Take Action Today: Clemency for Sarah Gonzales-McLinn
At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we believe that survivors' experiences should be centered in our society's response to gender-based violence. We support clemency for Sarah Gonzales-McLinn, and you can take action today in support, too!
In 2014, Sarah Gonzales-McLinn was convicted of murdering Hal Sasko, owner of Cici's Pizza locations in Topeka and Lawrence. Unfortunately, the information regarding Sarah's victimization and the harm that was being done to her by Sasko was not introduced into the trial. Therefore, those in Lawrence who served on the jury had no information about what led to Sarah's desperation to escape Sasko. Gonzales-McLinn is currently serving a 25-year sentence at the Topeka Correctional Facility. You can learn more about this case and the advocates calling for clemency in this Kansas Reflector piece and podcast.
We urge you to contact Governor Laura Kelly today, requesting clemency for Gonzales-McLinn.
At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we believe that survivors' experiences should be centered in our society's response to gender-based violence. Gonzales-McLinn's experience of being groomed, assaulted, and isolated is not new or unique. The YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment serves thousands of survivors with similar stories, and they all deserve to be heard, believed, supported.
Below, you'll find a sample letter requesting clemency in this case. Take just two minutes to send an email to Governor Kelly, and show your support for Sarah Gonzales-McLinn and all survivors who deserve to be heard and valued. Email your message to correspondence@ks.gov, or find alternative contact information here.
Bonus: Share this to your social media accounts and other networks to amplify the call for clemency! You can tag us at @ywcaneks.
Sample Message (put in your own words)
Dear Governor Kelly,
I live in [name of Kansas town], and I am writing to urge clemency for Sarah Gonzales-McLinn who is currently incarcerated at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Sarah has already served 10 years for her crime, and I am confident that she no longer poses a threat to the community. She is involved in services and activities that support her healing, and she has a community of supporters who will encourage her continued healing after she is released from prison.
Thank you for your ongoing support of victims/survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Kansas, and for your time and consideration of this clemency request.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Former cellmate says Sarah Gonzales-McLinn, if granted clemency, would ‘show the world that people can heal from trauma’ (The Lawrence Times)
‘I think I let her down’: Olathe lawyer is why teen who killed abuser needs new trial (The Kansas City Star)
Advocates seeking clemency for Sarah Gonzales-McLinn hold presentation at T&SCPL (WIBW)
About Us: The YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment provides free and confidential services to victims of sexual and domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking in Brown, Jackson, Nemaha, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee Counties. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact our 24/7 hotline at 888-822-2983. More information, including our chat-to-text feature, can be found here.