Updates on all 4 young women

[Nicole]

Hi, everyone. We apologize for the delay in getting this board back up. Thanks very much to Amy, who brought us back.

Here are some quick updates which I got from my correspondence with Patreese and from Natalie’s blog:

- Venice got 26 months time served and 2 years post supervision. She doesn’t have to go back to jail!

- Renata, Venice, and Terrain have interviews set up for a TV show that is expected to appear on the Logo channel at some point.

- Patreese has gotten her GED! She plans to continue on to college and is looking forward to that. She thinks she might be moved to another facility shortly.

- Renata is still waiting for the court’s decision on her case. She needs our help. Please send your letters of support to the D.A.'s office before March 17. Here's a template we can use:

[Your Name]
[Your address]

Robert M. Morgenthau
District Attorney
New York County
1 Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013

[Date]

Re: People vs. Renata Hill

Dear Mr. Morgenthau:

I am writing concerning the case of Renata Hill, who is scheduled to appear in court on March 17, 2009 for a potential retrial. Ms. Hill’s original trial was stemming from an incident in August 2006. Her conviction for Gang Assault was recently overturned on appeal. Your office is about to make a decision on offering Ms. Hill either a retrial or a plea bargain where she would serve a year in prison.

Whatever Ms. Hill’s role on that night, she shouldn’t have to go back to prison. Ms. Hill has already served two years. While she was incarcerated, she was separated from her young son. She also suffered the death of her mother, whose memorial she was unable to attend. I want to encourage you to stop further prosecution in this case, and to release Ms. Hill so that she may get on with her life.

I am writing as a person who identifies with the queer and trans communities. What happened during the incident involving Ms. Hill on August 2006 was terribly unfortunate. I believe that none of the defendants who were changed actually went out there that night with the intention of criminal activity. Life is difficult for queer and trans people, and we ask that your office recognize the constant threat of danger we live with.

Ms. Hill has been punished enough for her role in the event – both by actual imprisonment, and in the impact that imprisonment has had upon her life. I appreciate any assistance you can provide in preventing any further injustice.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely,


Please visit Natalie’s blog for more information: http://freenj4.wordpress.com/