THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR READING, SHARING & SIGNING THIS PETITION!! YOUR SUPPORT MEANS A LOT! 

Marlin is an intelligent, creative, and caring Man. He’s an author, a husband, a brother, a friend, a mentor, and is loved and cared for by many. He has dreams of becoming a Father upon his release, as well a writer of more books. Marlin desires to become a Youth Pastor and a Motivational Speaker & Counselor so that the cycle of fatherless boys can be ended and that he can make a positive impact on someone else's life.  

It is Marlin’s perseverance, strength, and faith in God that has lead him to heal and drives him toward continued rehabilitation and personal development.

Marlin has exemplified sincere metamorphosis and deserves to be home with his family! Thank you all!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many courts have emphasized that teenagers are more likely to reform than adult offenders, and therefore, should be given a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate that they are improved. 

My name is Marlin Dumas, I am 41 years old and I pray that you will agree that I deserve a second chance. I was given LIFE at 16, today I am a changed man and deserving of a second chance. 

With this petition, I am inviting your signature in support of me being GRANTED PAROLE based on my exemplary spiritual, emotional & mental GROWTH, my acceptance of RESPONSIBILITY, and my desire to make a positive impact in the community, by writing, mentoring, preaching, and teaching. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To understand more about me, though, I would like people to know my heart. Unfortunately, the circumstances in my upbringing were unfathomable. I was born the product of molestation, poverty, addiction, struggle, and pain. A fatherless little boy never acknowledged or accepted by those who should have been there. 

As a young runaway, I was harshly neglected and abused by people supposed to take care of me. Today, I have forgiven them. I’ve faced many psychological & emotional traumas and at one point I was homeless.  I stayed with whomever I could for a place to lay my young head, some preyed on my tender age and vulnerability. Things were rough, and because I was angry, and relinquished to the streets, they became even more challenging. 

On July 31, 1996, a night that changed my life and that of many others. In my immaturity and peer pressures, my foolish decision caused another human being to lose his life. My heart goes out to the family of Mr. Sutton and anyone affected by the events that took place that night.

I IMMEDIATELY went from being a kid to have to become a Man heading for prison—a lion's den ripe for the naive, frightened, and young. 

To date (4/5/21), I have served 9,014 days in prison (nearly 25 years).

Many People Have Asked ME,

WHY DO I DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE?

•I have taken full responsibility for my actions

•I am remorseful for the pain I have caused the victims’ family, my family, and others around me

•I have been punished for my crime and my immaturity

•I am a MAN today with self-control

•I am No longer a BOY with an underdeveloped brain

•I have committed my time in prison to evolve, learn and expand my Faith in God

•I have completed (the limited) programs that are available to people with Life Sentences

•Programs include: anger management, effective parenting, dealing with stress thru music, and pre-entry pod learning modules

•I have received a High School Diploma, a Biblical College Degree and have held many jobs within the facilities I have been housed

•I am looked to as a mentor and a source of knowledge and leadership to other men incarcerated, young and old

•I have not had any violent new charges in 15 years 

•I have written and published a book and plan to post more

•I have evolved. I have healed. I am no longer angry.

•I have the support of my loving wife and my extended family, advocates, our church family & passionate supporters of Juvenile Justice.

•I have connected with therapy and counseling services & employment  assistance so I can be successful upon my release

•A life sentence for a child is outrageous

•I am not a threat to society

Marlin M. Dumas #1137348
Thank you for your support! God bless.

If you would like to write a letter of support for Marlin's parole release, 

please email: juvenile.lifers.matter@gmail.com 

#JuvenileLifersMatter #FreeMalinDumas #SecondChances