Tell Governor Parson You Support Clemency For Bobby Bostic

As a teenager, in 1997, Bobby Bostic was sentenced to 241 years. He did not kill anyone yet he will not be eligible for parole until he is 112 years old. This sentence was unjust and unconstitutional – even his sentencing judge now thinks so. Kids are different and the law has to reflect that. We know that the juvenile brain does not mature until our early twenties. We know this. The Supreme Court knows this. It is time for Governor Parson to right this wrong.

Bobby is caught up in the system because of a technicality. His sentence was structured as multiple sentences adding up to 241 rather than a "life sentence." If his sentence had those magic words, "life sentence," he would already be eligible for parole because the Supreme Court ruled that juveniles must have a second chance.

Bobby deserves a second chance. He has used his time in prison to get an education, become an author, and mentor others. It is time for Bobby to rejoin society. Tell Governor Parson you support clemency for Bobby Bostic.

Dear Governor Parson,

I am calling on you to show grace and grant Bobby Bostic clemency. Bobby's 241-year sentence is unconstitutional, unnecessary, and cruel. Judge Baker, who originally sentenced Bobby, stated, "I can say with conviction that Bobby deserves clemency."

Bobby does not deserve to die in prison for a crime he committed at the age of 16. As State Representative Nick Schroer has pointed out, "It is noteworthy to mention that zero of these victims from that one night have indicated that they are against Mr. Bostic being granted clemency or parole."

Bobby has spent his time in prison, working to better himself through writing and education. He deserves a second chance to become a productive and contributing member of Missouri, and he deserves a second chance.

I ask you to do what is right and grant Bobby Bostic clemency.