Tallulah Gillespie

Written by Tallulah
I was incarcerated at the age of 18 going on 19. I was sentenced to a 20 year determinate sentence for Manslaughter in the first degree in 2005. I now have 17 months left. I just turned 35 years old in November. Since I was incarcerated at a young age I obviously had to grow up in prison, so initially I was NOT on the right track. It was rough. I was a kid. I missed out on everything in life because of my stupid/selfish actions, and I was immature. So, the first 6 or 7 years were not smart or very productive years. However, I have a love for animals and in 2009 I joined the Puppies Behind Bars program and successfully completed 18 mandatory months in that program as a dog handler. My puppy was a golden retriever named "Matty". Also, I was a part of the Asbestos Abatement team for 3 years, and obtained my hazardous material removal certification. Also, I am currently residing on the "Earned Housing Unit", which is a unit for incarcerated people who are held to high esteem for their good behavior in the facility. I am also a representative for the Inmate grievance resolution committee (IGRC), where myself and another inmate representative act as mediators for issues/complaints between the incarcerated population and all security staff. I've been elected by the incarcerated population for that program for 3 consecutive years. I converted to Islam, pray 5 times a day, and I am also very active in the mosque. Lastly, in 2018 I obtained my BA in social science from Marymount Manhattan College with honors.

When I submitted my clemency application in 2017, I did not hear anything back for almost 3 years. However after one year, I wrote numerous inquiries to Mr. William Fitzpatrick from the Executive Clemency Bureau with no reply. Two and a half years later in June of 2020, I decided to write the governor personally. I sent a letter to Cuomo's Albany and NYC address EVERY DAY until someone wrote me in September of 2020. Finally Mr. Fitzpatrick reached out to me on September 4th and said that my request for clemency had been received and my case will be considered.

I also tested positive for Covid-19 in September and was subsequently quarantined as well. The treatment from the facility for covid inmate patients is inhumane to say the least. Myself and other women were treated like contagious animals, ignored and neglected. As a result, I believe that women/men that are close to their release or have underlying health issues should be considered by the governor for early release due to the dangers of spreading Covid-19. I've changed a lot and I would sincerely like another chance at being an honest and productive member of society. I would like to do volunteer work when I am released and want to help homeless children/families by serving at food kitchens, buying clothing, etc. for the homeless and low SES persons in NYC. Giving back to society and the needy I believe is my passion and calling for my life.