Statement:
A female inmate in the West Virginia Correctional system has been denied her basic human rights. Tammy Wilson has been incarcerated for 18 years during which time she has been denied reasonable medical request, mistreated, and sexually abused. Roger Cline admitted to shooting Todd McQuaid. In October of 1990, over 18 years ago, Roger was subsequently convicted of murder with two alleged co-conspirators, Harry Johnson and Tammy Wilson. Tammy, being the only woman to stand trial in this case, actually received a more severe sentence than the perpetrator or the co-conspirator.

Tammy was convicted of Murder in the First Degree for which she was sentenced to life without mercy. The perpetrator, Roger Cline, who admitted to shooting the victim, was sentenced to life with mercy. Harry Johnson has since been released from the custody of the Division of Corrections.

After serving nearly fourteen (14) years her sentence was reduced to Life with Mercy, making her immediately eligible for parole as that sentence carries a ten year minimum. However Tammy has twice been denied parole contrary to the guidelines established in the West Virginia code (62-12-13 Powers and Duties of board; eligibility for parole; procedure for granting parole.)

After meeting those guidelines Tammy was denied parole for an additional three years both in 2004 and again in 2007. The parole board found that “additional incarceration will further serve her rehabilitation purpose and not be detrimental to any of the parties involved.”

As a result of that denial Tammy continues to be abused at the hands of State employees. One such incident was documented by Correctional officials and resulted in sucessful legal action against a state employee. It has been proven that the State is incapable of protecting the human rights of a person in their custody. The State is therefore obligated to reassign that custody.

The family of Todd McQuaid has made Tammy the target of their lust for revenge. They have written books and letters, started web sites and even offered reward from the sale of a book as incentive to anyone who will get signatures on a petition to keep Tammy in jail.

The State has indulged the litigious nature of the victim’s family, and their need for vengeance, in allowing undue influence to be brought to bear under the banner of victim’s rights. There is an expectation that justice be dispensed evenly in our legal system yet Tammy still remains incarcerated while others with similar sentences are paroled when they have served the same or less time.
There is clear and compelling reason to reassign custody of Tammy Wilson to the State Parole System. Tammy has an impeccable rehabilitation record; she has attended classes, programs and courses too numerous to mention.

She has maintained employment throughout her incarceration, participated in numerous charity functions, volunteered at every opportunity including aide to people with disabilities. Her personal development demonstrates that she presents no danger to the society at large. Her continued incarceration in no way serves the public good, and subjects Tammy to physical, verbal, and sexual abuses that violate her basic human rights. Yet the State Parole Board has repeatedly denied Tammy, and her family, the basic human consideration of personal safety and security by refusing to grant her parole.