Free Corey Jackson

End of January

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:50:00 +0000

Hello All,

Sorry for the delay in updates. Some of you have been writing to
follow-up on Corey's appeal. We ask that you still continue to pray
for Corey and his family.

The lawyer's office informed us that the courts have until the end of
January, first of February to make a ruling on Corey's case. It is our
hope and prayers that all charges be dropped and Corey be freed, or at
the very least give him another day in court.

Again, we ask for prayers for Corey. He's been thankful for the
response thus far and extends his thanks to those who have taken the
time to care.

Corey's story made front page in Sunday's paper (The Herald Leader)

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:42:00 +0000

I got up this morning at 7:22 a.m. and headed to the grocery store to pick up a few items. On my way I remembered that Corey's story would be in the paper today. Yes, the Herald Leader came through for us. I was so happy when we were told that they would definitely be able to do the story. But I was even more surprised to find out that it made front page on Sunday's paper.

Overall, I was pleased with the story but a couple of details were incorrect.

The DA mentioned that the people living with my mom paid rent which is untrue. I find it odd, during the trial, she brought up that they did NOT pay rent but later changed the statement when talking to the Herald Leader. She also said that the witnesses could not place Corey at the house. This is also untrue. One of the witnesses said they remember when Corey left because a specific television show was on.

Also, the issue about the chain Corey was wearing was NEVER mentioned in the police report and from what we were told was not mentioned until trial.

Another discrepancy is that Corey was arrested for carrying a loaded gun prior to the incident. This is also not true, there was a gun but it was not loaded and it also wasn't his.

The detective said Corey mentioned his baseball cap as not being in the description. But according to Corey he mentioned his baseball cap AFTER the detective told him the description.

And in defense of my little brother getting in a fight at Henry Clay High School, the young man involved was a year younger than my little brother. This young man actually tried to jump Corey and Corey fought back. The young man's mother decided to press charges because Corey was 18. Corey decided to plead guilty because he said in his own words "I did it. I fought him". This was a case where both parties were guilty but Corey didn't pursue it any further.

I'm still in awe that this has all happened. Like I said before, Corey is a good kid. I still say there is more to this story than even the Kirkland's are willing to tell. Some of the story just doesn't fit. My little brother refused to plead guilty because he felt like justice would prevail. I'm hoping and believing this time it will. But I am extremely appreciative to the Herald Leader and Delano Massey for giving us a voice. And once again thanks to all of those who have supported us thus far.

Shawna

The Herald Leader

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:55:00 +0000

My husband has set up the blog that now makes it so easy to get to. Today I spoke with the Herald Leader. At this point I am fighting to get the story in the newspaper.

Before I had no doubt...even though my mom did. Now I really don't know what's going to happen. I feel like if the story not run, then the Kirklands, the police and the state win. I trusted the guy who was going to do the story ... now he acts like it just won't be done at all. Even though he assured me before that it would be ... and I in turn assured my mom.

But I refuse to give up.

Ms. M. Davis, who is also a reporter said something to me today that was so powerful. She lost her brother last week. She's also been trying to help me get the story out. But she said, "I understand where you are. You are still fighting for our brother, I no longer have to fight for mine." That's the whole thing in a nut shell. I have to FIGHT for my little brother.

The newspaper doesn't care, the state doesn't care, the police don't care ... it seems like NOONE cares. So, at this point I'll be his voice and continue to fight.

Shawna

Another incident

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:33:00 +0000

On August 20, 2008 on a beautiful sunny afternoon, while playing with my twin girls, my husband told me to look out of my living room window...a policeman had pulled over two young black males who looked about 14 years old.

These young men were riding there bikes through my neighborhood which is a new construction. I continued to watch and was on my way outside but decided to send my husband to go check into it. My reasoning: I did not want what happened to my little brother to happen to anyone else. I also wanted to make sure these young men had actually done something. BUT....they were just riding through the neighborhood. Both living in adjacent neighborhoods....all they were guilty of that day was being young and black.

It brought back sooooo many memories. The first emotion I felt was anger. The policeman said he was trying to keep the neighborhood safe. He stated he hadn't seen them in this neighborhood....but (to my knowledge) he doesn't live in this neighborhood. So, how would he know. There have been times where I've seen unknown shady people in this neighborhood and I've not seen them pulled over once.

I am still struggling not to pull out the old Public Enemy CD's.

I HAVE TRULY HAD IT!!!!

I am now trying to figure out what more I can do. But at this point what time I do have has to be devoted to getting my little brother out of prison for a crime he didn't commit. I am now working on a new article. I am also trying to get his story published with the Lexington Herald Leader. Still wondering in my mind why and how. He's a good kid. But because he's a black male....no one cares. But I will continue to fight. PREFERABLY with my Public Enemy CD's..... But PROBABLY without. : )

Shawna

Still Holding On!

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:12:00 +0000

Corey is doing well. Still in really good spirits. Spoke with Sam Potter who is representing Corey in the appeal. I'm praying this will work. The appeal goes through on Feb 15th. I still sometimes can't believe this is happening. I still think about the people who accused him. Wonder if they can sleep at night. Still think the whole story is not being told...but one day the truth will come out. I do believe that this will work for the good of Corey. He goes to church everyday that he can. Reads his bible often. He also took his GED pre test and scored 37 out of 40. He's never taken the GED or the pre test. This was his first time. He's also taking carpentry classed to help with his dream of becoming an architect. They don't offer any other classes so he's taking what he can. Oh, they have moved him to Eastern KY Correctional Complex, 200 Road to Justice, West Liberty KY 41472. His number his Corey Wayne Jackson/213698/2DL05. He also wanted me to thank everyone for their prayers. Please continue to pray with us and for him.

Positive Outlook

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:38:00 +0000

Hello Everyone. The WGO staff here posting an update about Corey. The last letter received from Corey was very promising. Corey is in good spirits about his situation. Have things changed? No. But Corey, most certainly has. He has been attending bible studies while in prison and is even more certain that things will work out for the good. He is still striving to attain his GED so that he may do Architecture once he is released. He is hopeful that his innocence will be proven.

Via his last letter, Corey personally wants to let those who read the blog know that all is well and that he thanks everyone for their support and prayers.

Please don't forget the plight of Corey Wayne Jackson.

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:57:00 +0000

Last week, I received a call from Corey that they would be sending him to the pen. Devastating news....just don't know what to expect when he arrives. Today, received a letter from Corey. Reading it really got to me. He said he's extremely hungry. Said he slept the first day off but couldn't do it the second day. When he was here, I always made sure he had money on his books so he wouldn't be hungry. He's 19 yrs old...growing...and has always eaten alot. Thought about the people who accused him. Praying to God to help me forgive them. They are comfortable and snug..no worries...while we pray for Corey's safety everyday. I feel as if they did know what they were doing. I feel as if they did know they had the wrong person. But noone cared...noone really cared. I try not to allow all of this to get to me. Pregnant with with twins...and have to stay as stress free as possible. The only hope that I hold onto is that God will prevail....because the justice system didn't. BUT Corey's attitude is still awesome. He's still determined to take advantage of his time. Still wants to pursue a career as an architect. I'm believing that he will be successful. Regardless of the circumstances. If anyone would like to write the address is:Corey Wayne Jackson/ 213698 --- Roederer Correctional Complex --- P.O. Box 69 --- LaGrange, KY 40031. Also if anyone would like to send money, it has to be a money order from the US Postal office, made out to him with his number behind his name (213698). Also, under his name, it must say "Inmate's Account". Nothing else can be in the envelope with the money order. Just the money order alone. Thanks to everyone for your support.

In Good Spirits

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:35:00 +0000

Corey called the other night. He's doing so well in spite of the circumstances. He told me that he would do the whole 13 years rather than admit to something he didn't do. He's only 19 years old...an age that doesn't always show a lot of maturity. And yet he's showing not only maturity but courage as well. I'm actually proud of how he's handling all of this. We will definitely continue to fight for him. WGO magazine and The Key Journal have helped with our efforts in so many ways. We've also had a tremendous amount of support. We are truly thankful for everyone.

His sister,

Shawna

Thanks for your Support

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:30:00 +0000

Many things have happened since the last blog. The magazine has generated so much support. So many people have stepped in to help without asking us what needs to be done. People from all over. The magazine has reached places like Texas, Washington DC, Illinois and even Oprah (smile) God Bless to EVERYONE for your support. We are also greatful for Sis. Mohammed, who referred us to Kate Dunn (former defense lawyer). Ms. Dunn started the appeal process on September the 18, 2007. We are hoping this will generate a new trial. Corey is in good spirits. It amazes me at times how positive he is. I'm sure it helps to know he has people that support him. I've informed him of all that has happened. At this point we just want to keep him as comfortable as possible until we can get him out. For anyone who wants to write or send him cards or any type of monetary gift, the address is: Corey Wayne Jackson #115086, 600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40502

Once again, Thanks to everyone for your support!!!!!!

INJUSTICE Served The story of Corey Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:26:00 +0000

--- The following is from an article in WGO Magazine. Written by: Tony Rawlings---

A woman is robbed for her purse. It is an all too common occurrence— one that happens nearly everyday, in nearly every city. How many times are they reported? How many times do the authorities catch the perpetrator? How often do they get the right person?

This is the story of a case in which the police got the wrong person, and the actual criminal is still at large…

On Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 7:20 am, the Lexington Police Department received a call that a robbery had occurred on Second Street near TD’s Bar and Grille. According to the police report, a female (name has been omitted to protect her identity) was robbed at gun point by a black man wearing a green coat with fur trim. Officers in unmarked cars were dispatched to the area in response to the call.

Only a few blocks away at approximately 7:30 am, then 18 year-old Corey Wayne Jackson took out the trash before kissing his mother goodbye. Corey had set out to catch the bus to take the exam for his GED. Little did he know that the casual walk to the bus stop would change his life forever.

“Before I left the house, I don’t know; it was something like a sixth sense. As I was getting dressed to leave the house, I heard sirens. I know police sirens from other sirens. I didn’t know what they were out for, but I knew [something major was happening in the area.]”

Coery’s walk from his mother’s home on Eastern Avenue to the bus stop at the corner of Third and Race Street came to an abrupt end when he was arrested by four officers in two unmarked cars who responded to the call of the aforementioned purse snatching. Corey recounts that morning:

“Since we had moved to a new area, I was not sure what store was open that early. All I had was a twenty [dollar bill] so I needed to get change before walking downtown to catch the bus. As I walked [up Second Street] to Third Street, I could see the store [Pak-N-Save] but could not tell if it was open. I got closer to Race [Street] and realized the store was closed because the [security] gate was still on it.

“When I turned around there were two detective cars sitting there. I kept walking and then two cars with two police officers in each one were hanging out looking [at me]. I put my hands up like this (gestures with hands) like ‘what?’ They didn’t do anything; they just kept driving. I walked past Eastern Avenue and some cops went around me. Then another car came and it stopped. I kept walking and then they surrounded me and told me that I matched the description.”

However, he did not match the description, as the perpetrator was said by the witness to have worn a green coat with fur. Corey wore no such coat. In actuality, he was wearing a brown jacket, a red hat, and a wallet chain; none of which were mentioned by the victim in her report. In addition, none of the items in the stolen purse were found in Corey’s possession when he was apprehended.

At 8:20 am, Corey was processed downtown for an arrest as the lone suspect in the purse snatching and sat many miles away from where he had planned to take the GED test. Still at home, his mother, Theresa Carr, suddenly found herself on the receiving end of bad news.

“The police came and knocked on my door, and told me that they had my son in custody. I wanted to know [why]. He just walked out the door, so he couldn’t have done anything,” recalls Ms. Carr.

Meanwhile, Corey was questioned and he asked a few questions of his own. “The first thing I asked was ‘what’s the description?’ and [the officer] told me ‘a green coat with fur.’ I said, ‘How can you mistake a brown coat for a green coat? What about my wallet chain? What about my red hat? How can you miss a red hat?’ It just didn’t [fit].”

After the interrogation, Corey was placed in a lineup for the victim to see if she recognized any of the suspects. This particular lineup, however, was one for the record books.

“It wasn’t a line up. It was just me, standing by myself with my hands [cuffed] behind my back; it wasn’t good.”

Anyone would look guilty in that position, especially a dark-skinned African American male when the alleged suspect in the crime was also a dark-skinned African American man. It appeared that the case was as good as closed.

“The only thing that was going through my mind was 10 to 20, once they told me what [the sentence] carried. I cannot do that.’” Unfortunately, Corey’s worst fears became reality.

In the July 17th trial, Corey Jackson was sentenced to 13 years in prison by a jury of his “peers”; a jury which consisted of 10 white females, one white male and one black male. Presently, he awaits final sentencing August 31st at the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Detention Center. As much as this trying situation has weighed on him, it has weighed on his family equally. Corey’s mother, Theresa details the difficulty:

“It’s been stressful. His little brother (Dominique, 17) almost lost it. Needless to say, it has stressed me out too because I don’t want him in there for something he didn’t do. I was totally positive that when we went to court on the [July] 17th, that I would be bringing him home with me. He doesn’t need to be locked up because he didn’t do it. Once they picked up Corey, I don’t think they tried to find anybody else. A lot of it seems fabricated; they’re railroading my baby and I don’t appreciate that because he deserves better. He really does.”

When examining the entire situation, Corey is grateful for the support of his family. “[Their support has meant] a lot. If is it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have commissary; I wouldn’t have a lawyer. You wouldn’t know about this if it wasn’t for them. I try not to be stressed in here because I know I got good people behind me.”

Ms. Carr’s support has never wavered no matter how grim the circumstances appear. “Staying positive [for Corey] is not a problem because I figure that justice will be served and he will be found innocent.”

Corey also holds a hopeful outlook. “I can’t do time for something I didn’t do. I just hope to be out, and see my family.”

There are two victims affected by the crime committed on that October day. Obviously, the innocent person taking a walk with her husband did not deserve the senseless mistreatment that occurred that morning.

Yet, the overlooked second victim was also an innocent person who did not warrant the actions brought against him. Corey Wayne Jackson was arrested for simply trying to catch a bus to take his GED exam.

While the alleged victim may sleep with the satisfaction that there is a man behind bars, Jackson is literally fighting for his life. Though a man was detained in this case, justice was not served. There is absolutely no evidence to support the guilty charge against Corey Jackson. None of the belongings from the purse were found at the time of the arrest and the police never searched his residence.

Now the two worst possible outcomes exist from this crime; a criminal is still on the loose and an innocent man spends months and quite possibly years confined.

Surely it is disturbing to read that a young man’s freedom has been unjustly taken from him. But, it is your voice of concern, along with the rest of the community, that could prevent this injustice by reaching out to the newspapers, radios, politicians and anyone else who will listen about the Corey Jackson story. Corey and his family thank you in advance for your allegiance to a just society.

God bless and Free Corey Jackson!

For further enquiry e-mail: info@wgomag.com

WGO Magazine Releases Corey Jackson Story

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:40:00 +0000

This past weekend WGO Magazine released an early edition issue showcasing the story of Corey Jackson. The magazine can be viewed at WGOMAG . On the site, click on the the pdf image of the magazine to download.

We're hoping that we can garner support for Corey by allowing people to read his story and gain insight as to what exactly happened to him. The family as well as the WGO staff are currently working to get his story in other publications to further spread the news.

Please help us continue to spread the word. We encourage you to leave feedback and tell others. Our objective is to:

FREE COREY JACKSON!

Sentencing

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:44:00 +0000

This past Friday, August 31, 2007, Corey Wayne Jackson was sentenced to serve 13 years in prison. An article was written last Thursday about the first murder in Lexington. The murderer received 10 years in prison. Corey received more time than a murderer for a crime he did not commit. Now the appeal process will begin.

Help Free Corey

noreply@blogger.com (WGO Staff) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 04:02:00 +0000

This blog has been created to help free Corey Jackson of Lexington, KY, who has been wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit.

This blog will be maintained by family and friends along with Lafe Taylor Innovative Design Studios and the staff of WGOmag.com. Our hope is to generate enough interest in the case so that people will begin to speak out about injustices that occur every day for the disadvantaged that can't buy adequate representation in court and get tossed aside as another stat of the system.

This blog will contain updates in the case of Corey Jackson and the facts surrounding the case. We hope that those who know Corey will keep him in your prayers as well as speak out and effect change. For those of you who read this and don't know Corey, we hope that by reading the information here you will get a feel for who he is and care enough to take action.

Please help us FREE COREY!