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Dear Friends and Family,
For those of you who may not yet be up-to-date on the nature of this fundraising campaign, and as we expressed earlier, it has just passed 6 years since our sister, daughter, lover, wife, mother, aunt, friend, goddaughter, Ayana (Ashley Johnigan), stepped into her prison sentence – her 15 years to life behind bars for the unfortunate car accident that left one beloved woman dead.
My daughter had never before been arrested for DUI, never had an accident, never had any warning because of DUI, which all sets her case at an all time high surprise for the level of her sentence. Even the judge in the sentencing said in court that he chose to place that sentence only because of who the victim was in this case. This is why we continue to ride this turbulent tsunami with Ayana to finally receive fairness for her.
The support we have received during the process of these last months, and as it continues, has held us together as we now enter the final turning point. As it turns out, unfortunately, the District Court judge denied and dismissed the petition that was submitted in early February. We were/ are extremely disappointed by this result. Though we have not given up hope.
HOWEVER, it is possible to take the next step up the ladder.
To keep the possibility of another day in Court and to keep the options of Habeus Corpus alive, Ayana can file a request for review by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Attorney Lisa Holder, who has been assisting us in these legal proceedings, agreed to do the necessary research and write the filings.
We know that Ayana wants to take her case all the way as she has expressed this herself to me. Most recently, she told our friend, Robin Mankey, that she has always believed that if the case can get “out of the State court system”, she has a chance at justice. The 9th Circuit is at the Federal level and consists of a panel of three judges, many of whom have a human-oriented liberal philosophy (i.e. if Ayana’s got a chance, it would be with the right three judges from the 9th Circuit).
The attorney will file a petition with the 9th District Court. We understand from the attorney that there is still a chance that they will receive the petition and grant a “Certificate of Appeal” so that the case can be re-heard.
We are nearing the “end of the road” in the judicial system, meaning that after the 9th Circuit, there is only the United States Supreme Court. Although my daughter Ayana wants to go “all the way” for justice, attorney Lisa Holder did let us know that it is very, very unlikely that the Supreme Court would ever hear this case. So this is our last real chance – the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
How can you help?
PRAYERS: Prayers for Ayana – for her spark of life to keep shining. When praying for her, always use her name ASHLEY JOHNIGAN often because that is how she is placed in this system. Ayana is good as well, as many of you know her only as Ayana and your heartfelt prayers are so sincere when praying for her.
Prayers of support for our family as we continue to ride this emotional rollercoaster (seemingly without seatbelts sometimes — with the nature of the institution being to keep everyone off balance, stressed and disconnected from love and spiritual centers).
PRAYERS: For the best panel of three justices in the 9th Circuit that the Universe can supply to review the case with ONLY a favorable result for Ashley Johnigan. FINALLY.
FUNDING: The goal for current fundraising is $9,000. The IMMEDIATE need is to raise $6,000 due to the lawyer for the filing of the petition (by Friday, April 20, 2015). Don’t let the date deadline keep you from clicking the button, even if after that date.
FUTURE FUNDING: If (and we dare say WHEN) the 9th Circuit agrees to hear the case, there is an estimated $20,000 for lawyer fees to argue the Habeus Corpus matter at the Federal Court level. This will be needed as soon as possible. We are grateful to receive pledges from supporters willing and able to continue their support during that phase, should it manifest.
LOVING SUPPORT: Please send cards, letters, photos (limit of 10 in a letter), of love and support to Ayana. It is very hard for an incarcerated person to not feel forgotten by those who in the outside world. Her birthday is June 14, so please consider sending her birthday cards about 10 days before that day so she will receive them. Postcards arrive very quickly.
Mail to:
Ashley Johnigan
WA2744
California Institute for Women
P.O. Box 8100
Corona, CA 92878
VISITATION: If you would like information on how to be included on her list of visitors, please inquire by email to me and/or Robin Mankey.
It is a miracle that Ayana is alive and a miracle that I have a chance to write these words. Life is so fragile and we will never know another person’s experience. Our dear Ayana has no end in sight – freedom being a mere figment of her imagination, an imagination that is constantly being drugged, chased, invaded, interrupted, held down, held back. With your spiritual support, my daughter feels the shower of love and blessings over her. It is not an easy task for her to not feel alone, that is why the caring presence of our community has touched her, and all of us so tremendously.
Please join us in BELIEVING. BELIEVING that there is a chance. BELIEVING that we are taking that chance. BELIEVING in the commitment, as a family, extended family and community, to freedom for Ayana! Freedom in her heart. Freedom in her spirit. Freedom in her mind! And soon, freedom for her life to use these very hard and harsh lessons learned on her path of becoming the strong, beautiful Soul we all know her to be already !
The extraordinary blessing of receiving so much love and support from places I had not expected has touched our family and my daughter, in particular, immensely. Thank you all so very much.
Should you have any questions and/or ideas that you would like to offer, please direct them to Robin Mankey or myself.
In love, gratitude and
FOR FREEDOM FOR ASHLEY JOHNIGAN NOW
Oshun du Bellay
Robin Mankey
robinmankey@yahoo.com
650-208-3825
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