Jessica Burlew has been charged for the accidental death of a 43 yr old sexual predator who took advantage of her as a 16 year old runaway from a DCS group home. She has been charged as an adult with 2nd degree murder, and offered a plea to 10 years in prison with no hope of early release. Jessie was diagnosed as autistic and schizoaffective at a young age, and spent most of her life in special education. Jessie has been predominantly in solitary confinement since January 2014, pending trial. There has been no consideration given to her young age, mental illness, or the fact that she was supposed to be safe in DCS custody. She has been denied access to sexual assault and trauma counseling, or even basic mental health services. Her medications are changed frequently, allowing little to no time to adjust. She was not found mentally competent to stand trial until November, 2014, and her trial date was pushed back many times.

On September 4th, Jessica Burlew took a plea from the Maricopa County Superior court, which carries 10 years in prison on one count of 2nd degree murder for the accidental death of 43 year old Jason Ash. Her family and support team feel very strongly that she has been coerced into accepting this plea offer to avoid trial.

There is still hope, however. The severity of the plea that Jessie has been offered has galvanized some of the legal experts that Jessie's support team works with, and they have received a response from an extremely qualified criminal defense attorney who comes highly recommended by others in the legal community. This lawyer has agreed to represent Jessie on a $10,000 retainer, and charge only $20,000 overall. Murder cases typically cost upwards of $100,000 to defend, so this is the first time that a private lawyer has been an achievable goal for Jessie's family and support team. Time is very short though, because the lawyer will need to be retained before she will be able to meet with Jessie and build a case for vacating the plea. Jessie's sentencing is scheduled for October 5th, so retainer funds must be met prior to that.

So many people have spoken out on Jessie Burlew's behalf and helped share her story. Now, you can do so much more. Please help us raise the money to retain a lawyer for Jessie. DONATE what you can, SHARE the fundraiser, and FIGHT for Jessie.

Jessie cannot get back the 20 months of her life that she has spent in a cell, but there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for her. She has not been allowed a safe and healthy environment and is now facing the complete loss of any youth she has left. Jessie Burlew has been treated as a threat to the society that completely ignored and failed her as a special needs child, a mentally ill teenager and the survivor of sexual violence when she was most vulnerable. We thank all of you for your support so far for Jessie. Now, we need all hands on deck.

Together, we can fight for Jessie.

To learn more about Jessie, her story, and her treatment behind bars, please visit her support pages at www.freejessieb.org and on facebook.

ALL FUNDS FROM THE PREVIOUS FUNDRAISING SITE HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED AND INCLUDED INTO THIS SITE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!