Taylor Conley

The Washington Supreme Court made a decision that directly impacts me

In the matter of: In re PRP of Monschke (Kurtis William) / In re Bartholomew (Dwayne Earl), No. 96772-5 (consd. with 96773-3). This ruling is saying that it is unconstitutional to sentence a youth under the age of 21 to a mandatory Life without Parole sentence without first taking into consideration mitigating factors of youth. “The character of a juvenile is not as well formed as that of an adult.” “Qualities that distinguish juveniles from adults do not disappear when an individual turns 18.” The United States Supreme Court has recognized the similarities between capital punishment and Life without Parole. “Meaning the denial of hope; it means that good behavior and the character improvement are immaterial; it means that whatever the future might hold in store for the mind and spirit of (the convict), he will remain in prison for the rest of his days.” (Quoting Naovarath V. State) under Washington Constitution, Life without Parole sentences for juveniles are impermissibly cruel. Clearly bright constitutional lines in the cruel punishment context shift over time in order to accord with the “evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society”. (Trop V. Dulles)

MITIGATING FACTORS OVERVIEW

I would like to put into perspective to the best of my ability, the role of mitigating factors in my particular case. As expressed in the points made in the previous section of this letter, mitigating factors are basically things that occur during a person’s childhood into their youth which affect their decision-making ability. As well as trauma which affects a youthful brain’s ability to grow and reason properly, along with the ability to think responsibly as an adult would. Then the other part is taking into consideration their ability to show growth, maturity, and change as the person gets older and becomes more developed. I believe I am a prime example of just how true these claims really are. Having said that I would like to share with you a brief outline of my story in life.

I haven’t wasted my life away in prison. Granted the first five or so years were not good. After that I began to grow up and become the man I am today. I am not proud of my past, but I am proud of who I have become despite my past.

I have since gotten married and I spend my time with purpose and meaning working to become a productive member of society while still incarcerated. Please review the attached RE ENTRY plan to see what I have been up to and my plans for the future.

In closing again, I want to apologize for my actions of the past and convey the deeply profound sense of remorse I feel. My past behaviors and actions are inexcusable. I ask and pray for the opportunity for redemption and to begin a process of restoration, forgiveness, and healing. I hope to be able to use my story and experience to prevent more tragedy, while allowing me to work in a broken community to repair harms and stop more troubled youth from winding up like me.

If you know me and the situation and would be willing to speak with my attorney/investigator about it, that would really be appreciated and helpful. Even if you are not comfortable to giving any testimony in regard to my character or things you saw related with my upbringing, or in relation to the mitigating factors in my case. However, you would be willing to write a letter supporting my re entering into society, it could really make a difference at my re-sentencing hearing.