Support Joshua Bailey for a Sentence Reduction

RE; Case #98-CF-011072 State of Florida v. Joshua Bailey

Joshua Bailey was arrested in June of 1998 and a year later in June of 1999 he was convicted of First Degree Murder and sentenced to LIFE in prison. Although Joshua had never been in trouble before he admits to committing a crime but he has maintained his innocence for the crime of murder. Based on the date of the offense he is not eligible for any type of parole in the state of Florida, which means he will die in prison for a murder he did not commit. 

Witness testimony was excluded from Joshua's trial that showed his co-defendant had admitted to the killing and to acting alone. His co-defendant was convicted using that testimony and is serving a 20 year sentence for Second Degree Murder while Joshua is serving a draconian sentence of natural life. His sentence is disproportionate to the role he played in the crime and we are asking the courts and State Attorney's Office to consider a reduction in sentence or plea agreement due to his age at the time of the offense (just weeks after his 19th birthday) and to his actions since his incarceration.

Joshua has been a model inmate and tirelessly pursued and been awarded numerous academic and self-betterment achievements. Since being incarcerated he has started and currently facilitates a chaplaincy program that has changed the lives of many inmates and volunteers and has expanded through out the state of Florida and inspired other such programs around the world. His efforts also started a prison yoga program, which is improving inmate's health and mental well being. This benefits the state by helping to lower the cost of health care in the state facility. Joshua is also involved in forming a non profit organization in conjunction with members of the community, business owners, and probation specialists to lessen the burden of government and reduce the rate of recidivism by providing currently incarcerated inmates the opportunity to fully pursue and achieve their educational potential as well as provide housing, vocational training and job assistance to those released from prison.

Investigation Discovery filmed a one hour documentary about Joshua and his wife, Jane for their "Prison Wives" series that aired in February of 2010. It is currently in reruns and can be seen by purchasing the episodes at itunes or amazon. For more information you can visit the Prison Wives website at http://www.prisonwivesid.com/. If you would like to go the extra mile and write a letter of support it would be much appreciated and can be sent to Jane Bailey at janebailey04@yahoo.com or mailed to Jane Bailey, PO Box 1080, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Thank you for your support!!!