This morning I woke up and took my dog for a walk. It was a bright sunny day outside, something that I normally gratefully enjoy, but today I was tired and grouchy, so I walked around with a scowl on my face, forgetting to take in the coolness of the breeze and beauty of San Diego’s brightly color flowers and majestic canyons.
And then I came inside and checked my Facebook and was instantly ashamed. Velia Koppenhoefer had sent out a note calling for urgent action on behalf of her son. Her son, Efren Paredes, Jr, has been imprisoned since the age of 15 for a murder he did not commit – he is now 35 years old and still incarcerated. He petitioned Michigan Governor Granholm to commute his sentence over 7 1/2 months ago, and they have had no response. In her note, Ms. Koppenhoefer writes:
The pain and stress I feel daily waiting to hear about Efrén’s release has been agonizing. It has affected my health and taken a strong emotional toll on me and other members of our family. We will not give up though and we will not abandon the campaign to free Efrén.
So, while I was complaining to myself about how bright it was outside, Ms. Koppenhoefer is suffering from the knowledge that her son has not been able to walk freely outside for the last 20 years. The horror of that reality must be indescribable. But yet she keeps describing it, rehashing it daily to drum up every last ounce of support that she can for her son.
After sitting with this for a few minutes, I quickly snapped out of it, sent another email to Governor Granholm and then wrote this post. And I ask you to do the same, by clicking on one of the following links and taking action to demand justice and freedom for Efren Paredes, Jr!
Send a Letter via U.S. Mail
Send an e-mail or fax to Governor Granholm at govofficesom@michigan.gov or 517-335-6863
Fill Out The Governor’s Online Opinion Form
To learn more about Efren’s case, please visit http://www.4efren.com/
