J.R. is the older son of Gene and Dorothy Schoffner of Pulaski. You would know Gene by his longtime job at Westvaco or his vast lawn mowing business. His mom, Dorothy, is the most joyful, caring woman you will ever meet, and is the community seamstress. Altering a little bit of everybody’s clothes from prom dresses to hemming trousers. JR grew up in Pulaski with his sisters Juanice and Victoria and brother Michael, along with many generations of cousins and extended family.

 

On April 10, 1997, JR’s life changed forever. JR rode to a nearby town with his cousin when his cousin decided to rob a convenience store. During the robbery, 2 people were murdered and 1 lady was beat and kidnapped. JR was with the wrong person, at the wrong place, at the wrong time. JR was not in on any preparation of a robbery, he did not have a weapon, inside he tried to physically stop the crime, and he called the police after the crime.

A witness to a crime was now an accused accomplice. JR never returned home from the police station. He was arrested, charged, tried and has been incarcerated in IDOC for 28 years all based on laws of accountability.

28 years and a lifetime to go. For a crime no one ever tried to claim he actually, physically committed.

 

While incarcerated, JR has tried to spend that time as best as possible. He has been a long time Law Clerk, he obtained his GED, Paralegal certificate with specialties, college credits toward an Associate Degree, Barber License, and many certificates for facilitating and participating in life skill and growth opportunities.

 

JR has endured Menard and Lawrence Correctional Centers, and is awaiting a transition to a different facility due to the restructuring of IDOC.

 

JR has filed many appeals throughout the years, sought assistance from civil and human rights advocates and organizations. None of these avenues ever resulted in any changes or reconsideration. 5, 10, 15, 20, 28 years and a lifetime to go.

 

JR was given the opportunity to file an Executive Clemency Petition to now Governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker. There is a detailed but plausible process for applying for Clemency. It starts with the Prison Review Board, the Petition must meet certain guidelines and requirements. JRs passed the first time and was reviewed by the Board and a confidential recommendation was forwarded to the Governors office. We are waiting for the Governor to review this petition and make a decision.

 

There will be further posts detailing different issues and related laws, uncovered information and status updates.

 

🗝️This is not just a case, but a man’s life. A man that entered the criminal justice system a 20 year old kid who has maintained his faith and composure with the system that has failed him time and time again.

🗝️This is not just a case, but a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend that has been separated from his family for over 25 years.

🗝️This is not just a case, but a miscarriage of justice.

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