October 20, 2012

Title: Christmas Update

William D. Linley
ID No. M08788
Graham Correctional Centre
P.O. Box 499
Hillsboro, Illinois 62049

Dear Friends, Family and Marines,

This will be a multi-part update letter which you will probably get around or soon after Christmas.

October 12 - was the day of the Governor's Clemency Hearing. It was on a Friday and on Monday, the 15th, I was able to call for an update. Talk about an anxious wait. The Hearing went smoothly, no delays or rescheduling. Everyone there, to speak on my behalf, travelled safely and it was all done by 10am so they didn't have to sit around for too long waiting. The real blessing, though, was learning that one of the four members on the Hearing Board was a former Marine. What are the chances? No, I don't think so either. I believe it was one of those special moments in life when God's fingerprint could be recognized and it really gives me peace of mind at having a fair review of my petition.

What's next? The Board has 60 days to determine if my Clemency Petition (Pardon) will be forwarded to the Governor's office. After that stage it could be 6 months, or even up to 3 years before a decision is made. This is what I've learned anyway.

Nov. 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Today we had a great lunch. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two meals worth looking forward to eating.

Dec. 8, 2012

No news on the clemency yet. But my "federal" level court petition was accepted. Have a February 7th deadline to see if the courts will look into my case further.

Dec. 18, 2012

New info - I hear the clemency board sends all petitions to the Governor's office. Along with a RECOMMENDATION for or against. So it's there.

NO ONE is talking about the school murders in Connecticut. Even in here, it's too horrific and painful for guys to deal with.

I'll send another update after New Years.

David