Two white men were caught at the scene of the crime getting into their car with the gun in their hand and the dead guys pill bottle in their pocket- they admit to pulling the trigger over an unexpected dispute... they were sentenced to 15 years and are out now free as can be. As soon as they pulled out weapons, Kevin ran away. He wanted no part in  what was happening. No one at the scene knew his name but they just said there was also some black guy that went by K here and a week or so later someone identified him and he was arrested. They know he never used a weapon, there was absolutely no murder plot and yet he's spending the rest of his life in prison, no parole. Does that sound like first degree murder to you?

In 2009, Kevin Joseph, a kind-hearted Black man was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years in Florida for a crime he didn’t commit. He was involved in what was supposed to be a drug deal along  with two white men — John Christopher Ellis and Kevin Rowland — when one of them pulled a gun and started shooting into a house, killing someone.

Kevin, unarmed and terrified, ran away when the guns came out. The two white men were caught at the scene with firearms in their hands and later received just 15-year and 17-year sentences. They are both free today.

Kevin was unfairly labeled in court as “the Black guy with gold teeth,” reinforcing racial stereotypes that influenced how he was portrayed and sentenced. The actual shooter is out living his life, while Kevin has lost over 15 years — and faces the rest of his life in prison. 

This is not justice.

Kevin’s case reflects:

Racial bias in prosecution and courtroom language

Sentencing disparity that defies logic and fairness

A misuse of Florida’s felony murder rule

We are demanding:

A full review of Kevin Joseph’s case

Clemency or re-sentencing

Legal assistance from innocence and justice reform organizations

Kevin isn't perfect but he is one of the kindest people I have ever met and deserves freedom, fairness, and a second chance. He is in the worst possible situation and yet still keeps a positive attitude and is always supporting others and encouraging people. I would describe him as incredibly kind, honest, insightful, smart, talented, clever and respectful. He absolutely does not belong in prison where he has been since 2009. Please share this petition to help bring Kevin home finally.

 His brother recently passed away and he does not want to miss any more time with his family-seemingly just for running away while black

Thank You