Dorothy asked for help before everything changed.

One night during the abuse, she called dispatch asking for police patrol because she was afraid for her safety. No officer ever came.

Today, Dorothy is serving a 30-year prison sentence in Texas after the death of the man who had abused her for years.

I have known Dorothy since she was 15 years old. I was 17 when we met, and now at 30 I can say with certainty that she is one of the most caring, hardworking people I have ever known. She is also a mother who loves her child deeply.

Behind closed doors, Dorothy was living through years of domestic violence. I personally saw the bruises. I witnessed the way she was spoken to, the way her arms were grabbed, and the control she lived under.

In 2020, during the COVID lockdown period, the situation escalated and ended in tragedy.

Dorothy was later convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison after prosecutors argued the act was premeditated.

But there are witnesses to the abuse Dorothy endured, and we believe critical parts of her story were never fully heard. Some testimony that could have explained the history of violence was even removed from the record.

Recently, an appellate attorney reached out after learning about Dorothy’s case and believes there may be serious issues with how the trial was handled.

Dorothy has now been in prison for two years.

We are trying to raise $3,400 for the attorney’s case review and retainer to begin the appeal process. This review will determine the legal grounds for challenging the conviction.

The full appeal could cost between $10,000 and $30,000, but right now our goal is simply to start the process and give Dorothy the chance to have her case properly reviewed.

Dorothy is more than an inmate number. She is someone I have known for half my life. She is a mother, a friend, and someone whose story deserves to be fully heard.

If you can donate, share, or help spread her story, it could give Dorothy the chance to fight for justice.

Disclaimers:

All funds are intended solely for legal defense costs. 

1. Givers do not establish an attorney-client relationship by contributing
2. Givers cannot interfere with legal strategy
3. Givers aren’t entitled to confidential/privileged info