After hearing from an expert, and 5 family members who talked about Melvin’s rough growing up, abuse, immersion in a gang as his surrogate family and the lack of mitigation produced at his sentencing in 2003, Judge Gamboney granted Melvin’s 3rd state post conviction petition for relief.
At a later date, the Judge reduced Melvin’s sentence by 20 years, making him eligible for immediate parole. A victory, but not a total victory until Melvin is out and reunited with his family.