Pennsylvania is one of only 2 states in the United States which has mandatory life without parole sentences for those convicted of first- or second-degree murder (98% pf the country has parole eligibility

Life without parole is not reserved for the most heinous crimes. Someone who didn't even know a robbery would occur, let alone a death would be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Life without the possibility of parole means exactly that! If convicted of first- or second-degree murder, the incarcerated person would never see freedom or be given an opportunity to even see a parole board for review. 

The cost to taxpayers is a minimum of $63,000 per incarcerated person, per year. With over 5,000 people sentenced to Life without Parole in Pennsylvania our tax burden is massive!

Because of inadequate nutrition, lack of vitamins, subpar medical care. incarcerated persons age physiologically 15 years ahead of their non-incarcerated counterparts. A 50-year-old incarcerated person is physiologically 65 years old! 

Studies show those age 50 and older are the least likely to reoffend, an asset to our communities and the most expensive to incarcerate.

Because of a tragedy which took place in the 1990's during a tough on crime era, the only hope for mercy was essentially non-existent for over 25 years. Today, our Board of Pardons is active in reviewing cases to determine if individuals are candidates to be given a second chance. However, this is a year's long process, without solid direction and no guarantee that mercy will be granted.