Jerry McLemore's family pleads for mercy at Louisiana pardon hearing

In a solemn gathering at the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole, emotions ran high as family members and supporters passionately advocated for the pardon of Jerry McLemore, who has spent nearly 34 years incarcerated for second-degree murder. The meeting, held on April 7, 2025, served as a platform for heartfelt testimonies that painted a complex picture of redemption, forgiveness, and the potential for a second chance.

Robin Horton, a pastor and mother, opened the proceedings with a moving account of her son’s mentorship with Jerry. She described how Jerry’s letters over the years became a source of encouragement and guidance for her son, Jackson, who formed a bond with him during a visit to Angola Rodeo. “Jerry has been a gift to our family,” she said, emphasizing the positive influence he has had despite his incarceration. Horton urged the board to recognize Jerry’s potential to impact more lives if granted freedom, stating, “Don’t let his light just shine in Angola.”

The emotional weight of the hearing deepened as Jerry’s daughters, Jeri Ann Blankenship and Mindy Lancaster, shared their perspectives. Jeri Ann recounted her childhood trauma of witnessing her father’s trial and expressed her desire to reconnect with him. “I am no longer that frightened girl,” she asserted, advocating for her father’s character and the transformation he has undergone during his time in prison. “He has continually stayed involved in our lives the best he could,” she added, highlighting the importance of family bonds.

Mindy echoed her sister’s sentiments, urging the board to look beyond the past and recognize the man Jerry has become. “The man that entered those gates in 1992 is not the man who sits in that seat today,” she stated, detailing Jerry’s contributions within the prison community, including mentoring other inmates and engaging in artistic pursuits. “We want him home,” she implored, emphasizing the missed milestones and the longing for family reunification.

As the testimonies unfolded, the atmosphere shifted, inviting a deeper reflection on the themes of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. The board listened intently, weighing the heartfelt pleas against the gravity of Jerry’s past actions. The meeting also included voices of opposition, reminding attendees of the complexities surrounding the case.

The discussions at the hearing underscored a broader conversation about the justice system, the potential for rehabilitation, and the impact of incarceration on families. As the board deliberates, the stories shared resonate beyond the walls of the hearing room, reflecting the enduring hope for second chances and the transformative power of compassion.