Why We Care

Jeff Howard was convicted of murder in the 1st degree in 1981. He has always maintained his innocence of this crime. In 2003, three law students became interested and worked on his case. They found some of the witnesses that were still living, and obtained a hearing for the first time before the Board of Pardons and Parole. The hearing was to determine if Jeff's sentence would be commuted from "life without parole" to a number of years, which would make him eligible for parole at some point.  Jeff's case was finally heard on May 21st, 2004 before the entire parole board. You can read a synopsis of his case by clicking on the link below. The hearing was emotional, as the daughter of Pete Farley (see synopsis ), related what she knew of her father's involvment in the crime. Two other witnesses, who were not at the original trial, and who had important information, also told their stories. It was the first time Jeff heard others speak on his behalf.

The Parole Board's unanimous decision on May 21, 2004 in recommending his "life without parole" sentence be reduced to a set number of years, would have made Jeff eligible to be paroled in July 2004.  In South Dakota, the Board of Pardons and Parole does not have the final say - the Governor has to approve their recommendation.  The recommendation was forwarded to Governor Rounds' office for his signature soon after the hearing.  We have eagerly awaited his acceptance of the parole board's recommendation since May 2004. In the meantime, his wife Judee, his father, sisters, children and grandchildren, and a multitude of friends are waiting to welcome him home with guidance and support as he adjusts to life on the outside. To this date, nothing has been heard from the Governor and we've received a letter that states he does not have to act on the recommendation.  Several people, and many, many letters and postcards have been received at the Governor's office, asking him to grant Jeff's commutation so he would be eligible to be released. 

The Yellow Postcard Campaign was started a couple of years ago by supporters of Jeff's freedom.  They are used to let the Governor know that people care about Jeff and to ask him to honor the Parole Board's recommendation.  There are many people who support the Parole Board's decision to make Jeff eligible for parole, or even grant him a pardon, so he can start life with a clean slate. Please help us in this campaign. Visit our us at blog and how you can help! and we can provide you with the official postcards for your use.

Postcards are pre-stamped with the Goveror's address and just require a postcard stamp to mail

The Story of the Yellow Ribbon