This petition is to support the parole and early release of Tasmiyah and Jasmiyah Whitehead after a fatal altercation as teenagers with their abuser, who subjected them to physical and psychological abuse most of their childhood & teenage years. 

Many people reported the abuse they saw Tas & Jas experience over most of their adolescent and teen years. Unfortunately, not enough was done to protect them over the years. They remained in their abuser's care even after the abuse had been reported for years to multiple state and local child protection agencies.

However, despite all they had gone through they were finally happy and able to be normal teens as the court systems finally granted their great-grandmother temporary custody. Tas & Jas started to thrive in extracurricular activities and they excelled academically as well in their new home and community away from the abusive environment they were accustomed to.

Despite their new beginning and new environment Tasmiyah & Jasmiyah Whitehead suffered with chronic depression, health issues from inadequate pediatric care growing up and PTSD which sometimes resulted in unpredictable behavior. Several of their neighborhood friends and other parents did their best to help their great-grandmother with getting them to school when they missed the bus, doctors appointments, and school events.

With limited financial funds available for adolescent trauma care after many years of abuse they experienced, Tas & Jas were unable to consistently get the psychological care they desperately needed. 

Even with this information a judge sent Tas & Jas back into an abusive situation at the request of their abuser, despite being presented with how drastically their lives had improved under their great-grand mother's care. They had strong ties and friendships in their new neighborhood and school and pleaded with the judge after years of being with their great-grand mother. All their pleas fell on death's ear and ultimately their abuser met a tragic fate after that last domestic altercation one month after a judge sent them back into the home of their abuser.

I believe with all my heart Tasmiyah and Jasmiyah Whitehead deserve another chance at happiness and freedom. They have already served over 14 years in prison for killing their abuser they have paid for their crime.

By signing this petition, your support will help bring them one step closer to a second chance at life and freedom abuse-free.

Thank you for reading Tas & Jas story.

- Jaleceya Tate

*Full Disclaimer: neither Tasmiyah, Jasmiyah, or their great-grandmother asked me to start this petition. These are my opinions and views alone they represent what I believe only.*