BackCLEMENCY PETITION
Christy Marie Camp W-32687
Valley State Prison for Women
P.O. Box 92 D4-02-04L
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092October 15, 2000
In Re: Clemency Petition, Christy Marie Camp Case #BPT-91-0089
Dear Mr. Davis, Governor of the State of California
I am writing this letter on my own behalf regarding a clemency petition awaiting your decision in the Legal Affairs division of your office.
This petition was filed in 1992 with the help of a group of attorneys who consolidated to assist Battered Women who had been convicted and sentenced to lengthy terms in state prison for crimes directly related to the Battered Woman’s Syndrome; a legal defense that was not recognized in the California courts until 1992. I was convicted in 1989.
In 1987, during a domestic dispute with my husband of six and a half years, Michael James Camp, I stabbed him once. I immediately called 911 but they could not resuscitate him. My action led to his death and I was devastated and consumed with guilt for what I had done. I cooperated with the authorities completely and my statements were the basis of my conviction again, this was in 1989 before a jury was allowed to consider my actions as those of one in imminent danger or fear for their life.
I have since served over a decade in prison, 12 years thus far.
I came to prison with a 7th grade education. I now have an A. A. degree. I have gone through times of sabotaging myself because of the guilt I carry every day for what I have done and the fact that I am alive and my husband isn't. But I’ve fought with myself to go on. I've initiated and continue to participate in activities that will assure I can be a positive and productive member of society upon my release.
Currently, I am training to become a mentor for the newly-established Substance Abuse Program here at Valley State Prison. Everyday I interact with female counselors who have in their own pasts seen or inflicted upon themselves and others situations of violence, alcoholism and drug dependency. They have suffered feelings of worthlessness and despair and they have pulled their lives together and overcome the situations that tormented them daily physically and mentally. They are my role models and inspiration. I also work with the Substance Abuse psychologist once a week.
This is just a small portion of my daily life in here. I try to encourage all the ladies serving time that they can still make something of their lives and accomplish anything if they have a desire to do so.
On September 05, 2000 I went before the Parole Board for consideration. I was nervous and ashamed. But I did discuss my situation to the best of my ability. I committed my offense in San Bernardino County and there are two residential drug programs in that county that will accept me. These arrangements I had made on my own prior to being accepted as a mentor for the Walden House S.A.P. program here. However, both these programs have a contract with Walden House and the Transition Coordinator here could arrange my placement. However, she cannot do this until I have a release date.
Right before my scheduled parole hearing, I was contacted via phone by Connie Axelrod, an investigator with the Board of Prison Terms to answer questions about my clemency petition. But, to date, nothing further has happened.
I've made it a point to stay on top of new changes in the law and to follow related news stories and three things have come to my attention that would apply to my situation:
The change in law in 1992 regarding Battered Woman Syndrome admissibility in court. I was convicted in 1989. I also testified at the Legislative Hearing that resulted in this law.
Your agreement to the release of Rose Ann Parker (a woman convicted of 2nd Degree murder) who, as well as myself, was not able to have Battered Women Syndrome considered at her trial.
The recent bill authored by Senator John Burton which you signed into law mandates the Parole Board consider Battered Women Syndrome at lifer suitability hearings.
Again, this law became effective after I could gain its benefit because my parole suitability hearing had already been held.
Mr. Davis, I was a 14-year-old girl when I met Michael and married him. He was 25. I am now almost 34 years old, and have never had an opportunity to be free. I was a prisoner long before my crime.
I've matured and I only want to help others by my own experiences. I know I'm not a threat to anyone or anything and that I would be a benefit to society. I am writing you this letter now because October is the month that the Nation recognizes as Domestic Violence Awareness month.
I am asking you to please look at my case. I feel it is an extraordinary and compelling one; if you'll just look and not look away like so many people do when they see domestic violence in front of their own eyes.
Sincerely,
E-mail Christy Marie Camp Bio/Address
cc:
Connie Axelrod, BPT Senior Investigator (916) 323--0946
Peggy Bachlor, BPT Chief of Investigations (916) 323-0946
BPT Commissioners (916) 445-4072
Gary Diamond, Attorney for Petitioner (916) 315-0817
Governor's Legal Affairs Division (916) 44S-0873