Doug White, a resident of Illinois, is currently serving a life sentence. At the time of his crime, he was just a youth. Under current laws in many jurisdictions, this would have resulted in a sentence of 40 years instead. The harshness of his punishment does not align with his age at the time or with modern standards.

Clemency is used to show mercy and compassion, correct injustices, display humanitarianism, promote rehabilitation, and reduce prison overcrowding. This case embodies every aspect of clemency. 

-Mercy and compassion are warranted in this case in the light of his age at the time of the offense. Doug was sentenced during a time when punitive approaches dominated the criminal justice system. The judge indicated that the natural life sentence was mandatory under Illinois law. If Doug was sentenced today for the same crime, he would be eligible for parole review after serving 40 years (730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-115).

-The inconsistency of justice is particularly noteworthy in this case. One brother is incarcerated for just 17 ½ years and the other brother receives a natural life sentence. As documented in the police reports, wiretaps, court documents, and newspaper articles, his brother's account was ever-shifting (Post Dispatch, "Brother: Confession Was a Lie", 03/15/1989). In addition, his brother's sentence received a further reduction outside of the court proceedings in exchange for his testimony. The details are found in a handwritten note tucked away in a paper file that was never disclosed publicly.  

-Humanitarian concerns due to severe health problems provide a sense of urgency to this case. The prison healthcare system is not capable of treating the burgeoning medical problems of the increasingly geriatric prison population. In particular, Doug’s diabetes is unstable with blood sugar levels diving as low as 23 without any discernible symptoms until it is too late.

-Doug White exemplifies successful rehabilitation. Doug has earned at least 10 years of good time through education and work even though it does not apply to his case. He has no prior criminal record, no history of substance abuse, no mental health problems, and no unstable peers. A Prison Psychiatrist documented that Doug White’s risk of recidivism is “nil”. Three studies followed children and young adults that were originally sentenced to Life Without Parole but released as mature adults. The recidivism rate ranged from 0 in Louisiana to 1% in Pennsylvania. 

-The fiscal implications for clemency in this case involves three competing scenarios. The first scenario is if Doug is incarcerated indefinitely. Taxpayers can expect pay over $2M for Doug’s incarceration, conservatively. If Doug is released in 10 years, then his incarceration cost will be reduced to $900k but he would transition to government assistance such as SSI, Medicaid, EBT, and subsidized housing. This scenario would cost taxpayers approximately $1.4 million. Alternatively, granting clemency would allow Doug to work the 40 quarters needed to pay into social security and Medicare. Instead of costing society, Doug’s clemency and subsequent employment would result in social benefits of more than $735k. 

We are calling on the Prison Review Board and Governor of Illinois to grant clemency to Doug White. His case deserves re-evaluation given his unique circumstances and the changes in our understanding and treatment of youth offenders.

Please sign this petition if you believe in second chances and want to support justice reform efforts within our state.