My grandma, Glenda Virgil, was the victim of physical, mental and emotional abuse by her boyfriend over a period of four years before getting the courage to leave the relationship. When her boyfriend learned of her plans to leave him, he beat her for several hours and threatened to kill both her, himself and their dog with a gun.

Virgil believing that her life would end if she did not act, shot and killed her abuser.

Despite two expert evaluators’ conclusion that Virgil’s history of abuse contributed to her crime and her fear of the victim, no evidence of her abuse was admitted at her trial and has never been given serious consideration by the parole panels that have considered her for parole.

Virgil, now 65 years old and in a wheelchair, has served 25 years for her crime. Recently she suffered four pulmonary embolisms and in September was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer and given less than a year to live.

Keeping Virgil incarcerated is an injustice. During her time in prison Virgil has dedicated herself to self-help and rehabilitation, and she has dedicated herself to mentoring other victims of trauma and abuse.

Please sign my petition so my grandma can spend her last days at home with her family.