A petition has been created to be considered by the California Parole Board at the upcoming hearing in April of drumming legend Jim Gordon. As of today only 384 people have signed and more are needed.
Despite being diagnosed as an acute paranoid schizophrenic by five separate psychiatrists, he was sentenced to 16 years to life in 1984.
The judge agreed at sentencing that the Mr. Gordon was "suffering from a profound mental illness," but was unable to find him not guilty by reason of insanity due to the State of California's tightening of the legal definition a couple of years earlier (in reaction to the notorious "Twinkie defense," by the way).
This petition is completely legitimate – It has already been signed not only by fans, but by several of Jim Gordon's contemporaries. In addition, many of the living legends that he has worked with have written letters for the Board's consideration.
Obviously the ruling will be based several factors such as medical evaluations, but the petition is intended to show the Board the degree of support that still exists for this brilliant musician and songwriter.
The author will also forward a copy to Jim Gordon himself to assure him that he has by no means been forgotten.
Petition to parole Jim Gordon
After serving more than 24 years in prison, we feel that Jim Gordon deserves to be given the opportunity to return to society. We feel that Jim poses no threat to the outside world and has accepted full responsibility for his crime and has expressed sincere remorse. We sincerely hope that the Parole Board will give his release every consideration.
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www.ipetitions.com/petition/parolejamesgordon
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www.ipetitions.com/petition/parolejamesgordon
Monday, March 17, 2008
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