Dear family, friends, and strangers, we are asking for your support as we navigate a tragedy. Our beloved Luis Daniel Pinedo, largely known as Louie, was killed a month ago at the age of23.
A couple of weeks after his death, his older brother Mario Pinedo Jr. (My cousin) was thrown in jail after an altercation with someone at a gas station. My cousin is now facing several charges due to his parolee status and previous strike in the 3-strike system in CA (He was coerced into accepting a strike as an 18 year old). This case exemplifies a lot of the fundamental flaws in the United States— it’s solution to human suffering and trauma is to cage people up. People who have been criminalized since they were children then face draconian punishment for simply having a criminal record.
My cousin Mario is being forced to grieve in a jail cell away from his family and pregnant partner. Mario and I have been in contact and he would really appreciate any support from friends and strangers as he tries to get out on bail and fight his case with a private attorney. I (Andy) have been in contact with several lawyers and there is a solid defense team that would defend him for $15,000. We are hoping that with what our family can put together and with your support, we can reach our $20,000 goal to bail him out and get him a defense attorney.
Please consider helping our family during this difficult time. Your generosity will go a long way in alleviating our struggle. A struggle shared by far too many in this country that consistently exploits and punishes the most vulnerable.
Sincerely,
Familia Pinedo