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http://www.change.org/petitions/free-marissa-alexander

http://www.change.org/petitions/free-marissa-alexander
(Paraphrased from Marissa's Letter)http://www.justiceformarissa.blogspot.com
Marissa Alexander is a mother of three children (twins plus one), and is presently incarcerated at the Pretrial Detention Facility in Jacksonville, Florida which is located in Duval county. She currently awaits sentencing because she wanted to save her own life. Marissa was convicted by a jury of 6 on 3 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with no intent to harm. Marissa Alexander did not have a criminal record before this incident.
Marissa's husband has a documented history of violence and domestic abuse toward women. The history of Marissa Alexander and her husband includes an injunction for protection against violence and was active during August 2010. In a jealous rage, Marissa's husband violently confronted her while she used the bathroom. She was assaulted, shoved, strangled and held against her will. She was prevented from escaping and was not able to obtain her cell phone to call 911.
Her husband was asked to leave repeatedly. He and his two sons (Marissa's stepsons), were supposed to have exited through the front door but, did not. Her husband entered the kitchen wich leads to the garage and saw that Marissa was unable to leave via the malfunctioning garage door. Her husband yelled "Bitch I will kill you!" and charged toward her. Marissa had retrieved her liscensed and registered gun which she owned for years before even meeting her husband – from her vehicle. She held the weapon in her right hand down by her side as he yelled, "Bitch I Will Kill You! And charged toward her. In fear and desperation, Marissa Alexander lifted her weapon, turned away and discharged a single shot in the ceiling. As she stood her ground – that single shot prevented him from doing that which he had threatened. He ran out of the house where he contacted police and falsely reported that Marissa Alexander shot at him and his 2 sons. The police took Marissa Alexander into custody.
The state of Florida has a self-defense law which includes the right to Stand Your Ground. Marissa Alexander did not receive immunity under this law.
Alexander's husband admitted that he was the agressor, threatened her life and was so enraged that he did not know what he would do – this being under sworn statement in November of 2010.
Alexander's husband was arrested for domestic violence twice – once for abuse against Alexander. That attack landed Alexander in the hospital.
Visit Marissa Alexander's blog for her story in her own words. –http://www.justiceformarissa.blogspot.com
To:
The U.S. Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives
The Governor of FL
The FL State Senate
The FL State House
The State of Florida, Senator Audrey Gibson
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Department of Justice
Angela Corey, State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit
I just signed the following petition addressed to: state of florida.

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On August 1, 2010, nine days after giving birth, Marissa Alexander tried to save her own life from her violent husband. Marissa fired a single shot into the ceiling of her home. Her weapon was registered, licensed and she held a concealed weapons permit.

Marissa was not granted immunity under Florida's Stand Your Ground Statute and faces MANDATORY 20 years in prison.

No one was shot, killed, injured or, hospitalized during this incident. Marissa does not have a prior criminal record.

In July of 2011, a hearing was held. Testimony included Marissa Alexander and the alleged victims (her husband and his sons).

After the hearing, Judge Elizabeth Senterfitt denied The Stand Your Ground Motion. Judge Senterfitt, a former prosecutor, also cited that Alexander could have exited the house through a window, front door and/or, sliding glass back door. The law specifically states: No duty to retreat.

Alexander's case went to trial where one of her husband's sons testified against her and the second son - who does not live with his father - testified to the truth.

According to her husband's deposition he admits to previous instances of domestic violence, including against Marissa, he admits that he told her, "if I can't have you, no one can," and that he was enraged that she intended to leave him.

I'm seeking justice, in the case of Marissa Alexander, that means freedom.
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Sincerely,
Sincerely,
[Your name]