*Content Warning: Domestic Violence*

Join us in urging Governor Glenn Youngkin to Grant Clemency to Shirtorya Christian.

Shirtorya Christian is a 40-year-old Black woman, organizer, and survivor of domestic abuse. She entered an abusive relationship at the age of 17, and the physical abuse sustained throughout the course of this relationship resulted in severe depression and an abuse-induced miscarriage.

On July 11th, 2002, Shirtorya was beaten by her abusive partner, then locked in her apartment. She managed to escape the apartment on July 12th while recovering from the extensive injuries she had received a day prior. Early on July 13th, she returned to find her abuser sleeping with another woman. Shirtorya then used one of her abusive partner’s guns to kill both him and the woman he was with. This action was the result of years of physical abuse and in self-defense given the constant and endless abuse she had experienced leading up to this moment. Following this incident, she immediately contacted the police and accepted responsibility for her actions while cooperating with their investigation.

The next year, on April 24th, 2003, Shirtorya was convicted of two counts of second degree murder, two counts of using a firearm, and ultimately sentenced to a total of thirty-eight years in prison with none suspended. Shirtorya has been incarcerated since this incident, with her years of abuse compounded by decades of incarceration. This is a textbook example of the criminalization of victims of intimate partner violence by the state when they act in self-defense and against horrific interpersonal violence. The U.S. takes a carceral approach to sexual violence, and this has only gotten worse in recent decades where the incarceration rate for women is growing much more than that of men’s. Across the country, “mandatory arrest” and “dual arrest” policies reflect an overall political climate of being “tough on crime” that only facilitates the incarceration of survivors of all genders.

Shirtorya has worked tirelessly to grow throughout her incarceration in Virginia. She has completed numerous educational and treatment programs since her incarceration, including an Associates Degree from Piedmont Virginia Community College and a certificate in Financial Capabilities from UVA’s Darden School of Business. She also holds certificates in Thinking For A Change, Anger Management, Breaking Barriers, Living II, Self Esteem, Building Maintenance and Repair, and Electric Apprenticeship. She has also tutored as an Academic Aide, worked as a Housekeeper, a Building and Maintenance Tutor, a Vestibule Worker, and currently works as a Building and Grounds Electrical Helper.

Shirtorya is a leader in her community. To grant Shirtorya pardon petition would be to take a stand against domestic violence while recognizing her capacity for good outside the confines of prison. Post-release, she wants to share her story with the world as well as advocate against domestic violence, especially for teenage girls. In addition to going back to school, Shirtorya also has plans to work using her mechanical drafting and building maintenance and repair certifications. She looks forward to being surrounded by her supportive family when she is freed.

Please sign this petition to urge Governor Youngkin to free Shirtorya Christian.

--

This petition was started by the Incarcerated Womxn's Clemency and Support Project, which you can learn more about here.