In 1995, six teenage boys were involved in a tragic drunken brawl in a backyard "fort-house" in Agoura Hills, CA. One defendant, Jason Holland, testified and took sole responsibility for using a pocketknife in an effort to stop the beating of his younger brother (Micah), which resulted in the tragic, unintentional stabbing death of the 16-yr. old victim. This well-known criminal trial, falling on the heels of the famous OJ Simpson trial, was called a 'Lynching in Malibu: Teens on Trial' by Rolling Stone Magazine in their '97 article on the case.
Yes, unintentionally, Jason committed Manslaughter. As grave a mistake as that is, it does not deserve Life in prison. However, prosecutors charged Felony Murder vs. Manslaugher because of extreme political pressure surrounding this case...and they won. Defendants Jason Holland(18), Micah Holland (15), Brandon Hein (17) and Tony Miliotti (17) were all "first-time offenders" and all given Life sentences - to die in prison. Their punishments are cruel and unusual.
One person (Jason) committed Manslaugher, not murder, and should serve "time" accordingly. Micah, Tony and Brandon should be set free now!! However, we strongly believe that all of them deserve a 2nd chance at living outside of a prison.
Please sign the petition asking California's Governor to step up, to right this wrong. He knows about this case and holds the power of Mercy. Let's ask him to use it!! Please join us in our continued pursuit for justice and "Thank You" for daring to care.
(More info: justice4all4.com)
We the undersigned requests you let this petition serve as our public demand for justice in the case of
The People vs Hein, Holland, Holland and Miliotti (California State Case No: SA022108) and let every signature stand as proof of our dismay over the outcome of their trial and the continued denial of any relief by California's State Appellate Courts. We believe all four (4) defendants were punished too harshly, considering all the facts and details of this case, and we feel the application of California's Felony Murder Rule was cruel and excessive.
We know it is within your power as Governor to grant our request and we know you are familiar with this case. We strongly believe this case was one of Manslaughter versus Felony Murder, and we believe Jason Holland should have been the only defendant punished for such. All four (4) defendants were teenagers and had no previous convictions. There was no robbery, although the opportunity presented itself. Jason Holland was honorable to testify and take responsibility for his own actions and we want him to have a second chance, along with Micah Holland, Anthony Miliotti and Brandon Hein.
All four (4) convicted have served 15 years while their case has been appealled. Although the District Courts have acknowledged and criticized prosecutorial misconduct in this case, they ignore the inhumane consequences of their "harmless error" opinion. We believe the political pressure surrounding the prosecution of this case led to an injustice that has yet to be corrected.
Mr. Governor, you have the power to right this wrong!! We request that you do so.
Please have mercy and grant Executive Clemensy and Commutation of Sentence for Jason Holland, Micah Holland, Anthony Miliotti and Brandon Hein. We thank you for your consideration and urge you to take action.
