At the tender age of 18, my very close friend Christopher Selby was sentenced to life without parole. Despite acknowledging his mistake and showing remorse, he has spent nearly three decades behind bars in Powhatan, VA. He is now 46 years old and yearns for a chance to live outside those prison walls.

Christopher's case is not unique. According to The Sentencing Project, as of 2016 there were over 2,000 individuals serving life sentences for crimes committed when they were juveniles in the United States (source: The Sentencing Project). This harsh reality underscores the urgent need for reform in our criminal justice system.

We believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Christopher has learned from his past mistakes and grown into a mature man who wants nothing more than to contribute positively to society. His continued incarceration serves no purpose but punishment; it does not protect society or help him rehabilitate.

We urge you to consider this plea on behalf of Christopher Shelby - a man who made a grave mistake as an adolescent but has since demonstrated genuine remorse and growth while incarcerated. We ask that you support our call for his parole review so he may have an opportunity at redemption outside prison walls.

Please sign this petition urging the Virginia Department of Corrections and local lawmakers in Powhatan, VA to grant parole review for Christopher Shelby. Your signature can make all the difference in giving him a second chance at life.