We strongly request that the Riverside District Attorney support and the Riverside Superior Court resentence for Michael Vanderwood for the following reasons:

The evidence shows and a statement by the trial prosecutor at a recent parole board hearing, that Mr. Vanderwood was never offered a plea that took into account his PTSD. The failure to offer a plea that integrates trauma is a violation of Penal codes 236.23 and 1170, which were revised after Assembly Bill 124 from 2021 was passed and signed into law.

Mike completed EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treatments for trauma during the two years while on bail. (link to treatment)

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

Mike served his country for 26 years in the Navy, including wartime service in Iraq. Mike earned a PhD and his served his community as a School Psychologist and University of California Riverside professor for 20 years. (link to Mike’s mental health)

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