Under Iowa Law, Senate File 398:902.2, a lifer may request a commutation of her sentence only once in every ten year period.  This will be my mother’s first and only request in the 20 years of her incarceration.  Should she be denied, she would not be eligible to formally apply again for another 10 years.

In 2004 we petitioned Governor Vilsack for clemency, and were told it would take at least 10 years before my mother's application could be reviewed.  In recent months the Iowa Board of Parole has sped up the process and we are now awaiting a hearing date.  Only 1 battered woman from Iowa has been granted clemency.  It is important to show the parole board that we support Sheryl's release into our community by writing letters to Governor Vilsack.

This website serves as only part of my campaign to free my mother, Sheryl Snodgrass.  I hope that you will take a few minutes to read through the information I've provided and familiarize yourself with the facts of the case, and get to know the person my mother is today.