To The Honorable Stanley J. Rumbaugh:
The following organizations stand in support of Kimonti Carter's request for a new sentence of 25 years.
We understand that Kimonti was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing Corey Pittman and injuring two others in a drive-by shooting when Kimonti was 18 years old. We also understand that the sentencing judge had no discretion to consider the mitigating qualities of Kimonti's youth, as you do now.
We recognize the juvenile brain science demonstrating that, because adolescents’ changing brains make them more emotional, reactive, and susceptible to peer pressure, they are inherently more capable of change as they age and less culpable for their actions, especially when taken under conditions of stress or high emotion.
Kimonti's life provides a prime example of that science. He has spent the last 25 years atoning for Corey’s death and the impact on his survivors and the community. He has transformed himself into a leader, mentor, and teacher and dedicated his life to preventing kids and young adults like he once was from making the same mistakes he made.
Justice is served by resentencing Kimonti to 25 years and allowing for his release into the community, where organizations like ours will support his transition and continued transformation.
Thank you for your consideration of the views of community organizations.