Imagine growing up in poverty most of your life. Being bullied by individuals around you. You grow up, start working and saving for a better future. You finally have enough to buy a car. You purchase a vehicle from a person that you have known nearly half of your life. You trust this person, you exchange cash and an oral agreement that you would get the title to the vehicle. In the upcoming weeks, you and this individual continue your friendship. One day while driving with this person; you decide to stop at a local gas station. you run into the store with the engine running, only to come out and your new car is gone. The police is notified but state that they can't do anything because you don't have the title. You're out of your hard earned money and a car. You're hurt and tired of being taken advantage of. The next day you spot this individual with your car. You approach in attempts to make sense of the situation only to be met with hostile language, threats and aggression. In the heat of the moment a gun was drawn on you and you feared for your life, hoping to make it out of the situation alive. 

This is what happened to Brandon Lee in 2008. In an instant, two lives were changed forever over a senseless disagreement. Unfortunately, the other individual was shot. He survived and still has full function of his entire body. Brandon is aware of the ramifications and accepts full responsibility of his actions. He is currently incarcerated and has completed 13 years of a 43 year sentence. A sentence that is very harsh given the circumstances.This sentence gives no real chance of returning to society and diminishes any chance of rebuilding a life at such an old age. Most of his incarceration was spent in maximum security prisons which consisted of 24hr lockdowns. Solitary confinement with minimal interactions or movement has been shown to increase mental illness. Also, during his incarceration he contracted the deadly Covid -19 virus. He nearly didn't survive under the harsh conditions of the prison. 

Brandon was only 20 years old at the time and lacked emotional maturity to walk away knowing someone that he once trusted stole his hardworking money under false pretenses. Growing up on the south side of Chicago can be difficult for a young man. Especially if the ones you consider to be friends are the ones taking advantage of you.  At the time, Brandon was employed full time and enrolled in community college. Prior to this conviction, Brandon had no prior convictions. He was sweet, kindhearted and took care of his family. He was a functioning member of society that made a bad decision. 

Nevertheless, your help is needed. Mr. Lee is facing an upcoming clemency hearing. When released he will have an abundance of help and support from his loving family and friends. During his incarceration he has made stride to become certified in roofing and construction work. Since his time in prison he has been able to build spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Everyone deserves a second chance. If you knew him or knew someone in a similar situation that needs a second chance at life and freedom. Please sign this petition. Every signature counts. Help us show the parole board and Governor Pritzker that he has a community  behind him.