The Arc of Connecticut was instrumental in the closing of Mansfield Training School in 1990.

Help Joe Arridy Receive a Posthumous Pardon

A SPECIAL REQUEST FROM BOB PERSKE

Dear Colleague:

Denver Attorney David A. Martinez is filing a petition asking Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. to issue a posthumous pardon to Joe Arridy who was wrongfully executed on January 6, 1939. This cause will be helped if a number of "independent persons" chose to write letters that will support the efforts of Attorney Martinez. Here is the plan:

    •    I have volunteered to receive your letters.
PLEASE SEND YOUR HARD COPY VIA U.S. MAIL TO
ROBERT PERSKE
159 HOLLOW TREE RIDGE ROAD
DARIEN, CT 06820

    •    I will assemble the letters and write a cover index that will list all names alphabetically.

    •    The packet will be submitted with the Attorneys' petition and documentation.

    •    THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING THE LETTERS IS LABOR DAY.

Rob Warden, Executive Director, The Center on Wrongful Convictions, Northwestern University School of Law has written an excellent overview in www.friendsofjoearridy.com.

Put your letter in your own words, or feel free to use the following script or parts of it.

IS IT EVER TOO LATE TO DO THE RIGHT THING? PLEASE PASS THIS LETTER ON TO OTHERS.

Thank you.
Bob [Perske]

____________________SAMPLE LETTER____________________


Date:_____________________

Dear Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.:

I know of the situation regarding Joe Arridy, the youth with an intellectual disability who had been labeled  “an imbecile with the mental capacity of a six-year-old child.” He was executed at the Colorado State Penitentiary in 1939.  I recently learned of the efforts seeking a posthumous pardon of Joe Arridy’s death sentence.

I am in support of a pardon for Joe. I believe such a pardon, although symbolic today, will right a wrong that was committed years ago under different times and circumstances that would not be allowed today. Such a pardon would be a monumental act on behalf of all persons with disabilities.

I urge you to issue this pardon to demonstrate that individuals with intellectual disabilities are entitled to the basic human rights and dignity, independent of the unfortunate circumstances under which they often live.

Thank you for every consideration you give my request on behalf of Joe Arridy.



Your Signature, Address, Phone No.



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