We strongly request that Governor Newsom immediately commute Michael Vanderwood’s “Torture” sentence for the following reasons:

Mike demonstrated an ability to overcome trauma (i.e., PTSD) and successfully served his country for 26 years in the Navy, including wartime service in Iraq, and his community for over 20 years as a School Psychology practitioner and professor (link to Mike’s mental health)

Trauma played a significant role in his criminal behavior, and the circumstances suggest the chance of recidivism is extremely low. (link to circumstances)

Mike completed powerful treatments for trauma (i.e., EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) during the two years on bail before incarceration, and demonstrated an ability to have a successful relationship. (link to treatment)

Even though he was under the care of a psychiatrist when he committed his crime, his prior trauma and military service were not considered during the plea negotiations nor when he was sentenced. Critically, if he were arrested today, current laws require his prior trauma and PTSD diagnosis to be used to inform plea negotiations and sentencing. (link to failure)

He was the first and apparently only person in California to be found guilty of “Torture” without causing a loss of consciousness, broken bone, bleeding, or hospitalization. Due to the use of a mandatory minimum sentence, his sentence of 7 to life is unduly harsh and inconsistent with the way the law currently conceptualizes the impact of trauma. He has already served 9 years for a crime that prosecutors initially offered a 4-year determinate please. (link to harshness)

During his incarceration, Mike completed over 30 rehabilitation programs, earned multiple college degrees and certificates, and provided academic tutoring services to his fellow inmates. (link to prison)

Mike has incredible social support and significant resources that will allow him to be successful when he is released. (link to Future)

The parole board is not trauma-informed and is unable to look at the harshness of the penalty. (link to parole board)