A Second Chance:Jerry Herron Jr. Seeks Clemency & Parole in Arkansas
A Story of Justice, Redemption, and Transformation
Jerry Herron Jr. is seeking Parole and Clemency in Arkansas
For 23 years, Jerry Herron has been incarcerated in Arkansas's prison system, serving a life sentence following a tragic incident of self-defense in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Today, he's seeking clemency in Arkansas from the Governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and the Arkansas Parole Board, presenting a powerful case for justice and second chances. His story exemplifies why clemency in Arkansas must be revitalized as a tool for recognizing genuine rehabilitation and transformation.
Read our Mission HERE and help us create positive change in Arkansas's justice system.
The Path to Clemency in Arkansas
In 2002, at age 21, Jerry Herron made a split-second decision during a dangerous confrontation that resulted in a loss of life. Though convicted of murder in a trial marked by significant legal concerns, including juror misconduct and issues with evidence authentication, Jerry has transformed his time in prison into a journey of redemption and personal growth. The constitutional violations in his case highlight the importance of clemency as a mechanism for addressing judicial oversights.
The Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board and Governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have the power to grant clemency in Arkansas, recognizing cases where justice, mercy, and rehabilitation intersect. Jerry Herron's case exemplifies why state clemency power matters in our criminal justice system, particularly in cases where procedural errors may have influenced the original outcome.
Learn how clemency works as a vital tool for justice and second chances in Arkansas's legal system HERE.
Jerry's Story: A Journey from Trauma to Transformation
Born and raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, Jerry faced significant challenges from an early age. He lost his father to violence at age 4, and his mother's battle with multiple sclerosis forced him to become self-reliant too soon. Despite participating in positive activities like boy scouts and sports, the harsh realities of his environment and family circumstances led him down a difficult path. Understanding his background is crucial to appreciating the depth of his transformation.
Explore his early years in Stuttgart and understand how childhood trauma and community challenges shaped his path. Read his story HERE.
Jerry has spent over 8,305 days in prison
Clemency is not just about leniency—it’s about recognizing genuine rehabilitation and allowing people like Jerry the opportunity to re-enter society as a productive, responsible citizen who is not a threat to his community but wants to be an asset to help others avoid the errors he made as an adolescent.
Jerry's Transformation in an Arkansas Prison
During his incarceration in Arkansas's prison system, Jerry Herron has:
Become a respected mentor to incoming inmates, helping them adjust to prison life
Served as a law library worker, helping others understand legal processes
Completed every available educational and rehabilitation program
Led prison sports programs, earning recognition as All-Star MVP
Prepared for future employment by studying for his CDL certification
Developed comprehensive anger management and life skills
Mastered stress management and communication techniques
Earned certificates in substance abuse programs and advanced parenting
Demonstrated leadership in recreational activities, including chess championships
Created a detailed parole plan focused on community service and rehabilitation
Review the details of the 2002 incident, trial proceedings, and legal complications that led to a life sentence HERE.
Discover how Jerry transformed himself through education, mentorship, and dedication to personal development HERE.
See his Achievements in academics and sports in prison HERE.
“I believe in complete transparency when it comes to my case. I have made all relevant documents available for public review where you can explore the full history of my case, including crime scene photos, investigator notes, trial transcripts, and post-conviction appeals. By making these documents available, I aim to build trust and ensure that you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about supporting my clemency application. We hope to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal journey that has led me to this point and I hope you can put your detective goggles on and decipher the real truth of my case. I will be available to answer any questions you may have if you want to send me an email through the prison email system.” - Jerry Herron Jr.
Connect directly with Jerry through the prison email system to share support or ask questions about his journey HERE.
Constitutional Issues and Legal Concerns of the Case
We want to present the legal ramifications of this case and be transparent with anyone who reads his story, as well as the legal community and the citizens of Arkansas. Our goal is not to re-argue the case but to present mitigating evidence and expose the truth behind his conviction.
This case presents several significant legal issues that support his petition for clemency in Arkansas:
Juror misconduct during voir dire that compromised his right to a fair trial
Issues with evidence authentication and bullet testing
Failures in the proper instruction of lesser included offenses
Challenges with effective assistance of counsel
Questions surrounding self-defense justification
Examine the constitutional violations and procedural errors that impacted Jerry's right to a fair trial HERE.
Access court documents, evidence, appeals, and a comprehensive timeline of his legal journey HERE.
3 Easy Ways to Help Jerry with his Arkansas Clemency Campaign
Write a letter of support.
Letters from community members carry significant weight with the Arkansas Parole Board. We provide templates to help you craft a effective letter supporting Jerry's clemency application. Your personal perspective on why Jerry deserves clemency in Arkansas can make a real difference.
Sign and share the petition.
Your signature strengthens Jerry's clemency application to the Arkansas Parole Board and Governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Every voice matters in our fight for justice in Arkansas. The petition demonstrates community support for clemency reform and recognition of rehabilitation.
Make a video or write a testimonial.
Do you know Jerry personally, have witnessed his growth as a person in prison & can vouch for his readiness to re-enter society? Or are you willing to help Jerry with things he needs if he gets out of prison such as vouching to give him employment or helping Jerry with anything post prison? If so, please reach out to us to send in a written testimonial or a video for Jerry.
Jerry’s Vision for the Future
Upon receiving clemency, time commutation and parole in Arkansas, Jerry Herron has developed a comprehensive plan for success:
Mentor at-risk youth in Stuttgart and surrounding Arkansas communities
Work in transportation or construction using his CDL certification
Support other returning citizens navigating the parole system
Advocate for criminal justice reform and clemency in Arkansas
Build a stable life with his fiancée and reconnect with family
Participate in re-entry programming and support groups
Engage in public speaking to share his story of transformation
Contribute to community service initiatives
Maintain steady employment and financial stability
Learn about his detailed strategy for successful reintegration, including employment, housing, and community service HERE.
The Impact of Parole & Clemency in Arkansas
Clemency, time commutation, and parole are often misunderstood. These processes do not excuse past actions but acknowledge change and promote a justice system that values rehabilitation over mere punishment. In this particular case, clemency is essential for recognizing his growth and remorse. It offers him a chance to transform his life and positively impact the community. Supporting clemency in Arkansas advocates for a justice system that believes in second chances, acknowledges human capacity for change, and values fairness and mercy alongside accountability.
Clemency, time commutation, and parole are vital in the criminal justice system and promote rehabilitation. These measures reward good behavior, address sentence disparities, facilitate reintegration, ensure continuous monitoring, and help alleviate prison overcrowding. These measures also shift the focus from punishment to restorative justice, enhancing public safety and reflecting societal values of mercy and personal change. They create a more balanced and effective justice system by integrating accountability with rehabilitation and reintegration.
Revitalizing Clemency in Arkansas: A Path to Justice & Redemption
History teaches that the demand for clemency increases when the legal system lacks other mechanisms for correcting errors and inequities. Clemency serves as a vital management tool for prison administrators, rewarding good conduct and accomplishments. Jerry Herron is the ideal candidate for this change—someone the Honorable Governor or Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, can use to revive mercy and temper justice while reinvigorating the use of executive clemency in the State of Arkansas.
Clemency is not just an act of mercy; it is a powerful tool to rectify wrongful convictions, excessive sentences, and instances of procedural errors. It serves as a critical check and balance within our justice system, ensuring that fairness and humanity prevail. For individuals like Jerry, clemency represents hope and the possibility of redemption. This case is a testament to the transformative power of rehabilitation. Despite the injustices he faced, Jerry has shown remarkable maturity and a genuine commitment to becoming a positive force within his prison community.
“From Stuttgart to the state prison system, I've witnessed countless lives trapped in cycles of incarceration. Through clemency and parole in Arkansas, we can show that transformation is possible when people are given a second chance at justice” - JERRY HERRON
Read more about Mass Incarceration HERE.
Read more about Why Parole for Lifers Matters and debunk some myths with us HERE.
See why Jerry exemplifies the ideal candidate for clemency through his rehabilitation & transformation HERE.
Understand the criteria and requirements Arkansas uses to evaluate clemency applications HERE.
Explore how the clemency process works in Arkansas and why it's crucial for justice reform HERE.
Learn about the Governor’s authority in granting clemency and why executive clemency matters HERE.
Review the legal foundation and regulations governing clemency decisions in Arkansas HERE.
Follow along with Jerry’s current clemency process and hearing HERE.
Take Action Today
When individuals come together to demand accountability and justice, they become a formidable force that can shape policies, influence leaders, and transform communities. It is through collective action that the marginalized find representation, and injustices are brought to light. Each voice adds to a chorus that is impossible to ignore, proving that change is not just possible but inevitable when people care enough to speak up.
By advocating for what you believe is right, we hold those in power accountable and pave the way for a better future. Your voice can inspire others, your words can spark movements, and together, our advocacy can create lasting impact in Arkansas and beyond. Let's stand united in the belief that change happens when we demand it, and let's continue to raise our voices for a just and equitable world. Together, we can demonstrate why clemency matters in Arkansas and help Jerry Herron return home to Stuttgart as a productive citizen under parole supervision. Your support can help transform not just one life, but the entire approach to justice and rehabilitation in Arkansas.
Join Us in Balancing the Scales of Justice
We invite you to explore Jerry’s case in depth, from the crime scene to trial transcripts, post-conviction appeals, and his institutional history. By investigating the facts, understanding the legal missteps, and recognizing his personal growth, we hope you will join us in advocating for justice. We are not merely appealing for clemency; we are advocating for a broader understanding of justice, fairness, and the possibility of redemption. Help us bring Jerry home by supporting our cause and spreading the word about the urgent need for clemency reform.
Our voices matter, and change only happens when people demand it. By advocating for fair sentencing practices, supporting clemency applications, and debunking myths about those who are incarcerated, we can help create a more just and equitable society. Accountability is achieved when enough people like you care enough to speak up. For those who have experienced injustices, whether directly or through their loved ones, your advocacy is vital. By pushing for clemency and parole reforms in Arkansas, we can ensure that those deserving of a second chance receive it. Your efforts can help balance the scales of justice and bring about the change needed to prevent future injustices.
This clemency application is about more than just one man’s journey—it is about the power of redemption, the importance of a just legal system, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. By supporting his clemency application, you are not only helping him but also advocating for a fair justice system in Arkansas. We ask you to stand with us, sign the petition, write a letter, and share his story.
Together, we can make a difference!
Are you trying to navigating the Arkansas Court System too and are in need of some Post Incarceration and Re-Entry Resources? Click HERE.
Get in Touch with Jerry in Prison
Send Jerry an email or sign up for phone calls.
Write a letter and mail it to Jerry in prison.
Donate to Jerry’s Commisary
Follow us on Social Media.
Follow, like and share Jerry’s Facebook group and content on social media pages for updates and more information about events, hearings, and how you can help spread the word. Don’t miss out on an update about Jerry’s Clemency Case. Join Jerry’s Facebook Group HERE.