To: Parole Chairman Dean Chairman, DOC Chairman Edward Wall, The Wisconsin State House, The Wisconsin State Senate, and Governor Tony Evers
Petition for the Release of Lawrence Williams III
We as taxpayers and concerned citizens petition those listed above to use their power to see that Lawrence Williams gets thorough and fair Parole Consideration. He was convicted of 10 counts of Armed & Attempted Robbery and 1 count of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide. Party-to-a-crime to all counts. The enormous 130-year sentence he received does not make sense and he also needs to be aided in getting that reduced.
Here is his statement:
”When I was incarcerated, I was 19 years young with no education and no intentions on getting any because I thought I didn't need it. At whatever rate, it wasn't long before I realized that being dumb wasn't cool nor beneficial to a meaningful life.
"After earning my HSED in 1998, I've achieved certificates such as: Baptism, Workplace Success, Occupational Communication, Student Success, Vocational Math, Tutorial Literacy Training, Welding & Production Welding and other miscellaneous certificates.
"Now at 38 years young, I can say with certainty that education is a must for all people, being knowledgeable and skilled in many areas you have the wherewithal to make better life choices.”
The above statement tells of his changes - he is not the man he was at 18. He has a loving family waiting for him and begs for a second chance.
We believe that this man should no longer be in prison and 130 years is an outrageous sentence especially for a party to a crime offense. It is a waste of a life and taxpayer’ money and he is needed out here. He is young and vigorous and will be an inspiration to the Black youth in this state who are suffering from lack of positive male role models. Why waste funds holding people like Lawrence who are rehabilitated at the same time we release truth in sentencing prisoners willy-nilly, many without treatment and no sign of rehabilitation. Many TIS prisoners are asking for treatment and are not getting it because of overcrowding and lack of funding. There are 150 on the waiting list for drug treatment at any one time, for example. This is inexcusable. Begin to free up space and funds by releasing this rehabilitated man, please. He will be pursuing a sentence reduction and we ask you to support him in this effort.
Lawrence Williams III #315678; WCI, PO Box 351, Waupun, WI 53963
Why is this important?
petitions. My sons have been incarcerated for 20 years. They were juveniles when an Armed Robbery crime was committed. They were charged and convicted as Party to A Crime Armed Robbery. They were both sentenced to over 100 years plus. My sons were both high school graduates with jobs, but, made a wrong choice. They both realize that and over the past 20 years have grown into young men with values of life. The crime they were convicted of did not result in any one's death or serious injury.
I, alone with my parents who are 82 years old and other family members have always been there for my sons. They come from a loving background, Christian family. My family and I have always been there for them and will continue to be very supportive because they have changed and learned a lot from the consequences they have suffered and paid to society.
Lawrence and Shulburt Williams have completed all programs required of them that were offered, along with additional college courses. They both have a very good report with staff workers. My family have been owners of our Bowling Alley for thirty years, and my sons would have no problem with job opportunities. We stand behind them 101%. I am a retired Police Officer as well as a 23 year Veteran in the United States Air Force. My sons are not a threat to the community. They have paid the price to come home. It has been a long 20 years.
As a caring mother, wife, daughter, sister and aunt I am requesting my sons be released from prison at this time. My parents health is not the best, and would like to reunite with their grandsons. Please sign my sons petition as it goes forward. Thank you very much. Barbara