James Franklin was a young man who lived in Trenton, MI. Trenton is a predominately white community, and James was one of the few Black students at Trenton High School. In October of 2012, James was found dead. Robert Stein, another man who lived in Trenton, admitted online to murdering James. James' death was ruled a suicide, and many people did not know any different. James has been completely erased. You cannot find any information on him or his death. His memory only lives on through those that knew him and the screenshots of Stein admitting to killing James. The case was reopened after the screenshots came out, and Stein said he lied to intimidate others. Even if this is true, that means the death of an innocent Black man was used for someone's personal gain.

James was a family friend. He was a kind, caring, and fun young man. He would come over to my house and play video games with me and my brother. He was a polite young man, refusing to call my dad by his first name. The last time I saw James was a few days before his murder. He stopped by on his bike to say hello. I did not find out the truth behind James' death until recently. It had been covered up so well that even some who knew him do not know the truth.

My goal for this petition is to urge Kym L. Worthy, the Wayne County prosecutor, to reopen James' case and have it reexamined. Worthy is the only person who has the power to reopen James' case. We have evidence that someone admitted to murdering James. We need help to share his story and gain the attention of those who can help. James deserves justice, and we must fight to ensure people know his name.

Kym L. Worthy (313) 224-5777