Arnie has been granted three hearings on his Petition for Commutation of Sentence.
In 1992, after his first hearing with the Advisory Board of Pardons, Arnie received no favorable votes. In 2002, he received three favorable and three unfavorable votes, and was not recommended for commutation. In 2004, over 100 community supporters attended the hearing—including government officials, academics, clergy, college/high school students, and family and friends. Arnie received a favorable recommendation to be considered for commutation. That recommendation was not acted upon by Governor Romney and has not been acted upon by Governor Patrick. The legal counsel team includes Judge Margaret Burnham, Harvard Law Professor and Attorney J. Soffiyah Elijah, and Attorney Edward Berkin.
After more than 30 years of imprisonment, a growing number of people believe Arnie King has changed and is a positive contributor to society. Will you be counted among the many?
“The concept of rehabilitation seems more than fulfilled by Arnie's generous example."—Todd Fry, Youth Educator
"I believe Mr. King is in a very unique position to reach out to people at risk, to serve as an example of what not to do, and to help prevent further homicides."—Remy Cushing, member of Murder Victim's Families for Reconciliation
“Arnie is a gifted teacher, because in addition to his profound insight, Arnie brings his heart, and young people see clearly how deeply he cares about their well-being.”—Justin Steil, Youth Educator
“I found him to possess exceptionally sound coping skills in every setting and situation, in one-on-one encounters, as a group member, a group leader, as a student, and as an instructor.”—Janet I. Jones, Counseling Educator
“I have known hundreds of men and women in prisons and jails across the country. Few have shown the commitment to family and community like Arnie King.”—Linda M. Thurston, Researcher and Advocate
“I can imagine no useful purpose served by his continuing imprisonment. He has earned his freedom; and we need people like him working among us.”—Barry Phillips, Professor
“I see in Mr. King an enormous resource for my colleagues and those of us who work with young men and women.”—Glenn Koocher, Massachusetts Association of School Committees
“[Many] would benefit from contact with Arnie, whose experience and counseling skills could help them redirect their lives...”—Susan C. Griffith, Senior Lecturer at Lesley University
“...and I can assure you that I will be part of Mr. King's support system, if he is granted commutation and returned to the community.”—Massachusetts State Representative Byron Rushing, Legislative Black Caucus
