On November 18, 2009 my brother, Derric Rush, was killed by an off-duty police officer, James Kendrick, who was driving under the influence of alcohol.

James Kendrick's car contained a black box.  It recorded that Kendrick was driving over 100 miles per hour and never applied his brakes at the time of impact to Derric Rush's car.  James Kendrick's initially refused a blood alcohol level test at the scene of the wreck and hospital.  It was several hours later, a court approved, blood alcohol level test was given to Kendrick.  At that time, it was still nearly double the legal limit.  

Three years after he stole Derric's life, James Kendrick began serving his 12 year sentence.  He was placed in a special unit specifically for police officers.  After a brief 7 months, James Kendrick began requesting approval for work release.  He was also denied parole because he was caught with contraband, a cellular phone.  After being convicted for the death of Derric Rush, he served a mere four years. This four years includes imprisonment and work release.

James Kendrick made a series of poor choices on the night of November 18, 2009. Choices that resulted in the death of an innocent person, Derric Rush. Choices that left a grieving wife and young son without a husband and father. 

To date, he has made the choice to not pay the court ordered restitution to Derric's widow and son. Is James Kendrick reformed?  Has he decided to make better choices? No. 

On behalf of me and my family, we are asking that you sign this petition as we implore the Alabama Department of Pardons and Parole to make the right choice and DENY James L. Kendrick a pardon.  

Sincerely,

Sundee Rush O'Mary