After being excessively sentenced in 2019 for a car accident, Matthew Rushin received a conditional pardon in 2020.  This case has an unusual connection to my husband’s case …

According to this article, “One of Matthew’s autistic processes is called Echolalia, which causes him to repeat words that he hears.”  Likely due to a combination of racism and ableism, or, at minimum, lack of consideration for Matthew’s autism, he initially received an excessive and misaligned prison sentence of 50 years.

Many of you know that my husband, Leonard Coleman, was wrongfully convicted on NO physical evidence and on the out-of-court statements of a four-year-old diagnosed with echolalia and red flags for autism.  In January, I was both horrified and amused (interesting combination) to listen to Asst DA Chris McDonough argue against our attorney that he’s absolutely certain echolalia is not a parroting disorder, because he has a child with echolalia.

The TRUTH about what happened in December 2010 finally has a chance to come out and exonerate a factually-innocent man on July 12, 2022.  On this day, two witnesses, best friends of the perpetrator in this case, will testify in front of Judge York that they heard a full confession from the person who truly took the beloved victim’s life.  It’s a huge day in this case and Leonard’s life.

We need public support now, more than ever.  Please continue signing, commenting, and sharing this petition and raising awareness on your own platforms and networks.  

May the truth set Leonard free and give the victim’s family genuine answers on July 12.