Tyrone James

Written by Tyrone’s fiancee Lee

Mr. Tyrone James made an application for clemency to commute his sentence which was first submitted in 2016. He was not given the opportunity to make the reasons for his petition heard fully due to misinformation.

He has been incarcerated in New York State for over 27 years.

In 1995 at the age of 16 years old he was arrested, tried as an adult, convicted of murder 2nd x 2 and sentenced to 30yrs to life for allegedly playing a lesser role of “causing a distraction” in the greater crime that was committed. He is now 44 and continues to maintain his innocence.

His years spent in prison has given him the time and ability to reflect, and this is shown by his display of maturity, growth, remorse, compassion, patience, reflection, determination, passion and love. Based on his alleged crime, was his extraordinarily long and punitive sentence ever warranted in the first place? Mr. James’ chance of release is more than freedom, it’s an opportunity for redemption!

We believe his petition for clemency matches the vision behind the reasons commutation requests were created and are granted. As quoted “Equally deserving of the mercy-dispensing power of clemency are long-serving inmates, whose institutional record suggests that they can be returned to the community without any significant risk to public safety. Clemency embodies a basic recognition that all human beings are fallible and capable of change. Redemption is always possible,” “Clemency recognizes extraordinary rehabilitation, granting deserving individuals a second chance”. More importantly, he meet’s the eligibility criteria which is:

• The incarcerated person's minimum period of imprisonment is more than one year

• The incarcerated person has served at least one-half of his or her minimum prison term – He has served 27 years out of 30

• The incarcerated person is not eligible for parole within one year of the date of his or her application for clemency - His Parole Hearing Date is 10/2026 and his Parole Eligibility Date is 02/19/2027

He has spent many years reflecting on what he should have and could have done differently as a “youth”, he should be allowed the opportunity as a “man” to show the changes he has made. He has displayed exceptional strides in self-development and improvement. Below is a list of programs he has completed:

• Public Speaking

• Finding Successful Relationship Awareness

• Teamwork from NAACP Organization

• Strengthening Relationships Class from The Osborne Association.

• Fatherhood from The Osborne Association.

• The Parenting Course from the Osborne Association.

• The Healthy Relationship Course

• 12-week Basis Class on HIV/AIDS

• 16-week training Program in Food Handling and Sanitation Practices.

• The Finding Success Program for The Latinos in Progress Organization.

• 12-week P.A.C.E Basis Class dealing with HIV/AIDS Transmission, Prevention, & Treatment, STD/STIs, Medical Overview.

• The Special Housing Unit Program, "Time to Think About Change".

• AVP (The Alternatives to Violence Project, INC.).

Mr. James is currently studying toward a degree and serves as the Chairman of the ILC (Inmate Liaison Committee). He also participated in a program created by Governor Cuomo to help America in the fight against the Covid 19 pandemic. This was "The Hand Sanitizer Program" which he completed with a letter of recognition.

We believe that in line with the vision of a clemency request he should have the opportunity to be heard, considered and have his request granted. Mr. James should be given a second chance; he has proved by his conduct over the years that he is not a risk to public safety and that he is driven and determined to continue being the man he is today.

We understand that Clemency is a matter within the sole discretion of the Governor and that while compliance with this guidance is encouraged, it does not entitle an applicant to clemency. We just hope and pray that Governor Hochul review’s Tyrone’s request with an open heart, open mind and understanding.

The core legal and moral concepts underpinning clemency is that: Chief executives have the power to correct systemic injustices and end imprisonment that is unjust or no longer necessary. Governors can use their executive clemency authority to help imprisoned people as soon as they choose. Governors can grant commutations as an act of compassion or mercy and free people from state prisons.

Our family long for the day that he is released from prison and certainly pray this will be sooner, rather than later.

Thank you for taking the time to read the above information, we sincerely hope your kind and empathetic hearts can show your support in having our loved one released from prison and home to us as soon as possible.