Free Efrén Paredes, Jr.!

What will 2010 Bring?

2010-01-04T19:16:00.002-05:00

by Efren Paredes, Jr.

As we usher in the dawn of the new decade many people will ask themselves, "what will 2010 mean to my life?" Some will respond with optimism, others will dread the unknown.

The truth is many of our expectations will be ones that we create ourselves. There are certainly some experience that will occur beyond our control, but for the things that we can control we should work to shape them the way we desire.

Believing that we are mere objects with no control of our lives invites negative experiences. It is dis-empowering and relinquishes all of our decision-making authority to other people and circumstances.

When we have a dismal outlook on life and negative self-image the laws of attraction bring toxicity into our lives. It drains us of energy and keeps us in perpetual darkness. People find it difficult to emerge from this state after prolonged periods of time. It is easier to be complacent than to exert the energy to change the tide that erodes our potential.

We cant' be afraid to fail or try in life. If we are we will be paralyzed by fear and never progress. Rather than look at potential experiences as stumbling blocks, we need to view them as stepping stones towards something better.

No one experience defines us, whether good or bad. If it did it would always be the best or worst thing we did in life. It doesn't work that way though. We are the sum of our total experiences, not fragments of them.

Our perception will guide us along the way. If we maintain a positive outlook we will celebrate progress more often than failure. Perception colors an experience and defines it before it even manifests. It charts its course.

When we employ this approach into our lives we begin to discover that people and experiences affect us to the degree we allow them to. Nothing can compel us to experience a feeling we do not allow. We are never taught this though, consequently people find themselves looking for people and material things to comfort and satisfy them.

When we make the conscious choice to live a productive, happy life, we will see it manifest, not because it just transpires, but because it is what we want to see materialize. It is what we work towards and the energy we seek to attract.

We have to cease underestimating ourselves and embrace our enormous potential. In so doing we will empower our lives and create experiences want, not the ones that "just happen."

The answer to what the new year or decade will bring into your lives is very simple. Most often it will bring what you strive for or invite.

Efrén's Leatherwork Available in Lansing This Saturday

2009-11-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

The Peace Education Center is having i's annual Alternative Holiday Sale this Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 9 AM to 5 PM. It will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 855 Grove Street, East Lansing, MI.

The Alternative Holiday Sale gives the Greater Lansing community the opportunity to meet and shop with others in the peace and justice community while supporting small personal businesses, nonprofit groups, and fair trade cooperatives. It is a tradition that combines holiday shopping with a true spirit of community.

There will be organic homemade treats and lunches for sale, as well as hot coffee and cocoa. Vendors will include woodworkers, crafts, clothing, soaps and candles, photographs, and much more.

Additionally, this year there will also be a table with handcrafted leather items that Efrén personally made himself. We will also have Free Efrén postcards available for distribution and one-page flyers. You are invited to stop by if you are in the area and spend time at the Free Efrén table to express your support and learn about all the latest updates.

Efrén Appears on Ebling and You Radio Show

2009-10-27T22:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, Monday, October 26, 2009, Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Efrén on his show, Ebling and You.

Jack and Efrén discussed a recent article published on AlterNet.org titled "4 Prisoners Facing Executions or Serving Extreme Jail Sentences Who Very Well May Be Innocent" by Liliana Segura, which featured Efrén's case.

They also discussed another article recently featured in The Michigan Messenger titled "Drug cases dismissed following pleas by corrupt narcotics cops" by Eartha Jane Melzer. This article was about 40 wrongful convictions dismissed in Berrien County (the county Efrén was convicted in) by Chief Prosecutor Arthur Cotter as a result of two police officers who have pleaded guilty to federal charges that they made up evidence, conducted illegal searches and wrongfully arrested people.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's exclusive interview with Efrén.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support, and for helping us keep the injustice surrounding Efrén's wrongful incarceration in the public eye.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

Efrén Appears on Ebling and You Radio Show

2009-09-10T01:18:00.009-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, August 9, 2009, Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Efrén on his show, Ebling and You.

Jack and Efrén discussed a recent speech he gave to youth in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) encouraging peace between police and youth in the city, how Efrén remains so positive despite enduring 20 years of wrongful imprisonment, his work promoting the graduation of high school Xicana/Latina students, among other things.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's exclusive interview with Efrén.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support, and for helping us keep the injustice surrounding Efrén's wrongful incarceration in the public eye.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

Contact Us Via New Google Voice Number

2009-07-30T18:22:00.005-04:00

You can now contact us using our new Google Voice number.

If you would like to call and leave a comment, make a suggestion, request additional information about Efrén's case, or learn how you can assist our campaign to free him, you can leave us a voice mail message by calling our Google Voice number at 269-849-9056.

If you would like to speak to a member of Efrén's family, or a member of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr., please state what you would like to discuss and leave your name, phone number, and the best time to return your call. This will help us determine the best person to respond to your request.

Petition to Gov. Granholm Supporting Release of Efrén Paredes, Jr. on Change.Org Web Site

2009-07-22T19:03:00.004-04:00

Please sign the new petition to Gov. Granholm supporting Efrén's release that has been created on the Change.org web site. You are welcome to edit the letter and include additional personal thoughts and feelings which is highly encouraged. It will only take you a few brief moments to complete the process.

Once you sign the letter please forward the campaign to others and ask them to do the same. You are encouraged to to share this note on your wall to help spread the word as well. The petition appears below.

According to the Change.org web site:

"Today as citizens of the world, we face a daunting array of social and environmental problems ranging from health care and education to global warming and economic inequality. For each of these issues, whether local or global in scope, there are millions of people who care passionately about working for change but lack the information and opportunities necessary to translate their interest into effective action.

Change.org aims to address this need by serving as the central platform informing and empowering movements for social change around the most important issues of our time."

We can not underscore enough the urgency of this very important call to action. Efrén's life and future are depending on our collective efforts. Thank you for your continued support, and please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

or, Create a Petition

Freedom March for Wrongful Convictions

2009-06-27T23:34:00.015-04:00

Organizers hosted the Freedom March for Wrongful Convictions ("FMWC") on the steps of the capitol in Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, June 27, 2009. It was part of a coordinated multi-state effort to raise awareness of wrongful convictions and cast a spotlight on the need for criminal justice reform.

Representatives from the Innocence Project, Amnesty International, Peace Education Center, and other organizations were in attendance. WLNS-TV 6 News, WILX-TV 10 News, and the Lansing State Journal were present to report about the gathering.

Walter Swift, a recently exonerated former prisoner who was released after serving 27 years of incarceration, spoke at the event and discussed his struggle to prove his innocence.

In November 1982, Walter was wrongly convicted of rape and sentenced to 55 years' imprisonment. Convicted at the age of 21 on the basis of evidence that has been discredited, Walter nonetheless languished behind bars for almost 27 years for a crime he did not commit.

Ten years ago his case came to the attention of the Innocence Project, a non-profit legal clinic founded in New York in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld. "Evidence shows that the victim's eyewitness identification was tragically wrong", says Olga Akselrod, an Innocence Project attorney.

After a decade of investigation and campaigning by the Innocence Project, Walter was exonerated in April 2008. "Walter Swift has been fully exonerated after spending most of his adult life in prison", said Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck.

After the event Efrén spoke with Walter Swift via telephone. Walter conveyed to Efrén that he will begin mentioning his campaign for freedom when he discusses wrongful convictions and the need for reform in the criminal justice system as he travels across the state.

Members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee from both the Lansing and Detroit areas were also present to express support for Efrén and the event. One member of the Lansing TIME Committee spoke at the event on Efrén's behalf, and a member of the Detroit TIME Committee was interviewed by WLNX-TV 6.

The event was a success. Organizers of the event and those in attendance will work together to continue building on their efforts and plan for an even larger gathering next year. Educating the public about the facts surrounding wrongful convictions is a very important step in creating meaningful reform in a system that has ignored human rights and the rule of law for far too long.

Wrongful Convictions Facts

There have been 240 post-conviction DNA exonerations in the United States.
• The first DNA exoneration took place in 1989. Exonerations have been won in 34 states; since 2000, there have been 171 exonerations.
• 17 of the 240 people exonerated through DNA served time on death row.
• The average length of time served by exonerees is 12 years. The total number of years served is approximately 2,982.
Facts Source: http://www.innocenceproject.org/Content/351.php

Efrén Appears on Thousand Kites National Radio Broadcast

2009-06-05T21:35:00.009-04:00

Efrén appeared on the Thousand Kites national radio broadcast June 4, 2009 to discuss his wrongful conviction and the subject of juvenile life without parole sentencing in the USA. He spoke to Thousand Kites six months to the day after his December 4, 2008 public hearing.

Efrén discussed the issue of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences, the state legislation pending in Michigan to abolish these sentences, and the upcoming U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing in Congress to consider legislation to abolish the practice as well.

Click on the following link to visit the page where you can hear Efrén's interview: http://tinyurl.com/nffawq.

Thousand Kites is a national dialogue project addressing the criminal justice system. By being involved with Kites you will become part of a national movement to use the power of art to reform our criminal justice system and to talk about human rights in the United States. Using video, theater, radio, and the web as tools, you can bring people together to support organizing efforts and share experiences with the criminal justice system.

To learn more about Thousand Kites and how you can support its mission, please visit http://www.thousandkites.org. A special thanks to Julia Taylor for arranging the interview.

Efrén Appears on Ebling and You Radio Show

2009-06-02T08:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, Monday, June 1, 2009, Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Efrén on his show, Ebling and You.

Jack and Efrén discussed the six months he has endured since his public hearing awaiting a decision about his commutation request, his wrongful conviction, and the issue of juvenile life without parole sentences.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's exclusive interview with Efrén.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support, and for helping us keep the injustice surrounding Efrén's wrongful incarceration in the public eye.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

Cristo Rey Festival in Lansing to Feature Info About Efrén for Next 3 Days

2009-05-22T05:22:00.002-04:00

Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24 the Cristo Rey Community Center will be hosting their annual festival. The festival offers Mexican and Latino music, dancing, vendors, food and more. The event will take place at Cristo Rey Church, 201 W. Miller Road, Lansing, Michigan. The hours of the event are: Friday 5pm - 11pm, Saturday Noon - 11 pm, and Sunday Noon - 6pm.

The Peace Education Center (PEC), which has been a strong supporter of Efrén and our efforts to free him, will be having an informational table each day of the festival. This is the third year the PEC will be at the festival. PEC's table will be staffed during the festival hours. The two main focused of the PEC info table are:

(1) Get people to sign postcards addressed to Governor Granholm expressing support for the granting of Efrén's commutation request, collect the postcards for mailing, and provide additional information about Efrén's case. They will also share the recent article, "New Latino youth justice report shines spotlight on the case of Efrén Paredes Jr.", which was published on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, on the blog Latina Lista by author Marisa Treviño.

(2) Counter-recruiting to convince young Latinos to consider career options other than military service. The PEC will also be selling by donation bumper stickers and buttons with peace theme.

We are very grateful for the continued strong support that PEC has consistently provided to Efrén since they have joined our campaign for his freedom. They are a wonderful group of people who are doing positive work in the community. They are an inspiration to others demonstrating that persistent action for a cause can manifest in real change.

This weekend as you are visiting friends and family please ask them to send a message to the Governor to express support for Efrén's release. They can learn to do this by visiting http://tinyurl.com/michgov. We wish you all a wonderful and safe weekend.

New Latino Youth Justice Report Shines Spotlight on the Case of Efrén Paredes, Jr.

2009-05-20T22:51:00.006-04:00

by Marisa Treviño on 20 de Mayo 2009 11:23 AM

According to a new report released today by The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ), one out of 4 incarcerated Latino youth is held in an adult jail facility.

The report, America’s Invisible Children: Latino Youth and the Failure of Justice discovered several key facts that underscore the institutionalized prejudices that exist in our legal system towards Latino youth and other youth of color.

These prejudices have resulted in a domino effect of discrepancies in treatment among youth inmates resulting in Latino youth being overrepresented in the judicial system, receiving harsher treatment, being dealt a sentence that is more punitive than their white counterparts for the same offense and more likely to be placed in adult prisons.

Yet, one of the more surprising, and disappointing, finds of the report, is that "a higher proportion of white youth prosecuted in the adult system are released pretrial (60%) than any other racial or ethnic categories. While most (54%) of Latino youth prosecuted in the adult system were detained pretrial; of the Latino youth detained pretrial, 72% were held in adult jails."

The obvious question from such a finding is: What makes white youth seem more trustworthy to be released pretrial than Latino youth?

Is it who their parents are? The school they went to? The section of town they live in?

Or is it the color of their skin?

The report's authors admit that "there is no simple answer to the question of why Latino youth are being treated so unfairly." However, the overriding message from this report is that the current justice system is not just committing a disservice to Latino youth but is trapping them in a failed system with little recourse for rehabilitation or rejoining society where they can make a decent living and improve their lives.

In a system that is all too ready to commit juveniles into an adult facility, Latino youth are at an even greater disadvantage because they are subjected to rape and assault in those adult prison facilities.

Fortunately, this gross disparity has not gone unnoticed.

Florida State University Clinical Law professor Paolo Annino told Latina Lista readers in March of he and his students drafting legislation titled the Second Chance Act for Children in Prison of 2009 .

Professor Annino wrote:

Florida takes the lead in placing the youngest children in the adult prison system. The most recent Florida data shows, there is 1 inmate who was 10, 4 inmates who were 11, 5 inmates who were 12, and 31 inmates who were 13 years old at the time of their offense.

These children all received adult prison sentences of more than 10 years. Of the four inmates who were 11 at the time of their offense, three are Hispanic.

In total, there are 448 inmates who received adult prison sentences of 10 years or more and who were 15-years-old or younger at the time of their offense. Approximately 10 percent of these child inmates who received long adult prison sentences are Hispanic.

Florida State University College of Law, Children in Prison Project has been researching the issue of children in Florida prisons for over 11 years and based on this research, FSU law students have created the Second Chance for Children in Prison Act of 2009 (House Bill 757 and Senate Bill 1430)…

This Act provides these 448 adolescent offenders adjudicated as adults in Florida the opportunity of parole. Only those adolescent offenders who have worked to get their lives back on track while in prison and who have already served at least 8 years of their prison sentence are eligible for parole under this Act.

When he wrote this piece, Professor Annino had high hopes that the bill would pass. The Senate version of the bill passed but it was blocked in the Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council by the committee chair — effectively killing the bill.

“After interviewing each committee member, I believe the votes were there to pass the bill,” said Professor Paolo Annino. "We will re-file in December 2009 for the spring legislative session in 2010."

A bill, such as proposed by Professor Annino, would go a long way in pulling Latino youth out of a judicial system that has made it clear that it has no desire to review Latino juvenile cases or rehabilitate Latino youth.

One Latino, who experienced the prejudice and discrimination of a judicial system that has effectively locked him up and thrown away the key, is Efren Paredes Jr.

Efren was a 15-year-old high school honor student in Michigan who was convicted in 1989 for murder and armed robbery — charges that he has steadfastly and consistently denied and to which others have plead guilty.
His sentence — three consecutive life sentences.

After the trial, it came to light that several improprieties were committed by the prosecutor. Yet, after all this time, 20 years, the injustice that was committed against Efren has yet to be addressed in a serious manner that acknowledges that this was a boy who had no criminal record when he was arrested, was a student athlete and honor student.

His arrest was based on the statements of people with a criminal history.

Since he's been in jail, Efren has accomplished much. He's earned his GED, attended college, received degrees and certifications, delivers presentations at national conferences via telephone. Lord knows what he would have become had he not been implicated in this crime.

To be 15 and handed three consecutive life sentences does not make sense for Efren or any other young person put in jail. Though the evidence overwhelmingly points to the innocence of Efren Paredes Jr, for those kids who do commit crimes and are handed life sentences, only to show through what they accomplish in prison, that their lapse in youthful judgement was but for a moment in time, they certainly don't deserve to have the key thrown away.

As with Professor Annino's bill, these kids do deserve a second chance.

Over the years, a small army of supporters have tried their best to bring Efren's case before the court of public opinion. They want the governor of Michigan to commute his sentence.

The big question is why hasn't he done so?

So, in the meantime, Efren's supporters carry on his 20-year battle for justice. They have created an online petition, a Facebook page, MySpace, a blog.

They have also made available powerpoint presentation about Efren's case which underscore why his continued imprisonment defies explanation and common sense.

It is time the national Latino community took up the cause of Efren Paredes Jr.

Where is MALDEF? Where is NCLR? Where is LULAC?

Reports are fine to alert us all to what has been transpiring but we've reached a point in our evolution as a community where reports are meaningless, unless we identify those who suffer from the very injustices outlined in these reports, and put our collective voices towards correcting those injustices.

The time to act is long overdue.

Source: http://www.latinalista.net/palabrafinal/2009/05/new_latino_youth_justice_report_shines_i.html

University of Southern Califonia (USC) Holds Forum on Life Sentences for Youth

2009-04-26T19:15:00.006-04:00

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 6:00 PM the University of Southern California (USC) will host a forum focused on the use of life sentences without the possibility of parole on people under the age of 18-years-old.

Panelists include Professor Heidi Rummel of the USC School of Law; Elizabeth Calvin of Human Rights Watch, a researcher and advocate with Human Rights Watch will discuss SB399 and California specific issues regarding juvenile justice; and Efrén Paredes, Jr. who is serving sentences of life without parole in Michigan (present by phone); and students from USC Gould School of Law's Post Conviction Justice Project who are currently working on cases in which juveniles have been sentenced to life without parole.

Panelists will discuss several questions, including: Should juveniles be sentenced to life in prison? Are our youth incorrigible? Why is the U.S. the only nation in the world to not ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

There is a statewide campaign to end juvenile life without parole in California, where more than 250 youth have been sentenced to die in prison. A bill has just been introduced in the California state legislature that would provide review and possible re-sentencing of all life without parole cases cases in which the offender was under the age of 18 when the crime occurred. Students at USC could play an important role in helping to get SB 399, the Fair Sentences for Youth Act, passed.

President Barack Obama who has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the fact that the United States has not, like the country of Somalia, yet ratified the Convention On the Rights of the Child which prohibits the imposition of life without parole sentences on juveniles. The United States and Somalia are the only countries in the world who have not ratified the treaty.

In October 2008, President Obama responded to this at the Walden University Presidential Youth Debate by saying, "It is embarrassing to find ourselves in the company of Somalia, a lawless land." He continued, "I will review this and other treaties and ensure that the United States resum es its global leadership in human rights."

Location: USC Campus WPH102 Sponsored by M.E.Ch.A. de USC .

Source: http://tinyurl.com/c2c368

Local Leaders Rally to Support Efren Paredes, Jr.

2009-04-22T06:03:00.038-04:00

Local Leaders Rally to Support Efren Paredes, Jr.

by Juliana Birnbaum Fox

The Bay Area has become an active center of support for Michigan inmate Efren Paredes, Jr., convicted in 1989 and sentenced to life at the age of 15 for a murder he still maintains he did not commit. There was no physical evidence linking Efren to the crime, nor any eyewitnesses, and his family maintains that he was home with them when the murder occurred.

Over the past decades, Paredes, now 35, has become a symbol for prison system reform in cases involving juveniles. His parole appeal is currently being considered by a state commission.

“Paredes’ sentence as a juvenile to life in prison without parole (JLWOP) violates human rights legal standards,” reads a letter from the Berkeley City Council to Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. The letter mentions the questionable circumstances that led to Paredes’ conviction, and his leadership and positive contribution to society despite his 20 years of incarceration. “For this country to be the lone holdout on the issue of JLWOP weakens our moral and legal standing in the international community,” the letter continues, urging a ban on the practice. The city council adopted a resolution condemning Paredes’ sentence as a human rights violation in February of this year.

Despite being an honor student and having no prior convictions, the judge in Paredes’ case exercised his option to sentence him as an adult because of his apparent lack of remorse for the crime, which involved an armed robbery and murder at a store where Paredes worked. All of the other defendants in the case pleaded guilty in exchange for plea bargains, and have since been released from prison.

Local activist Elizabeth “Betita” Martínez, director of the Institute for Multi-Racial Justice, wrote in her support letter for Paredes, points out the larger systemic issue of injustice imposed upon the Latino community in the court system.

“Mr. Paredes’ trial attorney had advised him to show no emotion during his trial, which had a very negative effect on the sentencing phase,” Martinez writes. “Until recently the attorney always denied giving this advice. However, he has now admitted it, a fact that is included in Mr. Paredes’ current appeal.”

Michigan has sentenced more juveniles to life in prison without parole than any other state except Pennsylvania, according to a 2007 UCSF study, "Sentencing Our Children to Die in Prison." Currently local Paredes supporters are also calling attention to the fact that California has 277 such individuals are serving these sentences in the state. The United States is the only nation that imprisons juveniles for life.

“For many children, [life without parole] is an effective death sentence carried out by the state slowly over a long period of time,” said Michelle Leighton, chief author of the study. Life terms also fall disproportionately on youths of color, with blacks 20 times more likely to receive such a sentence in California.

The UCSF report asserts that trying children and teenagers in adult courts does not take into account several important factors: the bigger potential for rehabilitation and reintegration into society; their ineptness at navigating the criminal justice system, and their lessened culpability as compared with adult offenders.

“It’s a local issue to us,” said Wendy Kenin of the Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission. “This gives us an opportunity to weigh into take a stand on the issue of juvenile sentences of life without parole.”

The board will be making a recommendation to the Governor’s Office about Paredes’s release in the coming weeks. The Governor will render the final decision. Generally these decisions are made within a few months, but there is no official timetable.

Source: http://www.elreporterosf.com/editions/?q=node/3217

This article appeared on the front page of El Reportero, Vol. 19, No. 6. The original article included Israel as a nation that imprisons juveniles to life in prison. That statement has been removed from this re-post becuase it is inaccurate. The US is the only country in the world imposing the sentence. Click here to view the PDF version of this file as it originally appeared in print.

Jack Ebling Interviews Mario Rocha About His Wrongful Conviction, His Documentary "Mario's Story," and Efrén Paredes, Jr.

2009-04-20T21:24:00.002-04:00

This afternoon, Monday, April 20, 2009, Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Mario Rocha, a friend of Efrén's and member of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr.

Jack and Mario discussed his wrongful conviction which robbed him of 10 years of his freedom, his documentary "Mario's Story" that has been airing on Mondays on Showtime for the past month, what he is doing with his life today, and about how he became involved in the campaign to free Efrén.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's exclusive interview with Mario Rocha.

You can also read a recent post Efrén wrote about Maria which you can view by clicking on the following link:

http://4efren.blogspot.com/2009/04/mario-rocha-another-tragic-story-of.html

Mario is expected to visit Michigan in the coming weeks to screen his documentary, discuss his case, wrongful convictions, and the importance for the citizens of the State of Michigan to support Efrén's release.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support, and for helping us keep the injustice surrounding Efrén's wrongful incarceration in the public eye.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

As bill to ban life imprisonment for children languishes, inequities of defense persist

2009-04-13T05:39:00.004-04:00

Children facing prospect of life sentence often have no choice but rely on state's overworked and under-resourced public defenders.

by Earth Jane Melzer
The Michigan Messenger
April, 13, 2009

As legislation to end juvenile-life-without-parole sentences in Michigan remains stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee, some court watchers are warning that the controversial sentence may not be in tune with recent public opinion and is not applied fairly by the justice system.

Currently, nearly 350 people in the state are serving life sentences for crimes committed when they were age 17 or younger. Seventy percent of them are African American, according to the state’s Department of Corrections.

Michigan, which currently spends approximately 20 percent of it’s general budget on corrections, has the third-highest number of inmates serving juvenile-life-without-parole sentences, according to a 2005 study by the Wayne State University School of Social Work.

Wayne State’s study surveyed public sentiment on juvenile crime and punishment and found that a majority did not support juvenile-life-without-parole sentences.

“Michigan residents are unequivocal in their belief that youth should be held accountable for their violent crimes,” the study’s authors wrote, “but that it should be in a manner that recognizes the physiologic, psychological and emotional capabilities of the youths, understanding that these capabilities differ from that of adults. These findings seem to support alternative sentencing arrangements and changes to Michigan’s current policies and legislation.”

When asked what would be an appropriate sentence for a juvenile convicted of homicide, the largest portion of respondents, 39 percent, said they preferred confinement in a juvenile facility then transfer to an adult facility for a life sentence with possibility of parole. Only 5 percent said life in adult prison without parole was the appropriate sentence; 78 percent of those surveyed said that 14-16 year-olds should not be sentenced to adult prison.

Patricia Caruso, director of the state Department of Corrections, supports the legislation to end juvenile-life-without-parole sentencing and told the Capitol News Service last month that juveniles should never come into the adult prison system.

“When you put a 14-year-old in an adult system, you’ve given up.” she said. “Adult prisons are not designed for juveniles.”

The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Liz Brater, an Ann Arbor Democrat, would ban juvenile-life-without-parole sentences and allow those already serving mandatory life sentences for crimes committed as juveniles to apply for parole after a portion of their sentence is served. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee in February, where it has been stuck ever since.

Young Defendants Often Lack Adequate Defense

When juveniles are facing charges that carry a life sentence, they are especially dependent on legal counsel in a state that has one of the most under-funded public defender systems in the country. A recent report by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association done in cooperation with the State Bar of Michigan found that the lack of state funding, standards and oversight leads to inadequate public defense locally where counties often lack the resources to provide adequate support for those who can’t afford an attorney.

Because young people are especially dependent on counsel to represent their interests, the failure of the state to provide adequate resources for public defense hits youth especially hard. According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, 78 percent of juveniles sentenced to life without parole relied on appointed counsel.

Coalition for Justice, an alliance of legal and human rights groups concerned about inequities in the state justice system, together with the ACLU of Michigan is suing the state for failing to ensure equal access to representation in Michigan. The group point out that in Berrien County, for example, the prosecution receives four times as much funding as the defense.

Scott Elliot of Benton Harbor is a member of the Coalition for Justice’s public defense task force and is also the chair of groups racial relations council of Southwest Michigan.

Elliot has closely followed the case of Efren Paredes, Jr., a 15-year old Latino honor student who in 1989 became Michigan’s first juvenile to receive the life-without-parole sentence after being convicted of murder and robbery. Paredes, who has now served 20 years in prison, maintains that he is innocent.

During his years of incarceration he has become a widely known advocate for sentencing reform and he works translating books for the blind.

Elliot said stereotypes and cultural bias were an important factor in Paredes conviction.

A notebook with lyrics from rap group N.W.A.’s double platinum selling “Straight Outta Compton” album was found in Paredes’ locker at school.

Despite the fact that Paredes was a good student and had no criminal record, the prosecutor, who assumed that the lyrics were written by Paredes himself, Elliot said, introduced them as a “window into his mind” and tried to characterize him as a dangerous gang member.

Twenty years later, the lyrics remain a key element of the case against Paredes, Elliot said. At a December 2008 parole board hearing for Paredes commutation request, Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur J. Cotter again read the lyrics to the parole board as a central element of his testimony about Paredes.

The Berrien County prosecutor’s office did not respond to a request for comment on use of the lyrics and the county’s sentencing statistics.

Uneven Treatment, County by County

According to an American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan report, “Second Chances: Juveniles Serving Life Without Parole in Michigan,” the rate of juvenile-life-without-parole sentences varies widely among Michigan counties. Between 1990 and 2000, the counties with the highest rate of this sentence were Saginaw, Calhoun and Berrien counties.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Saginaw and Berrien rank among the top 25 most segregated metropolitan areas in the country.

Elliot, who has studied trends in punishment in Berrien County over three decades, said that social exclusion is a key factor in why some counties are more likely to send juvenile offenders to adult prison for life.

“It’s kind of easy to say that it was racial. I think in this community everybody’s father and uncle either belongs to Rotary or the Lion’s club or Kiwanis or their brother-in-law was a police officer,” Elliot said.

“If you are outside that large circle which is 99 percent white then you are vulnerable whether you are Latino of some other minority or black or even like me don’t go to church and don’t belong to those clubs. Anybody who is not under that umbrella is vulnerable.”

Michael Thomas, prosecuting attorney for Saginaw County, said that he was unaware that the U.S. Census Bureau lists the Saginaw as among the nation’s most segregated areas. “Segregation,” he said, “is a word I haven’t heard in around 15 years.”

Thomas said that he does not believe that racism or inability to pay for lawyers are direct factors in Saginaw’s rank as the county with the highest rate of juvenile-life-without-parole sentences in the state.

“There has been a loss of public safety in Michigan,” he said. “We now have the highest violent crime rate in the Midwest with Saginaw and Detroit tied for most violent crime,” in this climate, there are more murders committed by people of all ages.

“Children who are raised in homes where they don’t see violence and don’t have to worry where their next meal is coming from are less likely to commit violent crimes,” Thomas said.

Source: http://michiganmessenger.com/16689/as-bill-to-ban-life-imprisonment-for-children-languishes-inequities-of-defens-persist

"Another Commutation," Opinion, Detroit Free Press

2009-04-08T05:34:00.002-04:00

Opinion
The Detroit Free Press
April 8, 2009

We are grateful for Jeff Gerritt's column on parolee Mike Chegwidden ("A forsaken dream leaves Michigan parolee on ice," March 26). Gerritt allowed Chegwidden space to acknowledge the "one poor choice" he made when he was 16 years old. It is clear, however, that the sentence Chegwidden was given was indeed "ridiculously harsh" and justice was better served in the commutation he received from Gov. Jennifer Granholm last year.

Gerritt also alluded to the many more cases that need to be looked at. We would like to draw readers' attention to one case that Gerritt reported on last year. We refer to the case of Efren Paredes, Jr. ("Justice makes case for commutations," Dec. 11).

From sources we consider credible, we believe that Paredes was in all likelihood not guilty. From our background in human rights issues, we know that he should not have been sentenced as a juvenile to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. From his stellar educational, employment and personal good conduct record in jail, we are confident he will have an excellent chance of leading a good, productive life if he is released.

Paredes' case was reviewed by the Michigan Board of Pardons and Paroles several months ago. We hope that the board will make the wise and just recommendation to commute his sentence in as timely a manner as possible.

Ken and Geraldine Grunow
Coordinators, Detroit Chapter
Amnesty International U.S.A.

Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20090408/OPINION04/904080316/0/OPINION01

Jack Ebling Interviews Detroit Free Press Editorial Writer About Wrongful Convictions and Efrén Paredes, Jr.

2009-03-30T23:17:00.003-04:00

This afternoon, Tuesday, March 31, 2009, Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Detroit Free Press editorial writer Jeff Gerritt.

Jack and Gerritt discussed his recent article that appeared in the Detroit Free Press regarding the alarming rate of wrongful convictions and problems with the Michigan justice system. He also discussed Efrén's pending commutation request and other related matters.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's exclusive interview with Jeff Gerritt.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support, and for helping us keep the injustice surrounding Efrén's wrongful incarceration in the public eye.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

New Michigan House Bills 4518 and 4594-4596 Introduced Seeking to Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole (LWOP) Sentences

2009-03-29T13:56:00.001-04:00

We recently learned that House Bills 4518 and 4594-4596 were introduced March 5, 2009 in the Michigan Senate, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee the same day, in an effort to abolish juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences in Michigan. Below are links for you to download and/or view the package of bills.

You will recall that 2008 House Bills 4402-4405 were passed overwhelmingly in the Michigan House on December 4, 2008. The bills were not, however, voted on in the Senate and 2009 versions of the bills had to be reintroduced.

You are encouraged to circulate this link to people of conscience in your network who are opposed to human rights violations being perpetrated against the nation's children — our most vulnerable population.

You are also asked to visit the two blog post links that appear at the end of this message which call on you to contact our state legislators and ask them to pass this legislation. Now that we know the bill numbers people can include this information in their letters to legislators.

Please remember, if passed, the bills will not release a single prisoner. They will only provide them with the opportunity to be reviewed by the Parole Board for possible release. The bills do not abandon the concept of redemption. In fact, they seek to re-infuse it into the existing system.

These bills are very important to Efrén's life and future, and to 330+ others who were sentenced to LWOP when they were juveniles as well.

A House Judiciary Committee hearing is expected to be held on these bills during the month of April 2009. We will post the date and any additional information here as we learn it.

You can view or download the package of bills or individual bills in PDF format below.

Click here to view or download the entire package of bills.

Click here to view House Bill 4518.

Click here to view House Bill 4594.

Click here to view House Bill 4595.

Click here to view House Bill 4596.

Click here to view Helen's message calling on people to contact their legislators to encourage them to abolish juvenile LWOP sentences in Michigan and how to do so.

Click here to view Efrén's message calling on people to contact their legislators to encourage them to abolish juvenile LWOP sentences in Michigan.

Jack Ebling Interviews Efrén About 20-Year Anniversary of Imprisonment

2009-03-16T21:59:00.004-04:00

This afternoon, Monday, March 16, 2009, Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Efrén on Ebling and You.

Jack and Efrén discussed the 20-year anniversary of Efrén's imprisonment which occurred the previous day, his pending commutation request, and about how he has managed to remain a strong, positive person during the past two decades of incarceration.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's exclusive interview with Efrén.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support, and for helping us keep the injustice surrounding Efrén's wrongful incarceration in the public eye.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

Juvenile Life Without Parole, Youth Sentencing Targeted for Reform in Legislature

2009-03-04T22:21:00.005-05:00

by Eartha Jane Melzer
Michigan Messenger
Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Despite growing bipartisan support for corrections reform, some state Republicans are wary of reforms affecting juvenile sentencing and parole.

Nearly 1,000 of the roughly 49,000 inmates of the Michigan Department of Corrections have served more than 10 years for crimes they committed while under 18. And nearly 350 of them are serving life sentences without parole for crimes they committed as children.

The youthful-offender parole reform bill (SB 174), which is tied to a bill to end juvenile life-without-parole sentences (SB 173), passed the House last year and was reintroduced this session in the Senate. The bills are now before the Judiciary Committee, which has yet to take action on the legislation.

The measure would allow a parole board, after 10 years, to evaluate the cases of some juvenile offenders who are serving sentences of more than 10 years or serving life sentences or life without parole. Currently, those serving life are eligible for parole after 15 years; those serving life without parole are ineligible.

Efren Paredes Jr., 35, is the most widely known of the inmates who could be affected by the legislation.

Paredes was a 15-year-old honor student with no criminal record when he was convicted of a 1989 murder and robbery in St. Joseph. He was sentenced to three life sentences without parole.

Throughout his imprisonment at Jackson and other state prison facilities, he has maintained his innocence. Paredes received his GED at 16, enrolled in college courses and has worked since 1995 translating textbooks into Braille.

In February, the city council in Berkeley, Calif., passed a resolution calling for the end of juvenile-life-without-parole sentencing and for the commutation of Parades’ sentence.

Also last month, a parole board heard more than eight hours of testimony at a hearing where Paredes sought commutation of his sentence. Russ Marlin, spokesman for the Department of Corrections, said that parole board members are expected to issue a recommendation this month.

The passage of the juvenile-life-without-parole legislative package would allow Paredes, and others in his class, to be considered for parole.

Velia Koppenhoefer, Paredes’ mother, continues to press for her son’s release and is pressing for reform. She said via email:

Efren will be imprisoned for a complete 20 years on March 15. With all he has accomplished in his life while incarcerated, his outpouring of nationwide support, as well as having home placement and guaranteed employment if released, he would have been an excellent candidate for release long before now.

The key things to understand about the pending Senate Bills which seek to abolish life without parole sentences for juveniles (i.e., Senate Bills 173-176) is that they do not release a single prisoner. There is a big misconception among people that the bills will release people and that is simply not true.

State Sen. Alan Cropsey (R-DeWitt), who serves on the Judiciary Committee, is not in favor of passing the juvenile sentencing bills out of his committee. The lawmaker said he was unfamiliar with the case of Efren Paredes and noted that the juvenile sentencing package is unlikely to advance through the Judiciary Committee “until someone shows us why it should move.”

Among his objections, he said, is his skepticism about the cost savings claims associated with the measure.

An analysis conducted by the Legislature last year found that Michigan could save up to $6.3 million per year by allowing juvenile offenders who are serving sentences of more than 10 years to be reviewed for parole.

Also, a recent state-commissioned report by the Council of State Governments noted that Michigan’s high corrections costs — now 20 percent of the total state budget — are a result of long prison sentences. The average prisoner serves 127 percent of his or her minimum sentence, before being granted parole. The report recommended that inmates be evaluated for parole after serving the minimum sentence, adding that this could save $90.7 million and reduce the prison population by more than 4,000 inmates by 2015. These recommendations have received bipartisan support.

But Cropsey said that increasing parole review for juveniles serving long sentences and ending life without parole for juveniles is unlikely to reduce the prison population.

“You can talk about it theoretically, but when you start talking about the facts of a case, when you open up a file and look at the victims, you think, ‘This is not a good risk.‘”

Parole boards are unlikely to release people convicted of such horrible crimes, he said, and the governor has the power to commute sentences in rare cases where appropriate.

When state law was revised in 1988 to allow the sentencing of younger people to long prison terms in adult incarceration, he was initially disturbed, Cropsey said.

He said he thought: “Now, this is nuts. Are we just going to do away with the eight- and nine-year-olds?”

But his worries about very young people doing hard time were calmed by the introduction of successful legislation that allows probate judges to decide whether to sentence young people as juveniles or as adults, he added.

“This increased discretion fixes the problem,” he said. “We have life without parole here instead of the death penalty.”

Cropsey said that he was open to sitting down with anyone with information about a case that might change his mind about the package.

“I am a conservative Republican, basically a law-and-order type, but I’m also a man of faith,” he said, “Can people change? Yes, people can change.”

Source: http://michiganmessenger.com/14053/juvenile-life-without-parole-youth-sentencing-targeted-for-reform-in-legislature?disqus_reply=6899376#comment-6899376

Jack Ebling Interviews Eartha Jane Melzer About Recent Juvenile Life Without Parole Article in the Michigan Messenger

2009-02-25T21:05:00.002-05:00

Jack Ebling, AM 1320 WILS Lansing radio show host, interviewed Michigan Messenger fellow and journalist, Eartha Jane Melzer, on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.

Jack and Eartha discuss her recent article titled "Juveniles Sentenced to Life Without Parole Cost the State Millions," which appeared February 24, 2009 on the Michigan Messenger web site.

The article discusses the introduction of recent legislation in the Michigan Senate which seeks to abolish juvenile life without parole sentences, views espoused by proponents of the bills, and other related information. Efrén's case was referenced during their dialogue as well.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Jack's interview with Eartha.

Click here to view Eartha's article on the Michigan Messenger.

Click here to view a recent post on our blog about the Michigan Senate bills seeking to abolish JLWOP sentences. The post contains links to view the bills as well.

A special thanks to our friend Jack Ebling for his continued support and advocacy of Efrén's release.

Biographical Information

Jack Ebling, host of "Ebling and You" and co-host of "Jack and Tom" on WILS, is a broadcaster and writer who has covered high school, college, and pro sports for nearly 30 years. He has been named Michigan Sportswriter of the Year three times and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jack spent more than 24 years at the Lansing State Journal as a beat writer and columnist before moving to talk radio, television, and freelance writing. He has also been a contributor to Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Basketball Times, and Street & Smith’s College Football and College Basketball.

While Jack's background has been largely sports, on Ebling and You, Jack tackles an array of topics and talks with daily with political, business, entertainment and sports newsmakers in Lansing, in Michigan and around the nation.

Eartha Jane Melzer is a 1997 graduate of Antioch College with a degree in cross-cultural communications. Her documentary work has appeared in outlets as diverse as Fox News and the Inter-American Court on Human Rights.

She has worked as a freelance reporter and staff writer for the Washington Blade. Eartha received an Honorable Mention from the National Press Club for the Hume Award this year, in relation to her investigative reporting on private security company Sovereign Deed.

Jack Ebling Interviews Wendy Kenin, Commissioner, Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission, About Berkeley City Council Condemning Efrén's Sentence as Human Rights Violation

2009-02-16T22:27:00.001-05:00

Jack Ebling, WILS 1320 AM Lansing radio show host, interviewed Wendy Kenin, Commissioner, Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission, on Friday, February 13, 2009. They discussed the news that the Berkeley City Council (California) adopted a resolution condemning Efrén's sentence as a human rights violation on February 10, 2009.

The Berkeley City Council joined in solidarity with 192 nations of the world who have condemned the imposition of life without parole sentences on juveniles as a violation of several international treaties which the U.S. is a member party to.

Wendy discusses how the city council arrived at their decision, how she learned about Efrén's social justice work and wrongful conviction, and how she got involved in wanting to assist Efrén's campaign for justice.

A special thanks to Wendy, to Jesse Arreguin (the Councilmember who introduced the resolution), and to the Berkeley City Council for their valiant decision to uphold the principles of justice and human rights.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to the interview.

New Michigan Senate Bills 173-176 Introduced Seeking to Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole (LWOP) Sentences

2009-02-04T20:43:00.004-05:00

We just learned that Senate Bills 173-176 were introduced January 29, 2009 in the Michigan Senate, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 3, 2009, in an effort to abolish juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences in Michigan. Below are links for you to download and/or view the package of bills.

You will recall that 2008 House Bills 4402-4405 were passed overwhelmingly in the Michigan House on December 4, 2008. The bills were not, however, voted on in the Senate and 2009 versions of the bills had to be reintroduced.

You are encouraged to circulate this link to people of conscience in your network who are opposed to human rights violations being perpetrated against the nation's children — our most vulnerable population.

You are also asked to visit the two blog post links that appear at the end of this message which call on you to contact our state legislators and ask them to pass this legislation. Now that we know the bill numbers people can include this information in their letters to legislators.

Please remember, if passed, the bills will not release a single prisoner. They will only provide them with the opportunity to be reviewed by the Parole Board for possible release. The bills do not abandon the concept of redemption. In fact, they seek to re-infuse it into the existing system.

These bills are very important to Efrén's life and future, and to 330+ others who were sentenced to LWOP when they were juveniles as well.

Click here to download all four bills in PDF format.

Click here to view Senate Bill 173.

Click here to view Senate Bill 174.

Click here to view Senate Bill 175.

Click here to view Senate Bill 176.

Click here to view Helen's message calling on people to contact their legislators to encourage them to abolish juvenile LWOP sentences in Michigan and how to do so.

Click here to view Efrén's message calling on people to contact their legislators to encourage them to abolish juvenile LWOP sentences in Michigan.

Follow Campaign to Free Efrén on Twitter

2009-02-02T23:09:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

Members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee and Efrén's family are now advancing our efforts using Twitter.

Twitter is a micro blogging platform used by millions of people around the world that allows them to publish short messages of less than 140 characters through different mediums. We have integrated Twitter into Efrén's web site, blogs, Facebook page, and MySpace page.

Anyone visiting these platforms will be able to learn all the latest information about our campaign to free Efrén or about his life by reading the messages posted via Twitter. Through this medium we will be able to reach thousands of people weekly who visit any of the platforms that are dedicated to educating people about Efrén's case.

We speak to Efrén daily on the telephone each evening — more frequently on the weekends — and will be able to share information with people about things Efrén is working on each day, his feelings, mood, plans, and the issue of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences. We will also be sharing links to new web site changes, blog posts, and other important information relevant to our campaign to free Efrén and abolish JLWOP sentences.

Businesses, corporations, organizations, churches, students, community organizers, activists, politicians, journalists, major TV news network anchors, and others are utilizing this powerful networking tool.

According to Efrén, "Taking our message to the masses and educating them about social injustice and my wrongful incarceration is essential to our continued progress. Harnessing the enormous power of social networking sites keeps us reaching out to people all over the world who are being affected by this injustice. Through the use of Twitter the world can watch our story continue to unfold before their eyes."

People who have Twitter accounts are asked to also add our Twitter page to the list of pages they follow. Our Twitter URL is http://twitter.com/free_efren.

In Solidarity,

The Injustice Must End (TIME)
Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr.

Support Efrén and Our Efforts to Abolish JLWOP Sentences in Michigan

2009-01-27T21:22:00.003-05:00

The following message was posted before we were made aware that the new bills seeking to abolish juvenile life without parole sentences in Michigan were re-introduced in the Michigan Senate. Click here to read our post about the introduction of the new bills.

Dear Friends,

We just learned that a legislator in Iowa has introduced new legislation to abolish juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) in that state. That makes six states that are currently working on this, which includes Michigan.

At a recent JLWOP workshop at the University of Michigan, State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith recommended that we contact other State Representatives who voted to oppose passage of legislation to abolish JLWOP sentences.

Representative Smith stated that we should work to get the other State Representatives who opposed the legislation and encourage them to change their votes. She also suggested that we attempt to learn why they opposed it, so we can do a better job of addressing their concerns when the bills are re-introduced.

Click here to view a condensed Michigan House Journal that shows how State Representatives voted for House Bills 4402-4405 which were aimed at abolishing JLWOP sentences. (This condensed document only includes the pages pertaining to House Bills 4402-4405, as the entire document was over 90 pages. Also, the nay voters that were not re-elected are crossed out in blue.)

While the bills passed the Michigan House they did not get voted on in the Michigan Senate. Representative Smith informed us that the bills are being reintroduced in the coming months so that there will be time for the State Senate to hold hearings and get the legislation passed this year.

In preparation for introduction of these very important bills we are asking you to please contact state legislators in the Michigan House and Senate and encourage them to support an end to the imposition of JLWOP sentences when the bills are introduced.

Please contact state legislators in your own districts from both the Michigan House and the Senate. Representative Smith suggested contacting each one who voted no, regardless of the district. She said they represent all of the people of Michigan, not just those in their districts.

At the end of this message there are links that will help you identify your state legislators and contact info for those that voted no. We ask that if you contact legislator(s) that you please let me know the names of those contacted, even a 'Copy To' or 'Forward' of your email is fine. (Click here to send me an email.) It would be very much appreciated. (Also, if anyone needs assistance constructing a letter to send to them, please feel free to ask.)

Thank you all so much for your continued support and for helping us advance our campaign to free Efrén. It is our prayer that he will soon receive the long overdue justice he deserves. Efrén is in good spirits and he continues to work each day writing people, educating others, and being productive.

As Efrén recently said, "I will never stop fueling the flame of hope with an unyielding desire for victory!"

Warm Regards and Continuing in the Struggle,

Helen

Locate State Senator: http://tinyurl.com/yu5wkv
Locate State Representative: http://tinyurl.com/22bgf9
University of Michigan JLWOP Event Blog Post: http://tinyurl.com/btnvmg

Link to message from Efrén supporting this effort: http://tinyurl.com/al9fmn

This post was updated 2/9/09 at 10:25 PM.

Efrén Family Members to Speak About His Case and Juvenile Life Without Parole (JLWOP) Sentences at University of Michigan's 23rd Annual MLK Symposium

2009-01-10T09:36:00.005-05:00

Two family members of Efrén will be discussing his case and the subject of life without parole sentences for juveniles at the The University of Michigan's 23rd Annual MLK Symposium on Monday, January 19, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The panel discussion, "Only in America: Children Without Parole," will also include State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith and others.

This event takes place one day before the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as our next President. You are encouraged to invite friends and family to attend this very important symposium. Several of Efrén's supporters will be present as well. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Location

University of Michigan Union Pendleton Room
530 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
View map: http://tinyurl.com/6uuxsz

Jack Ebling Interviews Efrén on WILS 1320 AM About City of Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission Condemning His Sentence as Human Rights Violation

2009-01-07T23:33:00.002-05:00

Jack Ebling, WILS 1320 AM Lansing radio show host, interviewed Efrén this evening, Wednesday, January 7, 2008. They discussed the recent news that the City of Berkeley (California) Peace and Justice Commission passed a recommendation condemning Efrén's sentence as a human rights violation.

The Commission joined in solidarity with 192 nations of the world who have condemned the imposition of life without parole sentences on juveniles as a violation of several international treaties which the U.S. is a member party to.

The Commission will now submit a proposed resolution to the Berkeley City Council to consider adopting later this month. Similar proposed resolutions will be introduced in other municipalities across the nation as well.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to the interview.

Efrén Paredes, Jr. and Abolish Juvenile Life Without Parole (JLWOP) Links

2008-12-28T23:28:00.003-05:00

The following is a list of links to information about the campaign to free Efrén Paredes, Jr. and abolish juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences in the USA. You can share this list with others by directing them to the following link: http://tinyurl.com/EPJ360.

Efrén Paredes, Jr. Links
Web Site: www.4Efren.com
Efrén Blog: http://4Efren.blogspot.com
Facebook Page: http://tinyurl.com/8bpm7v
MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/4Efren
Petition: www.petitionspot.com/petitions/4Efren
Campaign Blog: http://Free-Efren.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/free_efren
Document Sharing Page: http://tinyurl.com/7nq4tf
Download Free Efrén Poster: http://tinyurl.com/77vbyf

Efrén Paredes, Jr. Group Links
Fairness for Efrén MySpace Group: http://groups.myspace.com/4Efren
Fairness for Efrén Facebook Group: http://tinyurl.com/8ms2qz

Contact the Governor to Support Efrén's Release
Contact Governor: http://tinyurl.com/55hu83

Juvenile Life Without Parole Links
Abolish JLWOP Blog: http://Abolish-JLWOP.blogspot.com
Abolish JLWOP Petition: www.petitionspot.com/petitions/jlwop

Juvenile Life Without Parole Group Links
Abolish JLWOP Google Group: http://tinyurl.com/7lyduw
Abolish JLWOP MySpace Group: http://groups.myspace.com/JLWOP
Abolish JLWOP Facebook Group: http://tinyurl.com/9qcgpg

Melissa Osborn Discusses Efrén's Public Hearing on Ebling and You (WILS 1320 AM)

2008-12-22T21:10:00.003-05:00

Jack Ebling, WILS 1320 AM Lansing radio show host, interviewed Melissa Osborn, Co-Chair of the Peace Education Center, this evening, Monday, December 22, 2008.

Jack and Melissa discuss Efrén's December 4, 2008 public hearing during a large segment of the interview. Melissa offers her perspective about how the hearing went as someone who was present the entire time, highlights noteworthy points during the hearing, and shares conversation she and other members of the Lansing TIME Committee had with Efrén subsequent to the hearing.

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to the interview.

Michigan Governor Asked to Free Man Convicted of Murder at 15

2008-12-18T17:58:00.002-05:00

by David Eggert, Associated Press Writer
Blackman Township, Mich. December 18, 2008 (AP)

Efren Paredes Jr. wasn't old enough to drive when he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering his boss.

Now 35, he has an outside chance at freedom after proclaiming his innocence for almost two decades.

The possibility is a nightmare for the victim's family, who thought his killer would die behind bars. But it means hope for Paredes and supporters who say he was wrongfully convicted because of a rush to judgment, an unfair trial and slanted media coverage.

The decision rests with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who under the state constitution can commute criminal sentences. She likely will give weight to whatever recommendation comes from the Michigan Parole Board, which recently held an emotional, nine-hour public hearing on Paredes' clemency request.

"I will not take responsibility for a crime I did not commit," Paredes told parole board members. "I never will do that even if it meant I could leave today."

Grocery store manager Rick Tetzlaff, 28, was shot to death March 8, 1989, during a robbery at Roger's Foodland in St. Joseph, in southwestern Michigan. Paredes was a 15-year-old part-time bagger at the store who had no criminal record before his arrest.

The hearing before the parole board drew more than 140 people. Somber police and prosecutors who worked the case, along with Tetzlaff's tearful family and friends, traveled hours to testify against Paredes' release.

A large group of supporters came out for Paredes, including family, a Lansing radio host, Michigan State University Latino students, peace activists and a private investigator who has helped free innocent people from prison.

While commutation proceedings have become more common in the governor's second term, few; if any; have gained as much attention.

More than just about Paredes' guilt of innocence, the case has become a referendum of sorts on whether convicts should get mandatory life sentences without parole for crimes committed before age 18. Paredes is among more than 300 juvenile lifers in Michigan's 49,000-inmate system.

Advocates see Paredes as an inspirational figure who made the best of prison by earning a GED, becoming a teacher's aide, writing poetry and transcribing textbooks into Braille. Paredes wants to start a Braille transcription business if he is freed.

"Please don't sacrifice this man's future to cover up the mistakes of the justice system," said Joyce Gouwens, who has served on a county juvenile justice task force.

Opponents see Paredes as a cold-blooded monster with a comfortable upbringing who would be a threat to society.

"I'm angry I have to be here," said Tina Tetzlaff, Rick's wife, who was pregnant with their second child when her husband was killed.

She acknowledged Paredes is making strides in prison but told the parole board her two sons grew up without their dad, afraid of the world and in need of psychological treatment. She said Paredes should serve his full sentence.

Prosecutors argued that mandatory life without parole for first-degree murder is Michigan's promise to victims' families, a trade-off for not having the death penalty.

Chairwoman Barbara Sampson said the parole board has no authority to exonerate Paredes. Instead, it will address questions typical in parole and clemency cases: Does the punishment fit the crime? Does a prisoner pose a risk to society? Has he or she made progress in prison?

Board members usually want to see remorse. But Paredes has repeatedly said he's innocent, leading an assistant attorney general and board members to spend much of the hearing probing evidence.

They heard competing versions of Tetzlaff's death.

Prosecutors said Paredes planned and executed a "thrill kill." He was the last worker to punch out before the after-hours shooting. A teen who served time for his role in the crime told jurors he picked up Paredes from the store after Paredes shot his boss and took $11,000 in cash and checks.

But Paredes' mother said he was home at the time of the murder, insisting she saw Tetzlaff drop off her son before returning to the store. Supporters said those responsible for the crime lied, cut deals and blamed Paredes to save themselves.

Paul Ciolino, a Chicago-based private investigator who was hired by Paredes' family and has helped free five men from Illinois' death row, called his case a "classic" wrongful conviction.

The trial ended 3 1/2 months after Paredes' arrest. Paredes said he had an inept lawyer who didn't investigate on his behalf or counter negative pretrial publicity coming from law enforcement.

The jury foreman was a co-worker of the victim's wife's aunt. Paredes alleged the foreman persuaded other jurors who initially voted 9-3 for acquittal. State and federal courts have upheld the conviction.

Paredes' backers want age to be a factor in the governor's decision. He was 16 when he was convicted.

"I could have turned out to be the person others have tried to make me out to be," Paredes said. "I'm asking for a second chance to reclaim my life."

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/US/WireStory?id=6486167&page=1

Juveniles Incarcerated for Natural Life Within Adult Prisons: Public Opinion in Michigan

2008-12-15T22:31:00.002-05:00

Michigan is one of 19 states that allow children of any age to be tried and punished as adults. Trying youth as adults opened the door to imposing sentences of life without the possibility of parole, particularly in Michigan and 26 other states that have mandatory sentencing.

More than 300 youths have been sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) in Michigan and are serving these sentences in adult facilities. Michigan ranks third in the number of youth sentenced to LWOP and is second only to Louisiana in the rate of juveniles age 14-18 serving sentences of LWOP.

To determine public opinion on the issue, questions related to the topic were included in an annual statewide survey of those 18 years or older. The survey, administered by a public university, was conducted during the spring and summer of 2005.

We found that only 5 percent of residents supported Michigan’s current law regarding juveniles serving life without parole in adult facilities. The majority believed “blended” sentences that included both juvenile and adult sanctions were more acceptable. Moreover, Michigan citizens were strongly opposed to juveniles 16 and younger being housed with adults in correctional facilities and believed that juveniles were strong candidates for rehabilitation.

Michigan residents are unequivocal in their belief that youths should be held accountable for their violent crimes, but that it should be in a manner that recognizes the physiologic, psychological and emotional capabilities of the youths, understanding that these capabilities differ from that of adults. These findings support alternative sentencing arrangements and changes to Michigan’s current policies and legislation.

The above abstract is from the study conducted by Wayne State University School of Social Work. Click here to view the entire study and press release.

Detroit Free Press staff writer, Jeff Gerritt, and Efrén Paredes, Jr. Appear on Ebling and You Radio Show Today (WILS 1320 AM)

2008-12-11T23:34:00.006-05:00

Jack Ebling interviewed Jeff Gerritt, Detroit Free Press staff writer, and Efrén Paredes, Jr. on WILS 1320 AM this evening, Thursday, December 11, 2008.

Gerritt wrote an excellent article about Efrén's public hearing and the issue of commutations in Michigan which appeared in today's Detroit Free Press. He discusses Efrén's public hearing and his article during the interview.

You can click here to view Gerrit's article in the Detroit Free Press.

In the second interview Jack and Efrén discuss his public hearing which drew nearly 200 people — the vast majority which were Efrén's supporters. Efrén talks about the victim's family in his case, his readiness to return to society, wrongful convictions, and about other important issues as well.

A special thanks to Jack Ebling for arranging the interviews and having the courage to bring these very important matters into the public eye. Click the play button on the left side of the flash players below to listen to the interviews.

Jeff Gerritt Interview

Efrén Paredes, Jr. Interview

WSJM AM 1400 & FM 94.9 Features Story About Efrén

2008-11-18T22:17:00.003-05:00

Below is a message Efrén's mother, Velia, sent to WSJM AM 1400 & FM 94.9 after learning that they featured a story about Efrén the previous day without contacting Efrén's family or supporters for a comment:

Dear WSJM,

The family of Efrén Paredes, Jr. would like to submit the following comment to your station for broadcasting regarding the article which appeared yesterday on your web site authored by Andrew Green.

In the interest of fairness and justice we are respectfully requesting that you contact the family of Efrén Paredes, Jr. via e-mail at info@4Efren.com for comment before publishing any further stories concerning Efrén or our family to ensure that you are providing balanced reporting to your audience.

Since we were not contacted we would like you to either broadcast our family's comment, or include it as an addendum to the story you posted on your web site. Our comment is:

"The family of Efrén Paredes, Jr., friends, supporters, and members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee firmly stand behind Efrén's innocence and support his release. Despite distortions circulated about Efrén's case, and the exaggerated and false claims made by the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office, Efrén is innocent of the crime he was convicted of.

The dissemination of false and misleading information about Efrén's case by the Prosecutor's Office fueled a barrage of damaging media coverage that infected Efrén's court proceedings and prevented him from receiving a fair trial.

The Prosecutor's Office also deceived the public by making baseless and unsubstantiated claims they never produced in court in an effort to undermine the integrity of the legal process. Their aim was to convict Efrén in the media before the trial began. At no time did the media ever contact Efrén or our family for any comments to the dozens of stories published.

Michael Sepic, Asst. Prosecuting Attorney during Efrén's trial also knowingly and deliberately seated a juror on Efrén's jury that worked with a member of the Tetzlaff family even after being notified of the nexus by a member of the Tetzlaff family. This information was revealed after Efrén's conviction at a post-conviction hearing.

This, among many other improprieties and unethical conduct by the Prosecutor's Office, incentivized testimony negotiated with criminals by the Prosecutor's Office, false testimony against Efrén, and the mishandling, destruction, and withholding of evidence, resulted in Efrén's wrongful conviction.

To learn about the facts surrounding Efrén's wrongful conviction you are invited to visit www.4Efren.com."

Sincerely,

Velia Koppenhoefer
Mother of Efrén Paredes, Jr.

Other members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee also contacted the radio station in support of Velia's statement. The author of the segment, Andrew Green, responded to each person and expressed a commitment to do a follow-up story which included our side. We are pleased to announce that Green remained true to his word and published the following story today:

"Paredes Supporters Ready for Parole Hearing" by Andrew Green

Supporters of Efren Paredes are speaking out before his state Parole Board hearing next month. On December fourth, the board will hear arguments on a request for a commutation of the life sentence he's serving in the 1989 murder of a Saint Joseph Township store manager. The Berrien County Prosecutor, along with family members of victim Rick Tezlaff, will be at the hearing to argue against a request for clemency ... but Paredes advocate Scott Elliot says that many supporters will also be there.

The Paredes family issued a statement this week, maintaining that Efren is innocent. In it, they accuse the prosecutor's office of a variety of improprieties in the case, "making baseless and unsubstantiated claims...never produced in court," and following unethical conduct by including the use of "testimony negotiated with criminals," as well as withholding evidence.

They also say efforts were made at the time to mislead the public in an effort to "convict Efren in the media before the trial began." The Prosecutor's office stands behind its case, asserting that an abundance of evidence proves Paredes' guilt. The Parole Board will make a recommendation to the governor on the clemency request following next month's hearing.

Source: http://wsjm.com/pages/3343745.php?contentType=4&contentId=3080560

Awaking the Xicano/Latino Leader Within — A Conversation with Efrén Paredes, Jr.

2008-11-14T07:57:00.003-05:00

Chicanos y Latinos Unidos (CLU) is convening a workshop at Michigan State University on Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, to discuss the importance and need to awaken the Xicano/Latino leader within. Efrén Paredes, Jr. will be calling in to lead the discussion and invite attendees to be actively involved in this critical discussion.

The subjects covered will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Control of thought and behavior;
• Taking ownership for our actions;
• Overcoming insecurities and fears:
• Changing our perceptions;
• Creating mutual respect between the sexes;
• Empowering ourselves;
• Value of expression and communication;
• Developing positive self-image;
• Perils of reactionary behavior;
• Anatomy of conflict resolution;
• Forging alliances and collaborative efforts;
• Emphasizing culture, history and identity; and
• Need to pursue higher education.

Efrén will share two decades of intimate personal experience and research about these subjects. He has mentored hundreds of people and worked closely with them to equip them with the knowledge and necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing society.

An honest, articulate and motivational speaker, Efrén will teach people how to gain control over their lives and discuss the perils of refusing to do so. He will also provide a critical in-depth cost-benefit analysis of the group's dialogue every step of the way.

The work Efrén has done to combat social injustice and empower Xicano/Latino youth has been endorsed by Dr. Elizabeth "Betita" Martinez, Dr. Carlos Muñoz, Jr., and other highly respected members of the Xicano/Latino community.

We endeavor to generate widespread interest in the workshop and use this blueprint for personal growth and development to reach students at the college level and later at the high school and middle school level.

Ultimately we not only want to correct distorted thinking patterns, we want to prevent them from being engendered to begin with.

To learn more information about the workshop you can contact the event lead organizer, Xavier Gonzalaz via e-mail at gonza365@msu.edu or via phone at 956-739-5264.

_________________________

* The term "Xicano/Latino" is in no any way intended to exclude Xicanas or Latinas. We want it to be clear that Xicanas and Latinas are included in our usage of the term.

Efrén Radio Interview Requests

2008-11-13T23:28:00.000-05:00

There have been a number of recent radio interview requests to speak with Efrén about his wrongful conviction. We would like to remind those making their requests that Efrén can only do radio interviews when someone on his approved phone list is actually present in the radio studio.

You can contact The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. via e-mail at info@4Efren.com to request to have a member of Efrén's family, a friend, or a member of the TIME Committee present to take his phone call. All calls must be listened to over their speaker phones or the radio journalist can speak to Efrén personally.

Since someone on Efrén's phone list must be present to take his phone call it limits how often and where Efrén can call in to do interviews. We do have TIME Committee members across the country who Efrén can call, however, so interviews are not restricted to Michigan.

We invite your requests.

Presentation About Efrén at ACLU of Michigan State University Event

2008-11-13T11:01:00.001-05:00

A member of the Lansing TIME Committee presented about Efrén's case yesterday evening, November 12, 2008, at a meeting on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) about the imposition of life without parole (LWOP) sentences on juveniles. The meeting was convened by the ACLU of MSU.

An expert panel consisting of Shelli Weisberg, Legislative Director for the ACLU of Michigan, and Francisco Villarruel, MSU Professor and Senior Research Associate with the Institute for Children, Youth, and Families, presented about various issues related to juveniles sentenced to LWOP and juvenile incarceration. Both members of the panel were already familiar with Efrén's case.

Members of the ACLU of MSU and other local activists were also in attendance. Our representative distributed information about Efrén's case and gathered letters and postcards supporting his release. One of the events lead organizers expressed an interest in wanting to assist us generate support for Efrén's public hearing. We will work closely with him and appreciate his generous offer.

Our presentation garnered additional support for Efrén's release, and the meeting was productive for the campaign to abolish the imposition of LWOP sentences on juveniles as well. It is always a positive thing when we receive the opportunity to educate the community about both of these very important issues.

A special thanks to the ACLU of MSU for inviting us to present about Efrén and helping us increase visibility about the injustice surrounding his wrongful conviction.

Efrén Appears on Thousand Kites National Radio Broadcast

2008-11-12T06:15:00.002-05:00

Efrén appeared on the Thousand Kites national radio broadcast yesterday, November 11, 2008, to discuss his wrongful conviction and the subject of juvenile life without parole sentencing in the USA.

Arrested at the age of 15, Efrén is one of more than 2,200 juveniles in the USA, and one of 300+ juveniles in the State of Michigan, who have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The USA is the only country in the world that is currently imposes juvenile life without parole sentences on children in violation of the Convention On the Rights of the Child.

Click on the following link to visit the page where you can hear Efrén's interview: http://tinyurl.com/5e9yuo.

Thousand Kites is a national dialogue project addressing the criminal justice system. By being involved with Kites you will become part of a national movement to use the power of art to reform our criminal justice system and to talk about human rights in the United States. Using video, theater, radio, and the web as tools, you can bring people together to support organizing efforts and share experiences with the criminal justice system.

To learn more about Thousand Kites and how you can support its mission, please visit http://www.thousandkites.org. A special thanks to Julia Taylor for arranging the interview and to Helen for being present in the studio so she could let Efrén's voice be heard over her speaker phone.

Efrén Friend and Supporter, Arthur Fidel Argomaniz, Appears on McNair Scholars Program Flyer Wearing Free Efrén T-shirt

2008-11-06T09:02:00.004-05:00

The above photograph appears on the Fall 2008 Information Session McNair Scholars Program flyer. One of Efrén's friends and loyal supporters, Arthur Fidel Argomaniz, is shown in the photo wearing the Free Efrén T-shirt.

Arthur is a McNair Scholar, senior attending the University of Southern California (USC) majoring in sociology. He is also president of MEChA de USC, a member of CCU (Campus and
Community United) and a SAJE (Strategic Action for a Just Economy)
intern.

Click here to view the entire flyer in color on our document sharing site.

Efrén Announces His Public Hearing Date on Ebling and You Radio Show Today (WILS 1320 AM)

2008-10-31T22:09:00.001-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview done with Efrén by Jack Ebling on WILS 1320 AM this evening, Friday, October 31, 2008. They discuss the news of Efrén's public hearing which has been scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2008. They also discuss Efrén's thoughts about the event, his feelings about the support he has received, his invitation to his supporters to attend the hearing, among other things. Listen to Efrén in his own words!

Presentation About Efrén at CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) Meeting

2008-10-12T09:45:00.000-04:00

Sunday, October 12, 2008 a member of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. spoke about Efrén's case at a CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) meeting on the campus of Michigan State University. Members of MRULE (Multi Racial Unity Living Experience) were present as well.

The PowerPoint presentation about Efrén's case was shown and questions were fielded from people in the audience. Attendees signed 42 letters supporting Efrén's release addressed to the Parole Board, 47 postcards of support for the Governor, and several students signed a list committing to appear at Efrén's public hearing when it is scheduled.

CAMP and MRULE have chosen to use Efrén's case as a social justice cause to present about throughout campus. The students were enthused about Efrén's campaign and getting involved, and were eager to get started. It was a very productive meeting.

You can learn more about MRULE and CAMP by visiting their web sites at:

MRULE: http://mrule.msu.edu/about-us
CAMP: http://msucamp.msu.edu/people.php

Efrén's Mother, Velia, Radio Interview With Jack Ebling

2008-10-09T23:28:00.001-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview with Efrén's mother, Velia, by Jack Ebling on WILS 1320 AM this evening, Thursday, October 9, 2008. They discuss Efrén's participation in the first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk held inside a Michigan prison (see previous post for more information).

Efrén Participates in First Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk in Michigan Prison

2008-10-08T19:11:00.000-04:00

Saturday, October 4, 2008 Efrén participated in the first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (hereafter "Making Strides) 5K walk held inside a Michigan prison. He also made a monetary donation to the cause. Making Strides representatives visited the prison and participated in the walk alongside Efrén and other prisoners who participated.

According to their web site, Making Strides is "more than just the name of an event." It goes to say:

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer refers to the vital progress the American Cancer Society has made through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. It is the premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer.

Source: http://tinyurl.com/4otdal

Efrén was instrumental in helping raise over $674 for the event from the prisoner population. He reminded prisoners to make donations and also announced the event at the September 2008 monthly Latin American Spanish-Speaking Organization (LASSO) meeting he chairs.

According to the Jackson Citizen Patriot, the prisoners, "raised $674, which will be matched by the Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund." Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund is the corporation Efrén and other prisoners who participated in the walk is employed with.

At the conclusion of the walk Efrén and other participants were awarded certificates for their contributions to this very worthy cause. Efrén also encouraged other prisoners to participate in any future events sponsored by Making Strides.

After speaking with the Making Strides representatives that visited the prison about ways they could help increase prisoner participation and awareness about future events, Efrén is confident that will occur.

One thing Efrén never lacks is progressive ideas.

Free Efrén Press Conference Held at Gone Wired Café in Lansing, Michigan

2008-10-04T08:18:00.003-04:00

Friday, October 3, 2008, a press conference was held at Gone Wired Café to discuss Efrén's pending commutation request and the work we are doing to generate support for his release.

Present were Velia and Hans Koppenhoefer, Sr., parents of Efrén Paredes, Jr.; Adriana Abundis, Sara Vitale, Xavier Gonzalez, Jaime Gasca, Todd Mireles, and Crystal Cuevas of Chicanos y Latinos Unidos (CLU); Sierra Lopez of MEXA de MSU; John Masterson of Peace Education Center (PEC); Jack Edukere of Culturas de Las Razas Unidas (CRU); and members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee.

Jaime Gasca read the press release and was followed by Efrén's mother, Velia, who read a statement supporting Efrén's release on behalf of their family. Velia's statement read as follows:

The family of Efrén Paredes, Jr. strongly supports the commutation request that was submitted by The Injustice Must End Committee on behalf of Efrén to the Michigan Parole Board. We know Efren is innocent of the crime he was convicted of because he was home with our family when the crime occurred.

Efrén has been wrongly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit since age 15. He is now 35-years-old. We are confident that upon his release Efrén will be a productive member of society and society as a whole will benefit from his release. As long as Efrén remains incarcerated we all remain imprisoned to injustice.

It was great to be in the company of this dedicated and courageous group of community organizers who are serious about combating social injustice. They lifted our spirits and it felt good to know that we are in such good company. I know that together we will bring Efrén home so he can join them and contribute to the work they are doing in a major way.

Free Efrén Event Held on Michigan State University (MSU) Campus

2008-10-02T23:48:00.003-04:00

Chicanos y Latinos Unidos (CLU), Great Issues, and The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. held an event tonight from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Kedzie Hall on the Michigan State University (MSU) campus.

Sixty people were in attendance, including members of Efrén's family. There was an informative presentation made by one of the TIME Committee members and great food was available as well.

People were able to sign letters and postcards of support for Efrén, purchase Free Efrén T-shirts and leather products (e.g., purses, wallets, belts, etc.) that Efrén made in prison, and they were able to get Free Efrén posters to distribute on campus and around town.

Efrén called in to the event several times to speak with people on the telephone, and he also called in to speak to all the attendees during the presentation as well. He fielded questions and spoke to the group about the status of our campaign to free him, his pending commutation request, life in prison, the work he does helping others, and his aspirations upon release.

It was a wonderful event. Efrén and his family are grateful to all those who attended and to the organizers who made the event a success.

Attendees waiting for presentation to begin.

PowerPoint presentation being showed about Efrén.

Adriana Abundis holding microphone to speaker phone

as Efrén calls in from prison to speak to everyone at event.

Some of the attendees at the event this evening.

New Free Efrén Posters Displayed in Detroit, Michigan

2008-10-01T11:39:00.001-04:00

The following photographs were taken by TIME Committee member, Saul Garza, in Detroit, MI on October 1, 2008. He and other members of the Detroit TIME Committee have been displaying the Free Efrén posters around the city of Detroit. We appreciate all the work being done by our friends in Detroit.

Vernor Highway next to Las Brisas Restaurant

Dix and Springwells

Patton Park on Dix and Woodmere

Vernor Highway and Waterman

Paul Ciolino, Wrongful Convictions Expert, Writes About Efrén's Innocence

2008-09-27T09:34:00.001-04:00

The following letter from Paul Ciolino, world renowned wrongful convictions expert and private investigator, appeared in The Herald-Palladium on Saturday, September 27, 2008.

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the response of the Berrien County Prosecutor to the proposed commutation hearing for Efren Paredes, Jr., who I have worked for as a private investigator.

I would start by saying that the halls of justice are littered with the bodies of the wrongfully convicted, the wrongfully accused and of course the thousands of family members that stood by and got swept away in the national disgrace of prosecutorial and police misconduct.

There are over 1,000 cases of this type that have occurred in the United States in the last twenty years. Is Berrien County immune from this phenomenon? I hardly think so.

The conviction of Paredes is classic. Take a hot button issue like the cold blooded murder of a well liked and respected local white businessman and mix with racial undertones, motivated informants, sloppy investigation and super aggressive prosecutors and police investigators and you get a wrongfully convicted person.

The classic fall back position is that we play the victim card. Trot out the widow, friends and neighbors of the victim and play to the sympathy and outrage of the community. The prosecutors want you to look at the widow and not the evidence.

The evidence would suggest that Paredes is innocent. The victim and the victims' family members are often sold this bill of goods and of course they adopt the prosecutor's position. Lost in all this is the ruined life of Efren and his family. Where is the outrage of the treatment of this family?

In the very near future there will be a public hearing that will allow people to speak on behalf Efren Paredes, Jr. The state has had its way for almost two decades in this matter. The fairy tale that has been promoted to the victim's family and the courts is going to be exposed.

All that Efren has ever asked for is an even playing field. That day is rapidly approaching.

Paul J. Ciolino
Paul J. Ciolino & Associates
Chicago, IL
Web Site: http://pjcinvestigations.com
Email: pciolino@pjcinvestigations.com
Telephone: 847.736.8397

You can read about Ciolino's biography at http://pjcinvestigations.com/paul-j-ciolino.htm.

Efrén Working at Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund (MBTF)

2008-09-26T08:49:00.001-04:00

Below are a couple recent photos I wanted to share with you of Efrén working at Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund (MBTF). The photos were extracted from the MBTF blog. You can view more photos of MBTF on their blog at http://mbtf.blogspot.com. You can also visit the MBTF web site at www.mi-braille.org to read a summary of the work that is done at the corporation.

Efrén working at his desk.

Efrén at a staff meeting.

Efrén Appears on Ebling and You Radio Show Today (WILS 1320 AM)

2008-09-19T23:02:00.001-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview done with Efrén by Jack Ebling on WILS 1320 AM this evening, Friday, September 19, 2008. They discuss the news that Efrén will be receiving a public hearing. They also discuss Efrén's thoughts about other issues regarding his wrongful conviction. Listen to Efrén in his own words!

Write to the Parole Board to Support Release of Efrén Paredes, Jr

2008-09-19T08:41:00.004-04:00

Efrén has been scheduled to receive a public hearing on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 11:00 AM. The hearing will take place in Jackson, MI at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in the T-100 Building.

Below is text you can copy and paste into a letter to the Michigan Parole Board to express your support for Efrén's release. Please circulate this link far and wide. Click here to download the letter in Word format for you and others to mail to the Parole Board.

Date of Letter

Michigan Department of Corrections
Office of Parole Board
P.O. Box 30003
Lansing, MI 48909

RE: Commutation Request of Efrén Paredes, Jr. #203116

Dear Chairperson Sampson:

I am writing to express my full support for the release of Efrén Paredes, Jr. #203116. Efrén has been imprisoned since age 15 and is now 35-years-old. I also ask that you please recommend to the Governor of the State of Michigan that Efrén's sentence be commuted.

Efrén has a stable home to be released to, employment opportunities awaiting him, and strong support from family and friends. I strongly believe that Efrén will be a very productive member of society upon his release.

Sincerely,

Author of Letter

Efrén to be Interviewed Next Tuesday by Documentary Producer as Subject of JLWOP Documentary

2008-09-11T08:04:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Efrén will be interviewed by a film producer from London, United Kingdom who is producing a documentary about the need to abolish juvenile life without parole sentences in the USA. The person interviewing Efrén is an award winning television producer working mainly with the BBC. This followed a career in radio and photo-journalism.

Efrén was selected as one of the over 2,200 prisoners in the USA who are serving life without parole sentences for crimes they were convicted of committing when they were juveniles. He is one of only a few prisoners in the country, and the only prisoner in Michigan, being interviewed for the documentary.

The producer will also be interviewing Efrén's private investigator, Paul Ciolino, family members, one of Efrén's high school teachers, members of the The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee, and others who support Efrén's innocence and release.

This will be the second international interview Efrén has participated in within the past 30 days. His last interview was with a Latino radio station in Toronto, Canada. Efrén's interview will occur three months since the date Efrén was interviewed by a Parole Board member to discuss his commutation request.

Efrén Addresses USC Student Body in El Centro Chicano Newsletter

2008-09-10T06:49:00.001-04:00

"This message is being delivered from another institution of notoriety in this nation. Unlike your institution that nourishes life and creativity, the one I am in seeks to destroy them. We exist at opposite ends of the spectrum of life and opportunity." —Efrén Paredes, Jr.

A message addressed to the student body at the University of Southern California (USC) by Efrén Paredes, Jr. appeared in the September 2, 2008 edition of the USC El Centro Chicano E-Newsletter.

The message written by Efrén appears on page 31 of the document. Click here to view the newsletter.

Listen to Efrén's First International Radio Interview

2008-09-03T05:16:00.000-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to listen to Efrén's first international radio interview. The interview was originally aired Saturday, August 23, 2008 on the show Barrio Nuevo of Radio Voces Latinas 1610 AM in Toronto, Canada. Due to technical difficulties some people in the USA were unable to connect with the audio stream on the evening the program aired.

In the interview Efrén discusses his wrongful conviction, projects he supports, and shares his thoughts about current social issues. Please take time out to listen to Efrén as his voice transcends prison walls to reach the hearts and minds of our Latino brothers/sisters in Canada.

Efrén Participates in First International Radio Interview with Canadian Latino Radio Station

2008-08-19T12:10:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Efrén participated in his first international radio interview which will be broadcasted this Saturday at 10:00 PM EST in English on the show Barrio Nuevo of Radio Voces Latinas 1610 AM in Toronto, Canada. The interview was conducted by radio host Pablo Vivanco.

Radio Voces Latinas is the first community radio station in Canada devoted to the Spanish speaking community and is part of San Lorenzo Latin American Community Centre. According to the San Lorenzo Latin American Community Centre web site the Centre:

"[I]s totally self-sustaining, [and] was established to provide a space for the Latin American immigrant and for the preservation of the Latin American culture in Canada. With close to 300 active and 500 occasional members, which include children, youth, adults and seniors, we strive to preserve, promote and share the rich Latin American culture and traditions." (http://www.sanlorenzo.ca/english/Community_Centre/Our_Beginning.html)

The interview lasted a half-hour and covered a broad range of issues. In addition to discussing Efren's wrongful conviction they discussed struggle, international issues, causes that Efrén supports, the support he has received globally, etc.

A transcript of the interview will be made available for circulation and also featured in a Toronto-based Latino newspaper. Pablo invited Efrén to return to the show to provide updates about his case and to be interviewed on another Toronto-based Latino radio station as well to discuss other issues related to the Latino community.

Efrén was pleased with the interview. Last night he said:

"It has been the grassroots community that has been the driving force behind giving visibility to our campaign and helping us realize its successes and victories. The grassroots community has helped us educate people about my struggle by speaking to fellow citizens in homes, churches, libraries, colleges, and community centers, displaying flyers, handouts and information about my case, wearing the Free Efrén T-shirt, gathering postcards, letters, and petition signatures of support, etc. For me, it was a proud moment to have a Latino grassroots community radio station also help put our campaign on the world stage."

To listen to Efrén's interview on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST please click on the following link: http://easylink.playstream.com/winlive/voces_latinas2.wvx.

Peace Education Center (PEC) Features Efrén's Case in Summer 2008 Newsletter

2008-08-12T10:55:00.003-04:00

Click here to download the Peace Education Center (PEC) Summer 2008 edition of the Peace Notes newsletter which features information about Efrén's case on pages 2, 4, and 5. The print version of Peace Notes is being mailed to 600 people.

Included in each mailer is a Free Efrén postcard that recipients can sign and mail to the Governor asking her to grant Efrén's commutation request. We are grateful to the PEC, its Board of Directors, and members for supporting our efforts to obtain justice for Efrén and restore his much deserved freedom.

You are encouraged to also visit the PEC web site to learn more about their organization and the courageous work they are doing to help combat social injustice and help create a better world. Their web site is www.peaceedcenter.org. Efrén strongly supports their efforts.

Detroit TIME Committee Members Attend Two Events Last Week to Generate Support for Efrén

2008-08-03T12:21:00.002-04:00

We received an e-mail from a member of the Detroit TIME Committee on Saturday, August 2, 2008, and are sharing its content with the rest of our friends as well upon Efrén's request. The following is the text from that message:

We just returned from an excellent presentation by the ACLU of Macomb County. It was by ACLU attorney Mark Fancher on the incredible degree to which school children (starting in first grade) are being criminalized in many ways.

The point of this message though is to encourage everyone to use the [Free Efrén] T-shirts as a way of getting the message out. Several of us were at the Wednesday presentation by Bill Wylie Kellermann's daughter Lydia and other amazing youth from Detroit summer.

The shirts really help to open the opportunity to tell people about Efrén and to get them to the commutation [campaign] blog. It might be good to use some of the postcards or just print out the web link on strips of paper. This afternoon also, we found that we got a lot of people interested. Carmen was able to give out around 10 postcards and the web link along with some other basic information based on the 10 talking points from the Efrén web page.

People are much more likely to follow up if there is a brief personal exchange and then they are left free to act on their own. On Friday Ruby was wearing her T-shirt at a rally to call for no war on Iran and this too was very effective. It seems that the shirts are most useful in a setting likely to have people open to hearing about injustice and how to resist it. For a lot of us though this is probably a large number of places we go.

To be most effective you've got to have some info along with you to distribute. It seems that a brief face-to-face background explanation and a request that people check out the information for themselves — and expressing belief that they too will want to sign the petition and otherwise get involved — is a good tactic. Of course, each of us will have a style and approach which works well for you.

P.S. The shirts are very comfortable in hot weather too!!

Peace,
Mike Kelly

Efrén Appears on Ebling and You Radio Show Today (WILS 1320 AM)

2008-07-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview done with Efrén by Jack Ebling on WILS 1320 AM this evening, Thursday, July 31, 2008. They discuss the wait that Efrén continues to endure as the Parole Board deliberates over whether or not to grant him a Public Hearing for possible clemency consideration from the Governor. Efrén was told at his parole interview on June 16, 2008 he could expect to receive a decision in 30-45 days. This is day 45 of that wait. Listen to Efrén in his own words!

Information About Efrén Displayed at 2nd Annual Westside Summer Fest in Lansing

2008-07-28T12:20:00.004-04:00

Saturday, July 26, 2008 the 2nd Annual Westside Summer Fest was held in Lansing from 2 PM to 9 PM. The event, organized by Westside Alliance, drew over 5,000 people. There was face painting, food, music, poetry readings, farmers and artisans markets, bicycle races, a basketball tournament, and other activities at this all day event.

"Westside Alliance is a program of NorthWest Initiative, which seeks to create healthy communities in Northwest Lansing. Through community engagement and mobilization, the NorthWest Initiative advances the development of healthy, vibrant communities by building capacity to identify needs and formulate strategies to create change." (NorthWest Initiative web site)

Visit www.nwlansing.org to learn how to support and learn more about Westside Alliance and NorthWest Initiative.

T-shirts, posters and other information related to the campaign to free Efrén Paredes, Jr. were on display throughout the day at A.R.R.O. (Advocacy, Re-Entry, Resources, Outreach) and Peace Education Center tables. Members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee were present as well and did a wonderful job sharing information about Efrén and gathering postcard and petition signatures supporting his release.

Many people stopped to inquire about Efrén's case and take information. The event also resulted in a significant increase in traffic to our web site and campaign blog. The event was a success and proved that once again people are deeply concerned with wanting to combat social injustice.

Thanks to NorthWest Initiative for organizing this wonderful event, to A.R.R.O. for displaying information about Efrén, to the Peace Education Center for helping gather postcards signatures of support for Efrén, and to members of the Lansing TIME Committee for their hard work.

Bill Woods at Westside Summer Fest

Stephanie Fisher and son at Westside Summer Fest

Woman signing Free Efrén postcard at Westside Summer Fest

Elena Herrada Appears on Radio Show Today to Discuss Efrén's Case and Pending Commutation Request

2008-07-24T12:23:00.003-04:00

Please click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview done this morning on WDET 101.9 FM Detroit Public Radio. The show featured Elena Herrada, The Injustice Must End (TIME) Detroit Committee, Co-Chair. Elena discussed Efrén's case and pending commutation request on the show.

A blog post was left on the WDET blog by TIME Committee member, Mike Kelly, which was read on the air during Elena's interview. This is the full text of the wonderful post that Mike left:

The injustice being suffered by Efren Paredes is of course terrible for him and if only for that reason this innocent man must be freed through commutation. However there is a major stake we all have in seeing justice done because everyone is at risk when innocent citizens are sacrificed for political expedience, career advancement or racism within a local power structure.

Everyone with a concern for living in a society where laws protect rather than threaten liberty should go to Efren’s blog at www.Free-Efren.blogspot.com , review the information and petition the Governor for commutation.

Time is of the essence. Efren is contributing to a better society right now from prison, just think how much more he will do when he is finally freed. Many good folks are rightly concerned over broad issues of social justice and world peace but it is also vital that people of conscience also take action to right the wrongs done to individuals.

Educate yourself and help spread the word. I believe that our prayers are another way of taking effective action in support of Efren, his family and the future of our State.

Mike Kelly, Harper Woods

Free Efrén T-Shirt and Poster Distribution Event at Gone Wired Cafe Held on Friday, July 18, 2008

2008-07-20T13:51:00.000-04:00

Friday, July 18, 2008 members of the Lansing The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee hosted a two hour event at Gone Wired Café in Lansing to distribute the Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. T-shirts, posters, and other information related to the campaign to free Efrén.

People attending the event left with several posters and T-shirts. They also signed postcards of support and took dozens of additional postcards home with them to share with others to sign as well.

An adjunct professor from Lansing Community College (LCC) who attended stated she would like Efrén to call in to speak to her writing class via speaker phone. We also learned that Free Efrén posters are appearing around the LCC campus.

Two women learned about the event after seeing a Free Efrén poster in Lansing and researching information about Efrén online. They saw the event that was created on Facebook and were able to attend. The Facebook event included the location, date and time of the event.

A woman at the event also invited the TIME Committee to visit her church and do a presentation about Efren's case, including distributing posters and T-shirts.

Overall everything was a real success and we helped generate additional support and interest in our campaign to free Efrén. We are learning that the Free Efrén T-shirts and posters are appearing at new places every day as we continue striving to make Efrén's presence and the injustice surrounding his case appear everywhere possible.

Thanks to everyone who attended the event. A special thanks to the Lansing TIME Committee members who hosted it, and to Gone Wired Café for their continued support!

Free Efrén posters, postcards and other information.

Liz O'Brien wearing Free Efrén T-shirt.

Free Efrén T-shirts each accompanied with
personal card of appreciation from Efrén.

New Free Efrén Postcard!

2008-07-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

Below is a link to the latest version of the Free Efrén postcard available for download and distribution. The file is in PDF format. You can print it back-to-back on cardstock and cut it in quarters. Please ask people to sign the postcards and mail them to the Governor's office. An image of what the postcard looks like appears below as well. Click here to download the postcard.

Efrén Appears on Ebling and You Radio Show Today (WILS 1320 AM)

2008-07-17T02:48:00.000-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview done with Efrén by Jack Ebling on WILS 1320 AM on Wednesday, June 16, 2008. They discuss Efrén's wrongful conviction, his refusal to admit to a crime he did not commit for nearly two decades, the wait he has endured the past 30 days from the Michigan Parole Board about whether or not he will receive a public hearing and be given serious consideration for release, his employment as a braille transcriber, among other things.

The Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. T-shirts Have Arrived

2008-07-10T08:47:00.000-04:00

Below are a couple photos of the Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. T-shirts which will begin being distributed in the coming days. The T-shirts are very nice and certain to generate attention. This is very important as we continue spreading the word about Efrén's case and increasing awareness about the deplorable injustice done to him.

We are inviting people to take photographs wearing the T-shirts and upload them to our slide show which appears at the top of this blog. You can also send us digital photos to our e-mail at info@4Efren.com to be uploaded to the slide show as well. Let's continue showing the world that we are supporting Efrén and becoming more energized each day.

NorthStar Center Presentation About Efrén's Case Held Yesterday

2008-07-09T02:07:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee to Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. did a presentation about Efrén's case at NorthStar Center in Lansing, Michigan.

The presentation was a success and members of the TIME Committee fielded questions from those in attendance. A PowerPoint presentation about Efrén's case was shown and the Free Efrén posters, postcards of support, signature petition forms, and other information was also made available about how to support Efrén's efforts for release.

Thanks to Maria and Dave of the TIME Committee for conducting the presentation, and thanks to NorthStar Center for hosting it. Your continued support is greatly appreciated as we diligently work to restore Efrén's much deserved freedom.

We also want to thank those who attended the event and took time out of their busy schedules to learn how they can assist the work we are doing. We will send Efrén photographs of the event to Efrén along with a copy of this blog post.

Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) Presentation

2008-07-03T11:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my husband, Hans, along with our close friend and TIME Committee member, Maria, presented about Efren's case at the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) in Ann Arbor. PCAP is based at the University of Michigan.

According to their web site:

"Founded in 1990, PCAP is committed to original work in the arts in Michigan correctional facilities, juvenile facilities, urban high schools, and communities across the state. Our process is guided by respect and a spirit of collaboration in which vulnerability, risk and improvisation lead to discovery. We make possible the spaces in which the voices and visions of the incarcerated can be expressed."

You can learn more about PCAP by visiting their web site at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/pcap/.

We met some wonderful young people that evening and shared Efren's story with them. We passed out the new Free Efren Paredes, Jr. posters for the first time at a presentation, along with some wonderfully prepared folders that Maria created for each person which contained various information related to our campaign.

Efren was able to call in to the presentation and answer questions over my speaker phone. It was a very positive experience and we are glad to have been able to meet everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing them again in the future.

Thanks to everyone who attended the presentation and thanks to PCAP for inviting us! Below is a photo we took with the group of PCAP members that attended.

Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. Poster Video

2008-07-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

"Juvenile Injustice" by Luis J. Rodriguez

2008-06-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

The July 2008 edition of The Progressive magazine featured an article titled "Juvenile Injustice" by Luis J. Rodriguez. The article references the case of Efrén Paredes, Jr. To view the writing please click on the following link:

http://www.scribd.com/word/full/3729780?access_key=key-14x0ed73c5rjnrl6qdi9

Radio Interview with Efrén's mother, Velia

2008-06-18T10:05:00.000-04:00

Click the play button on the left side of the flash player below to hear an interview done with Jack Ebling on WILS 1320 AM and Velia (Efrén's mother) on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. Velia discussed Efrén's wrongful conviction.

Free Efrén Paredes, Jr. Poster Now Complete!

2008-06-12T12:05:00.000-04:00

We now have a new poster available for people to print out and share to support our campaign to free Efrén. It is available in three sizes below.

Please print some of the 8-1/2" x 11" size if you are unable to print the larger sized ones and help us distribute widely. You can also feature the JPEG version of the poster on your Facebook page by adding the Big Photo application and uploading the image. You can also display it on your MySpace page as well, or post it along with messages on people's walls on Facebook or MySpace.

If there is a place available for you to post it, please do so!

8-1/2" x 11" (for home printers)
http://www.divshare.com/download/4724305-40a

8-1/2" x 11"
http://www.divshare.com/download/4724304-b78

5" x 7" (in JPEG format to post on MySpace or Facebook; you can also access the HTML code to embed the image on a MySpace page or image from this link as well)
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm32/Free-Efren/FreeEfrenPoster2x3.jpg

11" x 17"
http://www.divshare.com/download/4724307-d62

18" x 24"
http://www.divshare.com/download/4724306-8a8

Request for Presentations About Efrén Paredes, Jr. Injustice

2008-05-06T09:29:00.000-04:00

To date we have made presentations at churches, colleges, community centers, organization meetings, schools, public libraries and homes. Anyone interested in having a member of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee do a presentation about Efrén's case can click here to send an e-mail request. You request will be forwarded to the appropriate member for follow up.

Please include the following information to better help us determine which TIME Committee member can be scheduled to do the presentation:

▸ Date and time you would like the presentation to be made;
▸ Location where presentation will be made (include street address, city, zip code);
▸ Size of location where presentation will be made (e.g., classroom, church, library, home, etc.);
▸ If you have a digital projector to show a PowerPoint presentation;
▸ If you have a microphone and sound system; and
▸ How many people you expect to attend the presentation.

The importance of these presentations can not be underscored enough. Through discussing Efrén's case, and casting light on the facts surrounding his wrongful conviction, we are not only creating much needed dialogue about Efrén's case, we are also:

▸ Discussing systemic problems that exist in the criminal justice system;
▸ Bringing attention to needed changes in the way juveniles are treated in adult courts and prisons;
▸ Educating people about the facts in Efrén's case, and correcting the lies and inaccurate information that have been circulated about Efren's case;
▸ Helping other families who are also going through similar experiences;
▸ Helping prevent this horrible experience from occurring to other families;
▸ Teaching others how to build a strong grassroots campaign to generate attention and support for a cause; and
▸ Helping the community heal by creating unity and developing real solutions to problems that plague the community.

Request Pre-Printed Postcards for Campaign

2008-05-05T20:18:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in receiving printed postcards of support on card stock paper, you can click here to send an e-mail with your request. Please include your complete mailing address and how many postcards you are requesting.

Once you receive the postcards, you will need to cut them and then they are ready to be signed, stamped and mailed. If possible please send us copies of the postcards being mailed to the Governor's office. We realize this is not always possible. If you can give us a count of how many were mailed, that would be very appreciated. We use this information for Efrén's commutation request to show the support he continues to receive.

You do not have to be in the State of Michigan to request the postcards. Also, anyone can sign them, even if you sent a postcard previously. The current postage is 26 cents for a postcard. That rate will change to 27 cents on May 12th. (If anyone needs help with postage, please feel free to get in touch via e-mail and we will help.)

Postcards to Michigan Gov. Granholm in Support of the Release of Efrén Paredes, Jr.

2008-04-30T16:38:00.000-04:00

The following are three newly designed postcards of support people can download and print out. The files are in PDF format. You will need to print the files double-sided since there is information on both sides of the postcards. There are four postcards printed on each page.

Please share this link with all your contacts and ask them to contribute to our campaign to free Efrén by getting as many postcards of support signed and mailed in to the Governor's office. Anyone can sign the postcards. They do not have to be residents of the State of Michigan to sign them. Your assistance with this effort would be greatly appreciated.

The links to the files are as follows:

Postcards to Governor Granholm in Support of Efrén (Postcard 2)
http://www.mediafire.com/?lxgydvwzmcl

Postcards to Governor Granholm in Support of Efrén (Postcard 3)
http://www.mediafire.com/?lddxdty2121

Postcards to Governor Granholm in Support of Efrén (Postcard 4)
http://www.mediafire.com/?ymz4o9ntjvy

Front of Postcard 2

Front of Postcard 3

Front of Postcard 4

Back of All Postcards

Contact Michigan Gov. Granholm to Free Efren Paredes, Jr.

2008-04-30T11:22:00.007-04:00

E-MAIL, FAX AND PHONE CAMPAIGN

FOR EFREN PAREDES, JR. TO THE
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

Post updated 7-10-09.

The purpose of this post is to provide you with information about ways you can contact the Governor of the State of Michigan to support the release of Efren Paredes, Jr.

We would like to send as many messages to the Governor's office supporting Efren's release as possible, so she remains aware of the outpouring of support Efren enjoys across the state and country.

At the end of this post you will find a sample letter you can copy and paste into e-mails or faxes you would like to send to the Governor. You can modify the letter however you wish. If you choose not to modify the content of the letter the only change you need to make is to the information at the end of the letter that reflects who it is addressed from.

You can, of course, add additional information if you wish. The letter is only intended to assist you frame a letter of your own. You can use the entire letter or only use parts of it. The decision is entirely up to you. You can also click here to view a PDF document which contains additional ideas that can help you compose a letter.

Send a Letter via U.S. Mail

You can click here to download a form support letter in PDF format to be used as a model to compose your own letter to the Governor. If you do not have the time to construct an original letter of your own you may fill out one of the form letters, sign it, and mail a signed copy to the Governor's office. Whatever is most convenient for you.

You are encouraged to print out as many of the form letters as possible, to share them with others, and ask them to do the same. You can also direct people to this blog post, or send them a copy of the form support letter as an attachment, and ask them to get as many people to sign the letters as they can.

Fill Out Governor's Online Opinion Form

If you would like to fill out the Governor's online opinion form you can do so by clicking on the following link:

http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995-65331--,00.html

In the box labeled "Issue" please insert "Efren Paredes, Jr. Commutation Request." Underneath that box click the option "For" and then copy and paste the sample letter that appears on the next page into the "Message"section.

Send an E-mail

You can e-mail the Governor's office at govofficesom@michigan.gov.

Send Fax Message to Governor

If you would like to copy and paste the message and send it as a fax you can do so by faxing it to the Governor's fax number which is: 517-335-6863.

Efren feels the warmth of our embrace, the strength of our solidarity, and passionate call for justice. The more people involved in our e-mail and fax campaign the stronger our voice will be.

Sincerely,

Efren's mother, Velia on behalf of
The Injustice Must End (TIME)
www.4Efren.com

SAMPLE LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR

Date of Letter

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909

RE: Commutation Request of Efrén Paredes, Jr. #203116

Dear Governor Granholm:

I am writing to join the chorus of hundreds of others across the nation who have expressed their full support for the release of Efrén Paredes, Jr. #203116.

I also join President Barack Obama, U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and many others who oppose the imposition of life without parole sentences for youth. As a civilized society I do not believe that young people's lives should be discarded or that we should ignore the concept of redemption.

Efrén has been imprisoned since age 15 and he is now 35-years-old. He has a stable home to be released to, employment opportunities awaiting him, and strong support from family and friends. His accomplishments while imprisoned are numerous, he poses no danger to society, and he is equally deserving of release as anyone who has been previously granted a parole or commutation.

If released, I strongly believe that Efrén would be a very productive citizen and that society would benefit by his return. It is our prayer that you will grant Efrén's commutation request when it arrives in your office.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
E-mail Address

Internet Activism for Efrén Paredes, Jr. Justice Campaign

2008-04-29T13:12:00.000-04:00

Internet Activism for Efrén Paredes, Jr.
Justice Campaign

Dear Friends:

People interested in assisting the campaign to free Efren Paredes, Jr. using the internet are encouraged to copy and paste the following message in e-mails, and post it on bulletin boards, blogs, web sites, and anywhere else you can post it on the internet.

Many blogs and web sites have comment sections. In those sections you can copy and paste the message that follows. If there is a subject line to enter text into I suggest using "Innocent 15-Year-Old Latino Honor Student Sentenced to Life in Prison".

Thank you for your support and willingness to assist the advancement of our campaign using the Internet.

Below is the text to be copied and pasted:

Innocent 15-Year-Old Latino Honor Student
Sentenced to Life in Prison

Please support a pardon, commutation or new trial for a wrongly convicted 15-year-old Latino honor student named Efren Paredes, Jr. Efren has been in prison now over 18 years for a crime he did not commit and had no role in. You can learn more about this deplorable case of injustice and ongoing human rights violation by visiting www.4Efren.com.

The following are some of Efren's notable supporters:

▸ Paul Ciolino (Northwestern University Center for Wrongful Convictions, lead investigative advisor, wrongful convictions expert);

▸ Dr. Nancy Wonders (Northern Arizona University, Chair, Dept. of Criminology and Criminal Justice);

▸ Dr. Martha Grace Duncan (Emory University, law professor);

▸ Dr. Carlos Muñoz, Jr. (University of California, Berkeley, professor emeritus, author, lecturer, human rights activist);

▸ Dr. Elizabeth "Betita" Martinez (Institute for MultiRacial Justice, Co-Chair; professor emeritus, author, human rights activist);

▸ Favianna Rodriguez (internationally acclaimed muralist, printmaker and political activist);

▸ Elisha Miranda aka E-Fierce (co-founder of Chica Luna Productions, author of The SistaHood: On The Mic,, adjunct professor in film at the City University of New York, activist);

▸ Dorinda Moreno (Hitec Aztec Communications, producer; Elders of the 4 Colors 4 Directions, board member, human rights activist);

▸ and several other respected and knowledgeable persons support our efforts to free Efren.

You can support Efren's campaign for justice by:

1) Signing his online petition for justice at www.petitionspot.com/petitions/4Efren.

2) Writing letters in support of Efren and mail them to: The Injustice Must End (TIME), P.O. Box 858, Battle Creek, MI 49016. You can review some of the support letters Efren has received thus far at www.4Efren.com under the "General Information" tab. If you would like help writing your letter you can e-mail us to request the electronic file "Suggested Content for Support Letters".

3) Adding Efren as a friend on your MySpace page and/or Facebook page and place him among your top friends to give him more visibility. Efren's MySpace page is available at http://www.myspace.com/4Efren and his Facebook page is available at http://www.facebook.com/p/Efren_Tlecoz_Paredes/665781653.

4) Joining the "Fairness for Efren" groups available on MySpace at http://groups.myspace.com/4Efren and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2256345644.

5) Making a secure online donation to the Efren Paredes, Jr. Legal Defense Fund by going to http://4Efren.blogspot.com and clicking on the "Donation" button located in the upper-left-hand corner of the page. The donations are being processed through PayPal.

6) By copying and pasting this message into e-mails, on blogs, discussion boards, in chat rooms, etc., and encouraging others to do the same. If you have a MySpace page you can copy this entire post into a blog post on your page. If you have a Facebook page you can copy and paste this entire post into a created Notes post on your page.

Thank you and please support our efforts to obtain justice for Efren.

Sincerely,

The Injustice Must End (TIME)
P.O. Box 858
Battle Creek, MI, 49016
E-mail: info@4Efren.com
Web Site: www.4Efren.com

Message to Religious Community

2008-04-29T10:45:00.000-04:00

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—

Dear Members of the Religious Community,

My name is Velia Koppenhoefer and I am the mother of Efrén Paredes, Jr.

In 1989 at age 15, Efrén was wrongly incarcerated in adult prison for a murder and armed robbery he did not commit. The crime he was accused of committing occurred in St. Joseph, Michigan. Efrén has been incarcerated now over 19 years. He had no criminal history and was a high school honor student at the time of his arrest. My husband and other two sons know and stand by Efrén's innocence because he was home with our family when the crime was committed.

Our family has suffered tremendously the past 19 years as a consequence of this terrible injustice and human rights violation. It has been and continues to be devastating. Efrén has spent more time locked away from society than he spent in society as a 15-year-old boy. He languishes day after day in prison while our family shares his pain each moment he is away from us.

As a daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister, I can't begin to tell you the deep pain I feel each day separated from Efrén, my firstborn son. I still shed tears nearly every day thinking about Efrén as I struggle to make it through each day. Words can't begin to express the painful emotions that arise at the thought of my young son Efrén when he was forcefully taken from our home that Wednesday, March 15, 1989. It is an image forever etched in my mind and a pain deep in my heart.

A committee created to help Efrén obtain justice was formed two years ago. The committee, The Injustice Must End (TIME), is comprised of people from across the country. Efrén also enjoys international support from professors, clergy, authors, and a world renowned wrongful convictions expert.

We are currently gathering petition signatures for Efrén asking Governor Granholm to commute Efrén's sentence. To make this campaign a success we need strong support. It is my prayer that you will be willing to join our campaign to free Efrén. I believe that the power of prayer, our concerted efforts, and firm belief that truth will always prevail over injustice, will guide us in the direction which leads to eventual victory. And with your assistance, you can help us achieve our objective.

Your action and support is very much needed. Please stand on the side of truth and justice and help us as we work to end this ongoing wrongful conviction and human rights abuse. I am appealing to you to help correct this injustice against my son. I am also asking you to help stop a crime against humanity.

This injustice is an all out assault on the freedoms enjoyed by every citizen in this country. And if allowed to continue it will only serve to foster a similar environment where others can be robbed of their freedom with impunity. This must be stopped and not allowed to continue. We offend righteousness when we permit injustice to flourish.

We often hear the question posed, "What would Jesus do?" I ask every person of Faith to ask themselves what Jesus would have done if he were on this Earth right now. If we believe in the scripture there is no question he would not allow this injustice to continue without striving to defeat it and injustice everywhere.

Thank you for reading these words. Our family looks forward to working with you and others interested in upholding the principles of truth and justice.

On Behalf of the Family of Efrén Paredes, Jr.,

Sincerely,

Velia Koppenhoefer

Slide Show Displaying Support for Efrén Paredes, Jr.

2008-04-29T09:15:00.000-04:00