We, the undersigned, respectfully ask the appropriate court and reviewing authorities to uphold the sentence imposed upon Cory L. Richardson for the murder of Eric Michael Johnson and to give full consideration to the continuing impact of Eric’s death upon his family and loved ones.

On December 30, 2010, Eric Michael Johnson was killed at just 29 years old during a robbery at a home on Weldon Road in Rockford, Illinois. Cory L. Richardson was subsequently arrested in connection with Eric’s death. Richardson later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a 32-year prison sentence.

Eric was more than the victim named in a criminal case. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a friend, and a deeply loved member of his community. He was only 29 years old when his life and future were taken from him.

More than fifteen years later, Eric’s family continues to live with a sentence that can never be reduced:

Eric does not get to come home.

Eric’s family believed the criminal proceedings had brought a measure of finality and accountability. Instead, they have repeatedly had to return to the justice system as Richardson pursues avenues seeking relief from his conviction or sentence.

That burden has become even heavier with time. Eric’s father, Larry, who stood alongside his family in seeking justice for his son, passed away on October 18, 2021. He is no longer here to stand beside his wife, Becky, and their daughter, Kenna, as they continue to advocate for Eric.

Becky has already endured the unimaginable loss of her son and, years later, the loss of her husband. Today, she and Kenna continue a fight that their family once carried together.

The passage of time has not diminished Eric’s life, the gravity of his loss, or the impact his murder continues to have on those who loved him.

We recognize that every person has the right to pursue whatever legal remedies are available under the law. This petition does not ask the court to disregard those rights or decide any legal question based on public opinion.

We ask instead that Eric and his family not become an afterthought in that process.

The consequences of this crime did not end when the criminal case ended. Eric’s family has carried his absence through every birthday, holiday, anniversary, and milestone since December 30, 2010. Each new proceeding forces them to confront the possibility that the accountability they believed had finally been established could be diminished.

A 32-year sentence was imposed after Richardson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. We respectfully ask that the seriousness and permanence of Eric’s loss, the circumstances of his killing, the original disposition of this case, and the impact upon his surviving family be given their fullest lawful consideration before any relief is granted.

Eric Michael Johnson had a life. He had a family. He had a future.

He cannot petition to have December 30, 2010 undone.

His family cannot appeal the lifetime they have been forced to live without him.

Larry is no longer here to fight for his son. Eric is not here to speak for himself. Becky and Kenna remain—and they should not have to stand alone.

For these reasons, we stand with the family of Eric Michael Johnson and respectfully support preserving the accountability imposed for his murder.

We ask the Court and all appropriate reviewing authorities to uphold Cory L. Richardson’s conviction and 32-year sentence to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Justice for Eric. Remember his name.