Chance For Freedom Campaign
End Death By Incarceration
Another kind of death penalty has taken over Pennsylvania. Life without the possibility of parole is not life: it is a sentence to die in prison by incarceration. Here, that sentence is mandatory for first and second degree murder–regardless of age, circumstances, intentions or change while incarcerated.
There’s a trauma to prison pipeline. Too many people grow up deprived of stable food, education, healthcare and family. The solution isn’t tearing apart families with harsher sentences for violent behavior–it’s investing in our communities.
Bring Our Elders Home
Pennsylvania has one of the oldest prison populations. Over 10,000 incarcerated people are currently elderly people serving lengthy or life sentences. The vast majority entered prison as teens and have been serving sentences for decades. Their healthcare needs are high, and often go unmet.
There is no good case against their release: all studies show that recidivism drops to nearly zero after age 55. Releasing elders can provide guidance and knowledge to younger generations, to keep families together and supported.
My change didn’t come from being incarcerated, it came from being under the mindset of certain individuals—elders who had been there 20, 30, 40 years. The only thing they want to do is teach us to be better men, better fathers, better big brothers. They want us to go right where they went wrong.
Tyree Little
Straight Ahead Organizer
My change didn’t come from being incarcerated, it came from being under the mindset of certain individuals—elders who had been there 20, 30, 40 years. The only thing they want to do is teach us to be better men, better fathers, better big brothers. They want us to go right where they went wrong.
- Tyree Little
Straight Ahead Organizer
Help end death by incarceration sentencing
Join the growing Pennsylvania decarceration movement for healing and redemption.