside of prison. His parents: father is 92 and mother 87 years old are advanced in age. His desire is to one day help with taking care of them. At his conviction, he was a misguided child who made several unwise and unacceptable actions. Eric has since learned that adulthood is about building a legacy for the next generation. He would love more than anything to share his experience with at-risk youth in his community to deter them from the path he has traveled. The seriousness of his desire to make amends resulted in monthly calls with several at-risk children in his community. While currently, those calls are supported through donations which would be better utilized if given the opportunity.

Eric's program participation and completion of course studies are outstanding to add corrective tools for life. He has completed courses in the Inmate Council Program that assisted in recognizing criminogenic, anti-social attitudes, lack of empathy, impulsive behavior, business management, optical lens manufacturing, and janitorial services. Eric also received his General Education Diploma in 1990 Associate Degree in Cultural Anthropology in 1999. He is taking positive steps to obtain a Bachelor of Business Management degree from Palo Verde College.

Unfortunately, Eric and I understand that death is final and happens far too often. To address heinous actions in society, some people may think those incarcerated are not worthy of a second chance. Eric displays no threat to anyone and has no violent disciplinary infractions on his incarceration record for the last ten years. It cost the State of California more to keep Eric warehoused behind bars than the average cost of college tuition. Eric is hoping for your support in signing this petition and will be most grateful for a second chance at redemption. A person sentenced for murder can never bring back the loss nor end the victim's family, friends, and community's experience. However, he can atone and refocus his energy with a commitment to prevent such regrettable actions for further generations.

Governor Newson, I respectfully ask that you support Eric Chappell's Petition for Commutation. I believe now, 34 years later, is the time to reintegrate him into society fully.