Innocent until proven guilty...

To the Criminal Justice System:

I am writing this petition to bring attention to the case of Gary Stewart aka "Culture Poppi", who has been unjustly incarcerated since 1990 on charges of felony murder, attempted robbery, and weapon possession. Despite being indicted and tried by the federal court for the same crime of murder in conspiracy to distribute cocaine; despite the State denying three (3) appeals due to the nature of the crime; there has been no evidence presented at either trial linking Stewart to these crimes.

It is deeply concerning that for over 33 years, Gary Stewart has tirelessly sought legal assistance in order to prove his innocence. Now the grandfather of six (6) at age 59 (fifty-nine) , Gary Stewart has written hundreds of letters seeking help but has received no support or guidance. This lack of support denies Gary the opportunity to present evidence that could potentially exonerate him.

At both trials, not a single witness testified about any drug transaction involving Stewart. There is a complete absence of evidence connecting him to these crimes. It is unjustifiable that he continues to be imprisoned without any proof or testimony against him conspiring or dealing narcotics besides his presence at the scene--wrong place, wrong time, wrong profile.

The purpose of this petition is not only to shed light on Gary Stewart's wrongful incarceration but also highlight the larger issue at hand – extraneous prison sentencing without proper evidence or due process. This case serves as an example where an individual's life has been irreversibly impacted due to a flawed justice system.

It is essential for our justice system to uphold principles such as fairness, impartiality, and adherence to evidence-based decision-making. The continued imprisonment of an innocent man undermines public trust in our legal institutions and perpetuates systemic injustices.

We call upon you, as representatives responsible for upholding justice within our society, to thoroughly review Gary Stewart's case with utmost urgency and fairness. We demand that you take immediate action towards securing his release from prison based on the lack of credible evidence presented during both trials.

By signing this petition, we stand united in our belief that no individual should be subjected to prolonged incarceration without substantial evidence. We urge you to rectify this grave injustice and ensure that Gary Stewart is granted the opportunity to prove his innocence.

Justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for Gary Stewart's voice to be heard, his rights restored, and his freedom regained.

 

“We have to look at a holistic strategy to help people reintegrate into society. We have a really bad habit of alienating people and taking away their rights even after they’ve served their time and accountability,” said Jennifer Hancock, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States." (Source)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Weill Music Institute

Song: Country Strong Artist: Gary A. Stewart (Culture Poppi)

 

 

 

To Fellow Petitioners and Supporters:

Gary Stewart, aka "Culture Poppi", a talented singer/songwriter with dreams of entertaining the masses, had his hopes of stardom crushed when he was wrongfully convicted. Despite the lack of evidence, he has remained behind bars for over three decades. His faith and creativity has empowered him throughout these difficult years, as he continues to write songs with Sophia Mayne including the song "Country Strong".

Growing up, I witnessed numerous talented, hard working young men being racially profiled, railroaded, and criminalized. This personal experience fuels my determination to seek justice for Gary and others like him who have fallen victim to systemic injustice within our criminal justice system.

Statistics verify the existence of this systemic injustice. Countless individuals from marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement and face the harshest sentences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Weill Music Institute

Song: Sucker For Love Artist: Gary A. Stewart (aka Culture Poppi)

It is time we address these issues head-on and demand a fair and just legal system that does not discriminate based on race or socioeconomic status. We cannot allow innocent lives like Gary's to be wasted away while true criminals roam free.

I urge you all to listen to Gary Stewart's powerful song "Country Strong" on SoundCloud through Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (link provided above). This song embodies his resilience despite facing immense adversity throughout his wrongful imprisonment.

Join me in demanding justice for Gary Stewart by signing this petition! Together, we can shed light on his case and put an end to mass incarceration fueled by racial profiling and systemic injustices within our legal system.

Sincerely yours,

Anjanette Dyer-Munroe -

Urban Roundtable Transitions, Inc. aids those with difficult backgrounds to re-enter society with job development, resources, referrals, and social media content.

#FreeGaryStewart #EndMassIncarceration #habeasreform #antirecidivism #rico