Justice for Rodney!
Justice for Rodney!
The Issue
This petition calls for justice for Rodney Derrickson, a man wrongfully convicted of murder and robbery at just 17 years old. Rodney spent nearly three decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit. After enduring years of wrongful incarceration, Rodney was finally released on December 15, 2024, following decades of perseverance, faith, and advocacy for his freedom.
However, Rodney’s fight for true justice continues. His federal habeas corpus petition remains pending, challenging the constitutional violations and factual errors that led to his wrongful conviction. We are now calling for a full and unconditional pardon to restore his name, his rights, and his dignity.
Background
In 1995, at only 17, Rodney was sentenced to life in prison without parole (LWOP) after his first trial ended in a hung jury. His conviction was based entirely on inconsistent and unreliable eyewitness testimony that directly contradicted the forensic evidence. There was no physical evidence linking him to the crime.
In 2018, after the Supreme Court’s decision in Miller v. Alabama, Rodney’s sentence was amended to 30 years to life. Despite nearly three decades of outstanding conduct, rehabilitation, and leadership, Rodney remained incarcerated until his parole and release in December 2024.
Rodney’s pending federal habeas corpus challenges the wrongful conviction that stole nearly 30 years of his life, seeking full exoneration and accountability for the injustices committed against him.
A Life of Purpose: From Wrongful Conviction to Community Leadership
Since his release, Rodney has become a powerful voice for justice, reentry, and reform. He is now the Founder and Executive Director of a new nonprofit organization dedicated to justice reform, youth mentorship, and community empowerment called Prisoners' Lives Matter Pennsylvania Campaign (PLM-PAC). Through this organization, Rodney continues to uplift others impacted by incarceration and help rebuild lives with dignity and opportunity.
In addition, Rodney is the Founder and CEO of a new business, Justice Now Consultings, LLC, where he provides consulting, advocacy, and empowerment services for justice-impacted individuals and organizations seeking social change.
Drawing from his lived experience, Rodney has transformed pain into purpose. He serves as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Paralegal, and Reentry Specialist, mentoring returning citizens and guiding them toward stability, education, and hope. He also engages in public speaking, community organizing, and program development, helping to bridge the gap between incarceration and opportunity. LinkedIn.
Rodney’s journey embodies rehabilitation, resilience, and redemption—the very principles our justice system claims to uphold. It is appreciated to have the support of Pennsylvania State Representative Carol Kazeem and her acknowledgement of the injustice done.
Why This Matters
Rodney’s case represents more than one man’s wrongful conviction—it exposes the deep flaws in our justice system that continue to harm countless lives.
By signing this petition, you are standing with Rodney and demanding:
• A full and unconditional pardon for Rodney Derrickson
• Recognition of his innocence and ongoing federal habeas corpus challenge
• Acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions and leadership since release
• Restoration of his rights and full exoneration from a wrongful conviction
Rodney’s 2021 documentary, The Story of Rodney Derrickson, tells a story of endurance, injustice, and transformation. Now, the next chapter must be about freedom, truth, and restoration.
Take Action
Sign and share this petition to help secure:
- A Full Pardon and Exoneration for Rodney Derrickson
- Accountability for a Wrongful Conviction
- Recognition of His Leadership, Advocacy, and Positive Community Impact
Additionally, you may also provide direct financial support for Rodney here. These funds help Rodney cover the basic expenses related to his transition home like rent, groceries, utility bills, etc.
#JusticeForRodneyDerrickson
#WrongfulConviction
#FullPardonNow
#ReentryLeadership
3,333
The Issue
This petition calls for justice for Rodney Derrickson, a man wrongfully convicted of murder and robbery at just 17 years old. Rodney spent nearly three decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit. After enduring years of wrongful incarceration, Rodney was finally released on December 15, 2024, following decades of perseverance, faith, and advocacy for his freedom.
However, Rodney’s fight for true justice continues. His federal habeas corpus petition remains pending, challenging the constitutional violations and factual errors that led to his wrongful conviction. We are now calling for a full and unconditional pardon to restore his name, his rights, and his dignity.
Background
In 1995, at only 17, Rodney was sentenced to life in prison without parole (LWOP) after his first trial ended in a hung jury. His conviction was based entirely on inconsistent and unreliable eyewitness testimony that directly contradicted the forensic evidence. There was no physical evidence linking him to the crime.
In 2018, after the Supreme Court’s decision in Miller v. Alabama, Rodney’s sentence was amended to 30 years to life. Despite nearly three decades of outstanding conduct, rehabilitation, and leadership, Rodney remained incarcerated until his parole and release in December 2024.
Rodney’s pending federal habeas corpus challenges the wrongful conviction that stole nearly 30 years of his life, seeking full exoneration and accountability for the injustices committed against him.
A Life of Purpose: From Wrongful Conviction to Community Leadership
Since his release, Rodney has become a powerful voice for justice, reentry, and reform. He is now the Founder and Executive Director of a new nonprofit organization dedicated to justice reform, youth mentorship, and community empowerment called Prisoners' Lives Matter Pennsylvania Campaign (PLM-PAC). Through this organization, Rodney continues to uplift others impacted by incarceration and help rebuild lives with dignity and opportunity.
In addition, Rodney is the Founder and CEO of a new business, Justice Now Consultings, LLC, where he provides consulting, advocacy, and empowerment services for justice-impacted individuals and organizations seeking social change.
Drawing from his lived experience, Rodney has transformed pain into purpose. He serves as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Paralegal, and Reentry Specialist, mentoring returning citizens and guiding them toward stability, education, and hope. He also engages in public speaking, community organizing, and program development, helping to bridge the gap between incarceration and opportunity. LinkedIn.
Rodney’s journey embodies rehabilitation, resilience, and redemption—the very principles our justice system claims to uphold. It is appreciated to have the support of Pennsylvania State Representative Carol Kazeem and her acknowledgement of the injustice done.
Why This Matters
Rodney’s case represents more than one man’s wrongful conviction—it exposes the deep flaws in our justice system that continue to harm countless lives.
By signing this petition, you are standing with Rodney and demanding:
• A full and unconditional pardon for Rodney Derrickson
• Recognition of his innocence and ongoing federal habeas corpus challenge
• Acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions and leadership since release
• Restoration of his rights and full exoneration from a wrongful conviction
Rodney’s 2021 documentary, The Story of Rodney Derrickson, tells a story of endurance, injustice, and transformation. Now, the next chapter must be about freedom, truth, and restoration.
Take Action
Sign and share this petition to help secure:
- A Full Pardon and Exoneration for Rodney Derrickson
- Accountability for a Wrongful Conviction
- Recognition of His Leadership, Advocacy, and Positive Community Impact
Additionally, you may also provide direct financial support for Rodney here. These funds help Rodney cover the basic expenses related to his transition home like rent, groceries, utility bills, etc.
#JusticeForRodneyDerrickson
#WrongfulConviction
#FullPardonNow
#ReentryLeadership
3,333
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Petition created on July 24, 2020