Support Rojai Fetnress

Friends, please take a few minutes to read this, and - if you are able and moved to do so - donate whatever you can.  These are challenging times for everyone, but every little bit counts.  If we have been able to support you in any way over the years, please consider returning that kindness now on Rojai's behalf.  

Two and a half years ago, we were introduced to Rojai Fentress via attorney and law professor Deirdre Enright, Director of UVA's Innocence Project.  Deirdre came to Portsmouth Abbey to give a lecture about her work.  During her visit, Rojai called in from the Augusta Correctional Center.   From his incredibly positive attitude, to his laughter, to the original poem he shared with all of us, his contributions left a lasting impression.   Deirdre's stories of wrongful incarceration, along with Rojai's descriptions of prison life, prompted many subsequent discussions about the complexities of the justice system and the industrial prison structure.   Above all, it is Rojai's indomitable spirit that has stayed with us.

Here's a link to to Deirdre and Rojai's visit to Portsmouth Abbey in 2017:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGQFMdf_Uks

Rojai is serving a 53-year sentence for the 1996 murder of Tommy Foley.  Despite being barely 16 at the time, he was tried as an adult.  He was never interviewed by the lead detective on the case, and was convicted based on the testimony of a single witness who did not actually see the crime and who was very intoxicated.  His trial lasted less than an hour.    Another man later confessed to the crime in great detail, and yet Rojai remains imprisoned.  Several years ago, after exhaustive research, the UVA Innocence Project took Rojai on as a client and has been working to exonerate him ever since.  

Here are links to two articles that give more details about Rojai's case:

https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2018/08/02/innocence-project-wants-judge-re-open-22-year-old-murder-conviction/812057002/

https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2018/12/13/prosecutor-says-22-years-enough-man-convicted-murder-teen/2276696002/

We recently had an opportunity to visit with Deirdre and Rojai over Zoom and get caught up on the details of Rojai's case.  Due to recent changes in Virginia law and a pending request for a pardon from the Governor, it's possible that Rojai will be released soon.   A pardon from the Governor of Virginia could be based on Rojai’s innocence, but the statutory remedy is connected to his age at the time of his conviction and not his innocence.  Even after he is out of prison, The Innocence Project will continue to lobby for his exoneration.  During our conversation, Deirdre discussed the challenges facing newly released prisoners, and Rojai spoke of what his hopes and concerns were around his release.  One of his greatest concerns is the care of his mother and sister, who were homeless for much of last winter. 

Here is a link to our recent conversation:

https://vimeo.com/421250282

After his release, Rojai will have almost nothing to his name.  He may, in fact, incur debts to the judicial system for his court costs.  We're happy to note that Rojai and his family have Deirdre and the Innocence Project and other support systems in place to help,  but it's going to be an uphill climb no matter what.  In gratitude for his generosity of time and spirit, and in support of a person who has modeled extraordinary resiliency against great odds, we want to offer a small donation to help him on his way.  The money will be sent to Deirdre Enright, who will establish a checking account in Rojai's name.  

Any and all contributions will help and be gratefully accepted.