Petition to parole Jim Gordon

A petition has been created to be considered by the California Parole Board at the upcoming hearing of drumming legend Jim Gordon.

Despite being diagnosed as an acute paranoid schizophrenic by five separate psychiatrists, he was sentenced to 16 years to life in 1984.

The judge agreed at sentencing that the Mr. Gordon was "suffering from a profound mental illness," but was unable to find him not guilty by reason of insanity due to the State of California's tightening of the legal definition a couple of years earlier (in reaction to the notorious "Twinkie defense," (by the way).

This petition is completely legitimate – It has already been signed not only by fans, but by several of Jim Gordon's contemporaries. In addition, many of the living legends that he has worked with have written letters for the Board's consideration.

Obviously the ruling will be based several factors such as medical evaluations, but the petition is intended to show the Board the degree of support that still exists for this brilliant musician and songwriter.

The author will also forward a copy to Jim Gordon himself to assure him that he has by no means been forgotten.