As a mother, there is no greater pain than watching your child suffer and feeling powerless to help. Today, I am setting aside my pride and asking for help for my 26-year-old daughter, Natia Kelso. Natia is the mother of two precious babies who need her more than ever—Bronx, just 19 months old, and Brooklynn, only 7 months old. Instead of waking up every morning to their mother’s hugs, bedtime kisses, and comforting voice, they are growing up separated from the one person who loves them unconditionally. That heartbreak is something no child should have to endure. Natia was recently convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison for a crime that was not hers. Before this case, Natia had no criminal history. She had never been in trouble with the law. Like so many young women, she fell in love, married, trusted and believed she was building a future. Her husband was 13 years older than she was and had an extensive criminal history before they met. Regardless of the circumstances that led to her conviction, we believe Natia deserves every opportunity the law provides to have her case thoroughly reviewed through the legal process. At the time of the proceedings, she had recently given birth and was caring for another child under the age of one. She did not knowingly authorize anyone else to make strategic decisions on her behalf or to waive her rights without her informed consent. Natia and her Husband were forced to be co-defendants and be tried together. Natia expressed to her Attorney that she recently gave birth and had two small children and did not want to go to trial. She had limited communication with her Attorney, he failed to adequately investigate her case or consult with her regarding important decisions and other actions negatively affected her defense.

Our family met with an attorney who gave us hope that there are still legal avenues to pursue. To continue fighting for Natia, we must file a Motion for a New Trial, a Notice of Appeal, proceedings before the Court of Criminal Appeals, and post-conviction relief. The attorney’s fee to handle the Motion for a New Trial and Appeal is $30,000, not including additional expenses such as court transcripts, investigators, expert consultations, filing fees, and other legal costs. For our family, that amount feels impossible. We are asking for your help to make sure Natia has access to the legal representation needed to fully exercise her rights. Every person deserves a fair opportunity to pursue the legal remedies available to them, and we pray for the day when Bronx and Brooklynn can once again feel the love of their mom in person.