Raymond Austin's Freedom Fund

Today we celebrate the freedom of Raymond Austin, who was freed last week after serving 16 years of a life sentence for burglary. While incarcerated, he worked with as a nurse’s aide on the geriatric and hospice unit of the healthcare ward. When he received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 2016, he insisted on working and caring for the patients around him, even as he became a patient. Mr. Austin maintained a perfect disciplinary record throughout his incarceration.

Mr. Austin was represented by IPNO’s Unjust Punishment Project at his parole hearing. In light of his conduct record, his family support, and his illness, a unanimous board granted him to be released to the care of his niece who is a nurse. Today, he is reunited with his sisters, nieces and nephews, daughter and grandchildren who have waited for this release. They look forward to returning to Mr. Austin the care and compassion that he has showed them and those around him.