May 1, 2011 Petition for writ of certiorari denied

Hello Everyone,

Our apologies for such a long gap since the last update. In April of 2010 we wrote you to let you know that Brandon's last appeal was denied. While that truly was his last appeal, there was one more legal plea to be made, this time to the Supreme Court. The document is called a petition for a writ of certiorari and essentially asks the Supreme Court to review the decision of a lower court.

They denied the petition on April 21, 2011. We, and especially Brandon, had little faith in this last legal effort as the courts have failed him at every turn (though we did appreciate the work it took Brandon's attorney to file it). We are sad but not downhearted as we continue our planning for a campaign to ask for Governor Brown's help. As soon as we have more information we can share, we will post it here on Brandon's site for you.

Meanwhile, Brandon is doing okay. He continues to paint and exercise, and he has friends and loved ones in his life who are enriching his visits with laughter and caring. Brandon wants to update you personally and plans to write a new letter soon.

So, here we are in May 2011, nearly sixteen years after this nightmare began:

• Brandon is 34 years old and has spent almost half his life in a maximum security prison for underage drinking and participating in a teenage brawl in which another boy was tragically, but unintentionally, killed.


• His original sentence was reduced by former Governor Schwarzenegger from Life Without the Possibility of Parole to Twenty-nine years to Life. (Brandon must serve 85% of that sentence before he has a chance at parole.)


• Brandon's story has been told around the world and so often we hear from supporters who ask, "Why is he still in prison? Why can't someone right this injustice?"

Soon we will be asking Governor Brown these questions. We will ask for your prayers and we will need your help. Thank you for staying with us, pushing us forward, giving us all hope.

Warmest regards,
Gene and Janice Hein

Reminder: If you have a more personal question, please email it to freebh@brandonhein.com rather than posting it anonymously to the blog.