Change.org - Eric’s grandpa

Eric’s grandfather Horace has been in prison for 47 years for a murder he did not commit. While in prison both of Horace’s parents died. He contracted COVID. And he survived a stroke. Now Horace’s family is pleading with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to release Horace. Eric’s petition to free his grandfather already has 2,000 signers, but more are needed to get the governor’s attention. Sign now and tell Gov. Whitmer to free Horace.  Free Horace Peterson! Michigan man serves life in prison for murder he didn’t commit 2,711 have signed Eric Woodyard’s petition. Let’s get to 5,000!

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While 2020 was tough on America, it was particularly tough on Horace Peterson. For 47 years, Peterson has been wrongly incarcerated after being convicted of felony first-degree murder for a crime he didn’t commit. In 1973, a judge sentenced Peterson to life without parole. He robbed a record store in Flint, Michigan. However, during the robbery, his accomplice shot and killed the clerk without him knowing what was going to happen or with him being in the same room of the shooting. He had no idea what was about to happen and his accomplice has recently admitted that to the family. Seven years later, the Michigan Supreme Court reinterpreted the law, ruling prosecutors needed to prove "malice" for felony murder convictions. But that ruling wasn’t retroactive. Peterson’s family argues that he has been locked up too long. He is now in his late 60s with a daughter, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also has six siblings, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, who consider him a missing link to the family. They are fighting for his life. Also, in late 2020, he beat COVID-19 and overcame a stroke in addition to losing both parents, David and Ollie V. Peterson, a month apart. It was heartbreaking and he’s ready to come home. If Peterson is released, he will come home to employment, speaking engagements and can use his story as a cautionary tale to save the lives of young men and women. He has been an inspiration to many while mentoring numerous prisoners over the years. Watch as one of the last wishes from his parents was to see him come home.  Please support us as we are fighting to free Mr. Horace Peterson! #136503 Learn more about Peterson’s case here.

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