Target: Lynneice O. Washington, Jefferson County District Attorney
Goal: Thank district attorney for dropping absurd charges against shooting victim.
On June 26, charges were filed against Marshae Jones, even though she was the one shot – and she lost her unborn baby in the process. Jones had been charged with manslaughter for supposedly instigating the violent confrontation that resulted in her being shot and losing the fetus–a clear case of victim-blaming. On July 3, Jefferson County Districtt Attorney Lynneice O. Washington dropped the charges against her.
The initial case triggered nationwide outrage as the charges against Marshae were justified in the cruelest way. In a heinous statement, a Pleasant Grove officer claimed that “the only true victim … was the baby,” despite the serious injuries to—and obvious, devastating loss experienced by—Marshae herself. This petition from ForceChange called for the charges against Marshae to be dropped.
Thanks to DA Washington’s decision, Marshae will not be re-victimized in trial. As AP reported on July 3, Washington correctly stated that “it is not in the best interest of justice to pursue prosecution of Ms. Jones.”
Marshae Jones still has a long road to recovery from this entire, awful ordeal, but DA Washington’s use of discretion in dropping these charges avoids making it even harder. Sign this petition thanking her for doing what justice demanded all along.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Washington,
Prosecutorial discretion is an important part of our legal system, helping to make sure our laws are not applied in an absurd way. Your decision to not pursue the manslaughter case against Marshae Jones is a prime example, and we thank you for ensuring “the best interest of justice” is being served.
This case has been a tragic series of events, as you correctly summarized: “There are no winners, only losers, in this sad ordeal.” Your actions avoided compounding tragedy.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: AJEL
Good. She should have never been charged to begin with and has suffered enough hardships as it is.