October 10, 2007
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:
I want to start this important letter by thanking all of you for being so sincere and showing love in a way I never knew possible.
This experience has been extremely difficult for me to endure and without some of you, I really don't know where I would be today. Each person has shared a certain part of themselves that has helped me in ways I cannot explain. I will always be grateful for your kindness and caring.
The reason for this letter is I need to ask for your financial help.
I have been blessed to have the New England Innocence Project (NEIP) take my case and help me with proving my innocence. As helpful as they are their representation does not cover paying for DNA testing or investigative services. This is where I need your help.
In order to to have a chance to obtain my freedom I need to raise a significant amount of money (in the neighborhood of $20,000) so I can hire a private investigator that we plan to start working with as soon as possible, and for DNA testing that would be performed when we get access to evidence and determine what there is to test.
Any amount donated to this cause will be greatly appreciated but the more you can contribute the greater the chance of reaching our goal.
I understand this may be a sacrifice for many who have worked so hard over the years on my behalf. In some respects it doesn't seem fair to make such a request. However, I have no other options. The window of opportunity for a private investigator to uncover valuable issues which can lead to a new trial is growing shorter by the day.
I promise if I am released from prison I will do everything in my power to reimburse each of you for your generous donation; that's the least I can do for saving my life and reuniting me with my loved ones.
There are many of you who have helped me already since I have been in prison, and I thank you from my heart. But please understand the severity of this request; I really need your help.
In closing, regardless of your decision to contribute, I will never forget how blessed I am to have been fortunate enough to have all of you in my life. Please make your donation payable to Advocates for Wrongfully Convicted and mail it to Advocates for Wrongfully Convicted, 2020 S. Flying Heart Lane, Tucson, AZ 85713.
With a grateful heart,
Michael
