More than a decade ago,  a life-changing event altered the lives of many people forever. A life was lost, families were deeply affected and the effects of that day continue to be felt by everyone involved. Paris Small understands the seriousness of what occurred and expresses sincere remorse for the pain experienced by the victim’s loved ones, his own family, and the community.

Today, Paris is a man who has spent more than eleven years striving to become the best version of himself. Time has given him the opportunity to reflect, mature, and grow into a different person. During his incarceration, he has maintained positive institutional behavior, participated in anger management, strengthened his faith, recently signed up for an electrician job assignment, and remained committed to becoming a better man every day. These experiences have shaped the person he is today and reinforced his desire to live a life guided by responsibility, purpose, and service to others.

Growth is not measured by words alone, but by the choices a person makes over time. For more than a decade, Paris has chosen to use his time to become a better man. He has worked to strengthen his character, maintain meaningful relationships with those who love him, and prepare himself for the opportunity to return home and contribute positively to society. His journey reflects the belief that people are capable of meaningful change when they dedicate themselves to becoming better than they once were.

Executive clemency exists because our justice system recognizes that justice and mercy can coexist. It provides an opportunity to consider not only the circumstances that brought a person to prison, but also the growth they have demonstrated during their incarceration. Paris respectfully asks Governor Abigail Spanberger to consider granting executive clemency through a sentence reduction or other appropriate relief.

If granted that opportunity, Paris plans to continue building a life centered on faith, family, honest employment, and service to his community. He hopes to use the lessons he has learned over the years to positively impact those around him and to demonstrate that genuine change is possible.

As Paris Small’s wife, I have had the privilege of witnessing his growth over the years. I have seen his commitment to becoming a better man despite the challenges of incarceration, and I believe the man he is today deserves the opportunity to have that growth thoughtfully considered.

By signing this petition, you are not minimizing the seriousness of what happened. You are supporting the belief that rehabilitation, personal growth, and redemption deserve meaningful consideration when evaluating a request for executive clemency. We respectfully ask Governor Abigail Spanberger to review Paris Small’s petition and consider granting executive clemency through a sentence reduction based on the man he has become over the past eleven years.

Every signature represents the belief that people are capable of meaningful change and that genuine rehabilitation deserves thoughtful consideration. Thank you for taking the time to read Paris Small’s story and for considering this request for executive clemency.