Senate
Judiciary Committee
 |
| Sharon Wiggins |
19
East Wing
Senate
Box 203012
Harrisburg,
PA 17120-3012
Dear
Senator Greenleaf,
I
believe that is appropriate that I am writing to you on Independence
Day! On behalf of Sharon Wiggins, the longest serving female serving
the unconstitutional sentence of mandatory juvenile life without the
possibility of parole in Pennsylvania and who is someone I profoundly
respect and am honored to call my friend, I hope that you and your
fellow legislatures act courageously and swiftly and give her the
freedom she has earned and deserves.
As
you can imagine, the stress of not knowing how the Commonwealth will
proceed with the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Miller v.
Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs, is palpable. It is my sincere hope
that the Commonwealth has the courage to demonstrate to the world
that we do not throw kids away for life in prison! In fact, many
young adults who committed their crimes just past the age 18, should
be given a second chance as well. I have secured Sharon employment
and she has many supporters who will assist her in making the most of
her life as a free woman. Sharon has a wealth of knowledge, wisdom
and respect that deserves to be shared and which ultimately, I
strongly believe will enrich the people of the Commonwealth and
beyond.
On
the July 12th Senate Judiciary hearing, please realize that the
Commonwealth has the perfect opportunity to show the world that
Pennsylvania is a state that is merciful, compassionate and ready to
be a leader in reforming an outdated, barbaric and inhumane criminal
justice system.
 |
| ellen melchiondo |
Sincerely
yours,
ellen
melchiondo
cc:
Sharon Wiggins
