Voices of US Citizens
"Is there any "justice" in California? This case is an insult to all Californians and to all Americans. Aren't we the self proclaimed champions of liberty and justice for all, and the world leaders in the respect of human rights? It seems that California is lacking far behind in justice and the respect of human rights. This is certainly, cruel and unusual punishment at its best. Mario Martinez"
"Society's f***ed up. Timeko Graves"
"The scales of justice are out of balance. Please review this case and set this man free, and go down in history as a just man. Renew our faith in our Justice system, and our society. Josette Hutton"
"This is a ridiculous miscarriage of justice. Vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol is bargained down to 4 years on a daily basis . . . This is not justice. This is not equitable application of the law. John Rademacher"
"What an injustice! Here Charlie Manson has parole dates every year! Thank God he gets denied. And Brandon has life without parole for actually just being involved in a fist fight. NO law and order here! Adrianna S"
"It is this kind of absurdity that makes our criminal justice system among the worst in the industrialized world. Tim Lillyquist"
"I can not believe the injustice that this young man has had to endure for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, this is not justice!!! This judge should be ashamed of himself, what if this was his son? Angie Chaffee"
"This is totally absurd....our justice system has reared its ugly head again. John Carroll"
"What's the purpose of a 'fair' trial? It's disgusting to know that someone with judicial power such as judge Mira cannot hand down his own sentence, rather be influenced by the LAPD who themselves find themselves in turmoil. LET HIM FREE! Albert S"
"Nazi war criminals responsible for torture and death of 6 million Jews received 20 years - Brandon receives life without parole? Don't believe the Nazi sentences, check out the Nuremberg trial via Internet. Bryce Summers"
"My heart goes out to Brandon and his family. I will pray for Brandon every night, for I know were it my family, I would need everything I can get. Carmen Spangolo"
"The truth will set us free. Susan Manegold"
"I hope that this injustice is corrected because it seems as if these days, there are far to many people in prison serving sentences fit for violent offenders. I am in full support of Brandon Hein. Kim Pierce"
"I think Brandon should not be serving a term for a crime he did not commit. John Doyle"
"The idea of Brandon Hein being in prison for life, without parole is utterly ridiculous. Jeremy Scott"
"To sentence this young man to a life in prison is a horrid act of injustice. Andrew J. Adams"
"To sentence this boy to a lifetime behind bars, without the chance of parole, is ridiculous. The punishment should fit the crime, and this kind of sentence is nothing but abuse. Patricia K. Adams"
"This young man is being denied his constitutional rights. Whoever said this was the land of the free is your enemy. Jacob Neally"
"This is totally unfair, I actually cried while reading this. What if this were you? My God, how pathetic can you get? It's just crazy. I will be thinking about this forever now, it is really sad. It makes you want to just go to that judge and give him a piece of your mind!!!!!!!!!! Ursula Freeman"
"I once knew Brandon when I lived in California, but since you put him in prison I will probably not know him, even though he used to come to my house and play cars with me. He will always be remembered now as the kid with no chance in life. If you want to know how to get in trouble in California, witness a crime . . . Ricky Tanaka"
"I hope that Brandon's sentence and record is quashed as soon as possible. My heart goes out to the family of the child that died, however I feel it is grossly unjust for the people who were present but did not wield the knife to be in prison. I hope Brandon's release prompts change in America's judicial system. Chloe Swann"
Do what should have been done 6 yrs. ago: it's the right thing to do. Glenn Tanaka"
"A [crooked] 12 person jury is an unbelievably powerful and influential lynch mob, absolutely more so than a group of teenagers buying or supposedly stealing pot. They should be locked up with the Judge and the real crooks, killers, and thugs that call themselves the LAPD. Ha! What a joke!!! Greg McClain"
"Our judicial system needs a hard core face lift they can't keep getting away with this. Jason"
"This is absurd. To think that our government, has reached the point that it would unjustly crucify innocent kids appalls me. Somehow something has to be done to stop the insanity that a corrupt justice system has created. Hopefully we can start by freeing an innocent man. Amanda Owens"
"This is truly sad for all parties concerned but life without parole for not actually killing someone and no intention of doing so is a horrible injustice. He didn't kill Jimmy Farris. Thomas & Lili C Quinn"
"I have read the story about Brandon, and I must say that this is completely sickening. Americans pride themselves on the fact of having the best nation in the world. After a ruling like this one, how do you think it makes American look in the eyes of other nations? I am 18 years old and I have never been more touched by a story as much I have been by this one. What kind of a system can just lock up someone so young without giving him a fighting chance at having his life given back. If America wants to stay number one in the eyes of the world, then we need to let this man go! May God have pity and mercy on the souls that have taken Brandon's life away! Jamison Alexander"
"This is a ridiculous sentencing! Free Brandon. He's paid his dues. Get a clue Governor Davis!! Shanna Leffel"
"This is absolutely an injustice to OUR rights and Brandon needs to be given a second chance. Herbie Sirota"
"America is crazy, I thought we already knew that. Cassandra Page"
"This is an outrage, let this man go. Has he not gone through enough? James D. Bridges II"
"LIFE????????????? He was 18!! He has paid with 6 years of his life for witnessing a murder......Does this justify the rest of his LIFE in prison??????? Deborah Mondon"
"I think that the fact that he was the son of an LAPD officer is why Brandon was giving this punishment and I think he has served it and he should not have to die in there, let him go. Te'Meka Moten"
"The California court system that had sentenced Brandon to a life time in prison is the most unjust sentence of all time! Brandon deserves a new trial beyond unquestionable doubt. I do not understand how the California court system can let a murderer like O.J. Simpson free, but yet not give a young man, who indeed is not a ruthless murderer a re-trial! This is an outrage and the California court system should bow their heads in shame! To Brandon, his family and friends, never give up and fight for what you believe in and I hope Brandon gets the re-trail he deserves! Nicole Hidalgo"
"This incident seems like a gross injustice. As a woman in her young twenties, I have often been warned to be careful when traveling in foreign countries because many other countries have this "guilty until proven innocent" theory. I have never heard of anything this unjust being allowed to happen. It makes me ashamed of our country. Nikki Bruneel"
"The boy deserves a chance to do some good. He was young when the incident happened and does NOT deserve a life sentence! It makes my stomach turn when I think this boy has to stay in prison for the rest of his life. Give him a chance to rehabilitate, get out of prison and live a normal life, possibly help others. I can't put into words how much this sentencing was so unjust! Just because it was a cop's son, that's why the sentence was so harsh...well that's WRONG! Brandon Hein deserves a life of freedom. When we were young, we all did stupid things and made mistakes, this was just a bunch of boys wanting some pot - that cop's son wasn't a saint! Boys will be boys and Brandon was a boy when this happened. He deserves to get out of prison and live a life of freedom. He didn't have have the knife when this happened. Give Brandon a second chance - he deserves it - this is the United States of America - let this boy out of prison, he's done his time & I'm sure he'll live a clean life if released. Stacey Sussman"
"Brandon is a thoughtful, talented and innocent man. It is tragic that such a potential asset to society has been wrongfully imprisoned. The law is the law, but there are exceptions that deserve review. Brandon's case - as well as his nature - is one of those exceptions Paul Costanzo"
"I think this is a tragedy. Almost nothing makes me more sad than to think of an innocent man my age who witnessed a horrific act be trapped behind bars his whole life. Can't someone make this right? Dov Tiefenbach"
"I did not know, or even here about Brandon's case until I moved to California last summer. I have been so intrigued by his case, and I strongly feel that his punishment was cruel, biased, and unjust. I think that the least I could do, is sign a petition to release an innocent young man from incarceration! Chad Brantley Sugerman"
"This is a travesty. I am very aware of this case. This [is a] lopsided judicial system where REAL HARD CRIMINALS are given a lenient sentence and the unjustly accused get extreme almost unconstitutional harsh punishment. HE is not a threat to society. He was merely at the wrong place at the wrong time. Mark Sussman"
"This travesty of a conviction must be over-ruled and Brandon, who has served his time and is NOT a threat to society, MUST be released from prison. Yes, this is an unfair world and we all are imperfect, but now for Brandon it is time for our forgiveness and trust. Patricia Krajeski"
"This is an injustice. The courts are letting rapists and serial killers go free after serving only a few years and Brandon gets life in prison. I can't even see how this is even possible. Please do something about this! Melody Kennedy"
"This is crap, open your eyes and see this for what it really is the boy is innocent, and since a police detectives son was killed people had to pay even if it was innocent people. What a world we live in!!!!!! Tony Cook"
"FREE BRANDON and give him back his life, How can he be responsible for something his friend did, especially when he had no knowledge of it until after the fact. Kim Cook"
"This cruel injustice makes you hope you are never in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think Brandon was wrongfully convicted. Beth Tomlinson"
"Just can't see the reason the people who run the Calf. justice system can't see the wrong in this case!!! Are you so hungry that you must imprison innocent children, some example!! Russell C. Champlin Sr."
"What occurred in this case is ludicrous and should be overturned at once! Aaron Barress"
"Life in prison without possibility of parole seems a little harsh for a fist fight and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Brandon is not the reason a life was taken, why does the system seem to think it is right to take his life. Rene Rapp"
"This is exactly why many people do not believe in the justice system. I feel that things like this need to be stopped and we need our justice system totally re-evaluated. For Brandon and for others who are guilty and set free and for those who are innocent and put in jail without justification for it. Thank you Christine Cabral"
"Brandon Hein needs to be back with his family, he is loved by many, even those who have never met him. Please do the right thing and let him end the misery he is going through. Libbie Bailey"
"You are someone who can do something for these boys: please do so! How long are people high up going to turn their backs on this?? George Aceves"
"Governor Davis, I know that you are a fair and competent man, which are two of the reasons why I voted for you. Please consider setting Brandon Free. This kind of stuff cannot be happening here in the USA, but does seem to be happening more and more. I was a US Marine for 4 years, because I love this Country, but this stuff has got to stop. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Terry Akins"
"After reading everything we could find, I agree that Brandon Hein is not guilty of being a gang member, or of any other terrible thing. He was a stupid kid who made a bad choice, he got into a fist fight, and that's all. Yet he is in prison for life with no possibility of parole. This is not justice, under any justice system I've ever heard of. John D. Haggard"
"I believe it would be a continuing terrible blot on America, and our justice system, Brandon Hein's case isn't re-tried at the very least. Nobody should go to prison for life for some bad judgments and being in a fist fight, and that is all Brandon is actually guilty of. Karen Haggard"
"I believe Brandon should be set free. The saying is you do the crime you do the time, BUT Brandon HASN'T committed a crime so WHY is he doing the time! PLEASE LET BRANDON GO FREE! Renee M. McCaman"
"The punishment should suit the crime that was committed. This young man has more than served his time for his role in what was obviously a mediocre crime worsened by the act of another person who has taken full responsibility. Release The Boy!! AC McMillion"
"Governor Davis, If you haven't already, please take the time to study this case. Brandon does not deserve to die in prison. This case is extremely disturbing. Compare Brandon to the many parolees out in our communities today. Brandon is NOT a threat to our community. Brandon has served more than enough time for a crime he did not commit Julian Hernandez"
"Brandon should and needs to be released. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He did not commit any crime nor kill any one. Set this young man free. Please do the right thing and let him live his life. The way God wants him too. FREE. Not in prison behind bars. Marsha Dennis"
"Spending one's life in prison for exercising poor judgment strikes me as cruel and unusual punishment. A 2 inch knife seems a poor choice of weapon if your intention is to rob someone! Brandon wasn't the one with the knife anyway! Please right this terrible wrong. Mary Lou Cooley"
"Governor, please do the right thing and review this case. This young man should not spend the rest of his life in prison James Westmoreland"
"I feel that the sentence was unjust. Had he been a gang banger from L.A. he would have received a lesser sentence. Ronald E Day"
"We've all been in the wrong place at the wrong time on occasion. It is a shame to make someone spend the rest of their life in prison for making this mistake. Putting Brandon in prison for the rest of his life for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a waste of tax payers money. Use the space and the funds to charge real criminals to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Noelle Detrich"
"Juvenile justice in California is a contradiction of terms. It is high time that true rehabilitation occurs for these youths, not punishment designed for adults Rosalind Romero"
"As someone who once served on the Federal Grand Jury, I truly am amazed at the incredible miscarriage of justice in this case. I know I am not the only one who is outraged by the courts decision and I strongly urge each and every one of Brandon's supporters to write to Governor Grey Davis personally and express your anger. As for Brandon and his family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Christina D. Dozier"
"The penalty does not fit the crime. Brad Lord"
"I believe that Brandon, Tony and the Holland brothers should all be retried. They all were given unusually cruel punishments. Nicole Weinberg"
"What if it were your son, would you have let this totally unjust sentencing stand. I truly am glad I don't live in that state any longer, and wouldn't ever consider moving back. I'm now raising my brothers daughter due to his drug abuse. I would rather raise her in hell then within your state. Ardee L. Johnson"
"Wake up people!! You may be next! Danny Parks"
"Brandon has already served more than his share for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It's TIME to set Brandon FREE!!!! Angelo Garcia"
"Unfortunately, after seeing how our so-called system works first hand, this case does not surprise me. Brandon does not belong in prison. He should not have even been arrested! He did nothing wrong from what I read, and I don't know how the jury and judge who sentenced this young man can live with themselves. I pray nothing like this ever happens to a loved one or some young person they know. Good luck Brandon, my heart goes out to you and your parents, who suffer daily. Vickie A"
"This is unreal, I cannot believe that such a thing could actually happen in present times. William Durr"
"This case provided us with an example of a gross miscarriage of justice. In the days of prison overcrowding haven't we learned anything? This kid isn't a criminal!! I guess this is further proof of California's corruption within the criminal justice system. Maureen E.Tully"
"California's Justice System is ONE BIG BLUNDER!! It appears they can't get any case right.. Free Brandon. Jail the MORONS that handed down his sentence!! Doretta Johnson"
"Guilt by association is bull shit. A young man loses his freedom for the system of justice [and it] is not really justice at all -- FREE BRANDON. Alice M. Harnisch"
"Please find it in your heart to end this. This boy still has a chance to get his life back. He did nothing wrong and has been wrongly punished all these years. Please be the one to change this and end it. Lydia Allen"
"A gross miscarriage of justice - current state of justice needs reform. Eric Holmes"
"It's scary that laws like the one that put Brandon Hein in jail are actually on the books. How many people like Brandon are in jail? Sandra Demke"
"This is an outrage!!!! Your state should be ashamed!!!!!! Ruth Snyder"
"If ever there was a deserving case for executive clemency, this is it. Dave Walton"
"How do you sleep at night Judge Mira?? Robert S Bullard"
"It's hard to believe that someone like Brandon is locked up for his entire life, someone who has so much to offer to the world. When people like OJ Simpson walk the streets. Where is the justice there? Victoria Weinstein"
"In the name of justice, please release this young man from prison. He has paid dearly already for his part in this unfortunate incident. Allow him to make a positive contribution to society. Elizabeth Weaver"
"If Brandon Hein committed a crime for being an unwilling, passive participant (guilt by association) in this tragedy; the State of California is guilty of a far greater crime (guilt by disassociation )allowing this injustice to continue. Kreig W. Vens"
"Brandon made a serious mistake, for which he has already paid. He did not commit, nor intend to commit murder. His sentence represents an inhumane vengeance, not justice. Catherine Montoro"
"The law holds people accountable for their actions as well as their intent. Brandon Hein is not guilty of either. Toby Graham"
"I live in Australia and cannot believe that someone so young can be so unjustly treated for using bad judgment and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I will be praying for him Sonya Anderson"
"Our system of punishment must have reform when a person is not judged individually for the participation they had that contributed to the crime that they are charged for. Until everyone sees this injustice for what it is we all are helpless and at mercy to our archaic system of justice. Darlus Gerson"
"Shame on the California 'justice' system. Brandon Hein does not belong in prison. Kay Barrett"
"It is time that common sense be introduced back into our legal system. HE'S INNOCENT! SET BRANDON FREE! Robert S Polk"
"What a waste of life and taxpayer money. Alan Taplaw"
"We as Americans need to set this boy free. If this had happened to a Judge's son he would be out walking the streets. So should Brandon be out walking the streets. He did not do anything legally wrong. Our laws need to be changed. Barb Bingham"
"A: Do you lock up a young man for being somewhere? or B: Do you lock up a young man who committed a Crime of murder? This is an A or B Question. Our Justice System Needs an OVERHAUL!!!!!!!! Paul Cohen"
"This type of outcome is why most people will never believe that there can be justice without prejudice. Lee Joseph Bourgeois"
"Is it any wonder that so many of our adolescents are cynical about the law. Nicola J. Steele"
"It is hard to believe that here in America a boy could be locked up for life and be charged with murder when it has been proven that he killed no one. I thought that we were supposed to be a civilized country, where truth and justice were given to every man. Do what is right in the name of God and let this boy go. Gracie M. Gray"
"How could he be convicted of murder one when he didn't do the killing.. Life sentence. with no parole. something is wrong with this system. Shirley Forney"
"Having read over the facts regarding this case, I feel what has happened to this young man is a testament to the frailty of our nation's legal system in certain situations. Michael Moore"
"I live in London, England and believe Brandon to be the victim of a gross miscarriage of justice. I urge you to address this most urgently and conscientiously. Gerald Phillips"
"I think what was done to Brandon by the 'justice' system was blatantly unfair and un-American. Dan Hardy"
"Brandon has spent 6 years paying for a crime he did not commit. Set him free! Doris Michaud"
"This is injustice and it shows how our judicial system will use a drug dealer to put away these innocent young men. Robin Cox"
"This is a clear case of a brother panicking while defending his younger brother in a fight. Four boys were grossly over-sentenced, including Brandon Hein. Please review this case and reconsider these harsh sentences. Mary Ann Kremmer"
"Governor Davis, once you review the facts, I'm sure you'll realize the true crime is the "justice system" that put Brandon away for life WITHOUT parole! As a tax payer, I don't want to pay for incarcerating someone who should not be there. Please do what's right. Let Brandon go. (By the way, I voted for you). Mark Burkhard"
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