Phoenix, AZ November 25, 2024
Juan Vasquez, a 23-year-old man convicted in 1994 of a shooting in self-defense, continues to serve a natural life sentence without any possibility of review or clemency. Despite pleading his case for fair review under Arizona law, his defense of self-defense was barred from presentation to the jury during his trial.
His family, supporters, and advocates have reached out to Governor Katie Hobbs, urging her to address the systemic failures that deny inmates like Juan the opportunity for fair legal review. Under ARS § 13-751, inmates serving natural life sentences are blocked from meaningful appeals, creating a troubling precedent for those wrongfully convicted.
This isn’t just about Juan, a family spokesperson said. This is about hundreds of inmates in Arizona who are being denied their fundamental right to due process because of outdated laws and systemic conflicts of interest.
Criticism is mounting against the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) and its Prosecutorial Integrity Program (PIP), which has been accused of ethical violations and alleged corruption. The programs director, Teresa Sanders, has faced scrutiny for her dual role as both prosecutor and judge in past cases, raising serious questions about impartiality.
Calls for reform emphasize the need for Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature to expand clemency powers, allowing for comprehensive reviews of criminal cases. Juan’s case illustrates the dire consequences of a system that prioritizes procedural convenience over justice.
Advocates are rallying support for clemency reform, urging Governor Hobbs to take decisive action and ensure every Arizona inmate is afforded a fair and thorough review of their case.
For more information or to support the campaign for clemency reform, contact Juan Vasquez.
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By George Kayer. A public domain document.