At five o'clock in the morning of June 21st, 2002, a gun battle occurred in the city of St. Louis between Freddie Chew and three other gunmen. At the conclusion of this shootout Freddie Chew laid slain in front of his home.

 

My name is Ju'ane T. Kennell and while I was charged and convicted of killing Freddie Chew and assaulting Jeffrey Shockley I DIDN’T DO IT. Since the beginning I have been telling anyone who would listen that I didn't do this. I was home from ten o'clock June 20th, 2002 until June 21st 2002. My granny, my sister Hat'ta and brother Patrick Holmes along with my cousin Linda Grey all were able to testify to this.

 

But because my public defender failed to file notice of alibi defense the jury wasn't able to see the evidence of our Brinks Home Security system timestamp nor hear the testimony of my siblings and cousin. 

 

During the trial the prosecutor asked why would Jeffrey Shockley lie on me? At the time, myself nor my defense team was aware of the pending charges, leniency, cash payments, or relocation Jeffrey Shockley had with the St. Louis city police department and prosecutor office.

 

This and so much more has been revealed through private investigation in helps to prove that I didn't kill Freddie Chew nor did I assault Jeffrey Shockley.

 

Since my life was stripped away I have achieved so much in prison while tirelessly fighting to regain my freedom. As devastating as it is to be sent to prison for a crime I did not do, I refuse to allow his situation to define me. With the change of the Federal Pell Grant policy in 2007 I was denied GED instruction because of my lengthy sentence. However, determined to better myself, I purchased the GED test book, and after studying it thoroughly convinced the coordinators to allow me to take my GED. I not only passed the test but also was the class Valedictorian. Below are some more accomplishments I have achieved:

 

-I have coached others to obtain their GEDs. 

-I started facilitating for Restorative Justice. 

-Became a dog trainer for the Puppies for Parole Program. 

-Became a certified Braille Specialist with the Library of Congress in 2012, and through that skill I was able to give books to the visually impaired. 

-In 2017 I signed up for the Intensive Therapeutic Community (ITC). There, I committed myself to an array of different classes and tests to teach me the skills needed with dealing with self. 

-I have helped countless young men prepare for the next phase of their life outside of prison. 

-I am also a member of the Wardens’ Inmate Counsel where I’ve been given the opportunity and voice to bring positive change to the prison, staff, and inmates. 

-Have been the keynote speaker for several events that were attended by not only inmates but government officials in the state of Missouri.

 

There is not enough space to list the certificates and accomplishments that Ju’ane has completed despite his situation. While still fighting to regain his freedom he is now a student at Adams State University studying Criminal Justice and working full-time as a Database Administrator. This allows him to continue to learn skills that will assist him when he is once again free.

 

Sign our petition to let Missouri’s Governor and the St. Louis City’s Circuit Attorney know that you support the fight to Free Ju’ane Kennell.

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You may visit the Justice For All Bonfire store for merchandise.

 

Supporters of our cause can also make a donation and receive a #FreeJuaneKennell T-shirt or wristband, with all the proceeds going to fund Free Ju’ane Kennell.