To everyone who has signed, shared, commented, and stood with me, thank you. Every single act of support has mattered more than you know.

After months of roadblocks, denials, and silence from institutions that were supposed to protect my son, I have taken the next critical step in pursuing the truth about what happened to Shawn Lee Fortune.

I have identified and begun working toward retaining an independent private investigator team with proven experience in wrongful death and wrongful conviction cases. This is a husband-and-wife investigative team. One partner attended law school and specializes in legal analysis but chose investigative work due to deep concerns about how the legal system operates. The other is a seasoned private investigator who has worked on cases that led to individuals being released after decades of wrongful incarceration.

This step is necessary because the official reports surrounding Shawn’s death contain serious discrepancies, including:

Conflicting timelines

Omitted witness statements

Physical signs of struggle not reflected in official documentation

Evidence suggesting Shawn had passed well before the time stated in the autopsy

Despite reaching out to over 50 attorneys in Pennsylvania and numerous officials and justice advocates, I was denied, ignored, or left without follow-up. These barriers made it clear that an independent investigation is essential before meaningful legal action can move forward.

Public attention has helped open doors. Interviews, community advocacy, and your continued support are what made this step possible.

This petition remains vital. It is proof that people are watching, that this case matters, and that Shawn’s life mattered.

We move forward one step at a time.

This is only the beginning.

Thank you for standing with me.

Help Me Cover the Cost for a Public Investigator

— Trishawnna Dandridge

Mother of Shawn Lee Fortune