Support Parole for Demetrias Salley

Massachusetts Parole Board

This petition is to support a dear member of our community, Demetrias Salley, who is seeking his freedom. We invite you to join us as we raise our voices together to show our support for Demetrias in his appearance before the Parole Board.

On May 31, 1993, Demetrias Salley, an immature 20-year old, made the worst decision of his young life. The crime he is guilty of and takes full responsibility for resulted in the tragic loss of another young man’s life, Scott Down. He is truly remorseful for his actions that night and acknowledges that they have forever traumatized and destroyed the Down family, Mr. Down’s friends, and his entire community. Demetrias accepts that he can never undo his action that led to Scott Down’s death. He is deeply remorseful for what he considers his unforgivable crime and is truly sorry for the pain he has caused.  

Demetrias Salley has been incarcerated for a quarter of a century. During the past 25 years of imprisonment, Demetrias has earnestly worked on his rehabilitation. He has taken it seriously and has proactively sought ways to improve himself and to mature into a responsible man. He successfully earned his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Boston University and hopes to further his education if he is granted parole. (note: a private donor generously provided the funds for this opportunity to attend BU, not the taxpayers of the Commonwealth). He is a member of the Debate Team with the Norfolk Debate Society (NDS) and he is a proud member of Toastmasters International. He has also participated and facilitated in the many programs offered by the Department of Corrections over the last 25 years. Most significantly, Demetrias has taken these years to grow into an understanding of the consequences of his actions.

Mr. Salley has been before the Parole Board three times and had his petition for parole denied for a total of 14 years of setback. Demetrias has used these setbacks to work on himself and to address the concerns of the Parole Board. He has come into a greater understanding of how to take responsibility for his actions and has earned the opportunity to return home to his family and community. Specifically, Demetrias’s sincere participation in Alternatives to Violence, Cognitive Skills, and the Jericho Circle has enabled him to fully accept responsibility for his actions and commit himself to his authentic rehabilitation. We are asking for our community member to be given a second chance after serving his time and working seriously on his rehabilitation.

If Demetrias is granted Parole, we are here to assist his transition back home. We understand that a positive readjustment to life outside the institution is critical for a returning citizen to succeed and we will provide the support, love, and network that he will need. He will have a place to live, a job—he already has a welder’s license to gain employment, access to counseling, financial aid, emotional and religious support.

We respectfully urge the Parole Board to consider Demetrias Salley’s application for Parole with mercy. We believe that his release will be compatible with the welfare of society and ask the Board to grant him the opportunity to return to his community where he can make positive contributions.

To: Massachusetts Parole Board
From: [Your Name]

This petition is to support a dear member of our community, Demetrias Salley, who is seeking his freedom. We invite you to join us as we raise our voices together to show our support for Demetrias in his appearance before the Parole Board.

On May 31, 1993, Demetrias Salley, an immature 20-year old, made the worst decision of his young life. The crime he is guilty of and takes full responsibility for resulted in the tragic loss of another young man’s life, Scott Down. He is truly remorseful for his actions that night and acknowledges that they have forever traumatized and destroyed the Down family, Mr. Down’s friends, and his entire community. Demetrias accepts that he can never undo his action that led to Scott Down’s death. He is deeply remorseful for what he considers his unforgivable crime and is truly sorry for the pain he has caused.

Demetrias Salley has been incarcerated for a quarter of a century. During the past 25 years of imprisonment, Demetrias has earnestly worked on his rehabilitation. He has taken it seriously and has proactively sought ways to improve himself and to mature into a responsible man. He successfully earned his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Boston University and hopes to further his education if he is granted parole. (note: a private donor generously provided the funds for this opportunity to attend BU, not the taxpayers of the Commonwealth). He is a member of the Debate Team with the Norfolk Debate Society (NDS) and he is a proud member of Toastmasters International. He has also participated and facilitated in the many programs offered by the Department of Corrections over the last 25 years. Most significantly, Demetrias has taken these years to grow into an understanding of the consequences of his actions.

Mr. Salley has been before the Parole Board three times and had his petition for parole denied for a total of 14 years of setback. Demetrias has used these setbacks to work on himself and to address the concerns of the Parole Board. He has come into a greater understanding of how to take responsibility for his actions and has earned the opportunity to return home to his family and community. Specifically, Demetrias’s sincere participation in Alternatives to Violence, Cognitive Skills, and the Jericho Circle has enabled him to fully accept responsibility for his actions and commit himself to his authentic rehabilitation. We are asking for our community member to be given a second chance after serving his time and working seriously on his rehabilitation.

If Demetrias is granted Parole, we are here to assist his transition back home. We understand that a positive readjustment to life outside the institution is critical for a returning citizen to succeed and we will provide the support, love, and network that he will need. He will have a place to live, a job—he already has a welder’s license to gain employment, access to counseling, financial aid, emotional and religious support.

We respectfully urge the Parole Board to consider Demetrias Salley’s application for Parole with mercy. We believe that his release will be compatible with the welfare of society and ask the Board to grant him the opportunity to return to his community where he can make positive contributions.