Kode is family. He may not be my biological son, but he is my son in every way that matters. He and my biological son share the same father, and both boys were raised with love, values, and the belief that their lives have meaning, even in a world that tries to say otherwise.

When Kode was wrongfully convicted on January 15, 2025, my heart shattered. There was no evidence, yet he was sentenced to life without parole plus ten years. Later, his brother, the co-defendant in the same case, was found not guilty. The only difference was Kode’s trial featured an all-white jury and a lawyer who failed to fight for him. While his brother was given a fair trial with a mixed jury and a lawyer who believed and advocated for his innocence. This discrepancy is not justice. I've stood by Kode and his brother through this nightmare and I refuse to be silent. I am fighting for Kode's freedom! Not just as someone who loves him, but as a woman who refuses to let another Black son be buried alive by this broken system.

Despite no evidence, no witnesses, no DNA, and no murder weapon linking Kode to the crime, he was still found guilty of capital murder in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. How can it be that the same case led to drastically different outcomes for two brothers? This disparity cries for a reassessment of the judicial procedure exercised.

A fundamental pillar of our legal system is the idea that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and that justice is blind. In Kode’s case, the gross inequities are glaring and painful. His all-white jury brought biases that couldn’t perceive his story through a fair and just lens. Furthermore, the lack of a proper defense by his paid lawyer further stripped him of his right to a fair trial.

Kode deserves an unbiased trial that objectively assesses all evidence—or lack thereof—that he was involved in any wrongdoing. It is imperative that he is granted a new trial with a diverse jury and a competent defense attorney willing to uphold his rights and ensure justice is served.

Joining this petition means standing up against the injustices and systemic flaws within our legal system. It is a call to action for court officials, legal professionals, and the broader community to recognize and rectify this wrongful conviction.

Stand up for justice. Stand up for Kode. Sign this petition to demand a new trial for Kode McNair and pledge your support in seeking true justice for him.

#BringKodeHome