This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Dec. 12, 2012 - In his re-election victory speech earlier this month, Gov. Jay Nixon reflected on the inspiration he gains from the ordinary people who everyday make our community special.
He spoke of the single mother who, despite working two jobs, makes sure that her children get their homework done right every day. He mentioned the autoworker who takes pride in doing his job well. He talked about the student who goes back to school to finish her degree so she can pursue the job of her dreams.
On a special night for him and an important one for the state, the governor was correct to pay tribute to those ordinary individuals who quietly, but surely make extraordinary contributions to our community.
His speech led me to reflect on individuals in my life who embody the traits the governor referred to. I quickly thought of Patty Prewitt.
Patty is a loving mother of four children and caring grandmother of 10. Even after raising her children, Patty went back to school and received a business diploma and associate’s degree from area schools. In addition to being a positive force her children’s lives, Patty has improved the lives of her neighbors.
As a certified fitness trainer, Patty has helped many women get jobs as aerobics instructors. She has tutored countless women as the pursued their GED. Patty herself serves her state as a computer programmer helping the government manage important data. Outside of work, Patty brings richness and joy to her community as a leader of a performing arts program. She has recruited many of her neighbors to join who are initially reluctant to take on Shakespeare for the first time, but soon value this creative outlet and become budding thespians.
In short, Patty is exactly the type of person the governor referred to in his speech — someone who, each day, works to bring a sense of purpose and love to those around her.
Patty’s extraordinary acts of kindness and service have an unusual twist, however. For the past 26 years, Patty has been an inmate at the state prison in Vandalia. Patty was convicted of the murder of her husband, Bill Prewitt, in 1985. She is not eligible for parole until 2036 when she will be 86 years old.
Patty has always maintained her innocence and many people from across the state, including me, believe her, citing an unfair trial and a poor investigation that ignored leads pointing to a different perpetrator. Others believe it is time for Patty to be home with her family in light of her record of service in prison over the past quarter century, the absence of any prior convictions, her advanced age and the hundreds of thousands of dollars Missouri will spend on her continued incarceration at a time when the state faces budget constraints. Hundreds of people, inspired by Patty's resilience and commitment to bringing light to a dark place, have contacted the governor seeking Patty's clemency.
Today, Patty’s sole opportunity to be free rests with Gov. Nixon. The clemency petition she submitted in December 2010 asking for a commutation remains on the governor’s desk. In this holiday season, I sincerely hope that Gov. Nixon reflects on the manner in which Patty has led her life over the 26 years she has been in prison. I hope that he concludes, like so many others have, that Patty deserves to be free and continue her life of service to others beyond the prison walls. She would obviously benefit from such a decision, but I am confident that her community would benefit even more.
Bill Deeken (R - Jefferson City) is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives.