Gene Jackson was unfairly sentenced to 74 years, reflecting a pattern of racial disparity in sentencing and extreme punishment for a first-time offender.

Petition for Review and Fair Consideration of Gene’s Case

We respectfully request that Gene’s case be reviewed with fresh eyes, as we believe his right to a fair defense was not upheld during his initial trial. Gene was not given the opportunity to present his side of the story—an essential component of justice. His attorney failed to offer any evidence in his defense and rested without calling a single witness or even allowing Gene the chance to testify on his own behalf.

As a result, the jury was left to consider only one narrative, creating an imbalance that undermined the fairness of the proceedings. Without a defense, it became a case of one side’s word standing unchallenged, leaving Gene without a voice in the courtroom.

Adding to this injustice is the extreme length of Gene’s sentence—a staggering 74 years. To put that in perspective, 74 years is a lifetime. It’s a sentence so severe that it exceeds what many convicted of the most heinous crimes, including murder, would receive. While it’s true that the situation caused harm, there were no fatalities, yet Gene is being punished as if the worst possible outcome occurred. Such a sentence defies logic, fairness, and basic compassion.

To compound his suffering, Gene has not heard a word about his children since his arrest. The emotional toll of this separation, coupled with the feeling of being completely cut off from his family, has left him in a state of unimaginable distress. He has been left helpless and isolated, with little information about his case and no connection to the life he once knew.

Without our help, Gene will be locked away and forgotten. The system has already failed him, and if we do not take a stand, his voice may never be heard. It is up to us to fight for fairness, to demand that justice is served, and to ensure that Gene is given the chance he was unjustly denied. We cannot allow this injustice to be swept under the rug.

We are not asking for special treatment—only that Gene be afforded the same fairness and consideration that every individual is entitled to under the law. We urge the court to review his case and ensure that due process is fully and fairly provided.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Why Gene Deserves Justice:

First-Time Offender with No Criminal History: Gene has no prior adult convictions. This was his first offense as an adult, making the severity of the sentence deeply unjust.

Exemplary Behavior and Academic Success in Prison: Gene has maintained a 3.8 GPA while pursuing education during his time in prison, demonstrating his commitment to self-improvement and rehabilitation.

Positive Influence and Leadership: Gene was prom king in high school, reflecting how well-respected and loved he was by his peers. His positive influence and leadership qualities extend beyond his youth.

Emotional Toll and Separation from His Children: Gene has children he has not heard from since his arrest, highlighting the emotional pain and family separation caused by his excessive sentence.

Excessive Sentence for Violent Charges: Even for violent offenses, Gene’s sentence is disproportionately severe compared to similar cases.

Racial Disparity in Sentencing: Black defendants like Gene often receive harsher sentences than their white counterparts for similar offenses. Gene’s sentence reflects this deeply rooted racial injustice.

What We Are Asking For: We, the undersigned, call on Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Parole Board to:

Review Gene Jackson’s case and sentence.

Grant clemency or commutation to reduce his excessive sentence.

Recognize the racial disparity in Gene’s sentencing and take steps toward justice.

Take Action: Sign this petition and help us fight for justice for Gene Jackson. Every signature brings us one step closer to ensuring Gene receives the fair treatment he deserves.