Locked up since 14, Adolfo Davis makes plea for clemency

By Linda Paul, Wbez.org,

Adolfo Davis of Chicago was sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole for a crime committed when he was 14. Tomorrow, in a process little known by the public, Adolfo’s advocates will step before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board to make his case for clemency. This is the story of what brought him to that place.

At Stateville, a maximum security prison in Joliet, Illinois, I’m meeting again with Adolfo Davis, who surprises me a little. He’s more self-assured and optimistic than I remember.

DAVIS:  I see miracles still happen behind these walls. So, I’m grateful that I’m able to reach out to kids and show them they reality, before they end up where I’m at, so….

A lot has happened in Adolfo’s past four years. With plenty of outside help, he’s been able to put together a book of poetry, take an introductory college-level course, mentor a couple of at-risk kids by phone and, mount a plea for clemency.

A number of public figures have written letters to the governor in support of his bid for forgiveness and freedom, Judge Abner Mikva, State Representative Esther Golar and Cardinal Francis George, just to name a few.

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