Samantha, or Sam as she is commonly called by her family and friends, was arrested January 2, 2003 at the age of 20. She, along with five other young men, were taken into custody and charged with several counts of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, and for the death of Michael Norby. Through the investigation process, it was learned that Sam had very little knowledge of the crimes that were committed and that her direct role in the crimes that took place, was that of the driver to and from the scene, the scene that she never saw. It was, and still is understood by the authorities, i.e. judges, attorneys, prosecution, police officers, and detectives alike that Sam was never at a crime scene and never took a direct role as a participant in the robberies or the death of Mr. Norby. However, she was charged, indicted and sentenced as though she did. What we are asking of you by signing this petition on behalf and in support of Samantha, is that, for her to be given a less harsh sentence. She takes full responsibility for her actions and does not ask, nor does she expect to be released as though she were not guilty of anything. She does, however, hope that she can get a sentence that is fair and consistent with what she is guilty of, that is being the driver for the crimes, a very minimal, non-violent role. We, as well as Sam, understand and agree that nothing can justify the crimes that were committed, or the life that was taken. By signing this petition with us, Samantha’s family and friends, you are helping to give her a chance to live a successful life after she has fulfilled her responsibility to the citizens of the State of Georgia and the Department of Corrections.
