Reinstall the 85% rule to the Safer Kentucky Act
The Issue
My life changed forever when Jakorian Johnson murdered my 15-year-old son, in cold blood. He shot him in the back from a block away, robbing him of his future, his dreams, and our family's joy. The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, but what makes it worse is witnessing the failure of our justice system to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Jakorian Johnson was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison under the 85% rule, which meant he would serve a significant portion of his sentence before being eligible for parole. This rule was a crucial element of justice, ensuring that violent offenders like Johnson faced the consequences of their heinous actions. However, when Judge Phillip Shepherd revised laws under the Safer Kentucky Act, it dramatically altered the landscape of justice for violent offenders. The recalibration to 20% has meant that many violent criminals, including Jakorian Johnson, were released after serving only a fraction of their sentences.
This modification has not only retraumatized victims' families but also threatens the safety and trust of all Kentucky communities. The original intention of the Safer Kentucky Act was to improve public safety, yet by lessening the time violent offenders spend incarcerated, it inadvertently does the opposite.
Reinstalling the 85% rule is imperative for justice to prevail. We call upon Kentucky lawmakers to revise the Safer Kentucky Act. This change will restore confidence in our legal system and ensure that violent offenders serve sentences proportionate to the gravity of their crimes. This is not only about justice for my son but for all victims whose voices may go unheard while the scales of justice are tilted.
By signing this petition, you stand with us as we seek justice not just for my son but for all Kentucky families impacted by violent crime. Demand action and show your support for reinstating the 85% rule. Let us not allow the murderers to walk freely among us without serving their due time. Please add your signature to defend our communities and preserve the integrity of our justice system.
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The Issue
My life changed forever when Jakorian Johnson murdered my 15-year-old son, in cold blood. He shot him in the back from a block away, robbing him of his future, his dreams, and our family's joy. The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, but what makes it worse is witnessing the failure of our justice system to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Jakorian Johnson was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison under the 85% rule, which meant he would serve a significant portion of his sentence before being eligible for parole. This rule was a crucial element of justice, ensuring that violent offenders like Johnson faced the consequences of their heinous actions. However, when Judge Phillip Shepherd revised laws under the Safer Kentucky Act, it dramatically altered the landscape of justice for violent offenders. The recalibration to 20% has meant that many violent criminals, including Jakorian Johnson, were released after serving only a fraction of their sentences.
This modification has not only retraumatized victims' families but also threatens the safety and trust of all Kentucky communities. The original intention of the Safer Kentucky Act was to improve public safety, yet by lessening the time violent offenders spend incarcerated, it inadvertently does the opposite.
Reinstalling the 85% rule is imperative for justice to prevail. We call upon Kentucky lawmakers to revise the Safer Kentucky Act. This change will restore confidence in our legal system and ensure that violent offenders serve sentences proportionate to the gravity of their crimes. This is not only about justice for my son but for all victims whose voices may go unheard while the scales of justice are tilted.
By signing this petition, you stand with us as we seek justice not just for my son but for all Kentucky families impacted by violent crime. Demand action and show your support for reinstating the 85% rule. Let us not allow the murderers to walk freely among us without serving their due time. Please add your signature to defend our communities and preserve the integrity of our justice system.
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Petition created on July 16, 2026