Gov. Cooper Pardons 9, Commutes Sentences for 6, Including Raleigh Man Convicted of Murder at 18

RALEIGH, NC – In a significant move just days before Christmas, Governor Roy Cooper announced the pardon of nine individuals and the commutation of sentences for six more in North Carolina. Among those granted clemency is Dwight Jordan, a Raleigh man convicted of murder at 18, who now becomes eligible for parole.

Jordan, now 48, received a life sentence in 1996 for the shooting death of Aaron Poole during a robbery. His conviction was supported by Poole’s statement, which was recorded from his hospital bed. While in prison, Jordan earned a GED and associate’s degree, serving 28 years of his sentence. The N.C. Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission will now determine if he will be released.

“Careful review of cases and executive clemency are responsibilities I take seriously,” said Gov. Cooper. “These individuals are deserving of clemency, and we will continue to work toward a fairer criminal justice system.”

Commuted Sentences

The governor’s Juvenile Sentence Review Board recommended six commutations for individuals convicted as minors:

• Jonathan Burdette, 38, has served nearly 20 years for the armed robbery of a restaurant in Rockingham County when he was 17. He has completed his GED, taken vocational classes, finished an apprenticeship as an electrician, and worked in a meat packing plant. He will be released in January.
• Sethy Seam, 43, has served almost 25 years for his participation in the robbery and murder of Harold King Sr. in Davidson County, a crime committed when he was 16. He took academic and vocational classes in prison, including New Leash on Life, which helps train service dogs. Seam will be released in January.
• Marquis McKenzie, 47, has served 27 years of a life sentence for the murder of Scottie Bass in Granville County. McKenzie was 19 at the time of the murder, and while incarcerated, he earned his GED and wrote a book. McKenzie will now become eligible for parole.
• William Dawson, 87, has served 25 years of a sentence for the murder of Nicholas Charles Scott in Craven County. While incarcerated, he has had what officials called an exemplary discipline record. He becomes eligible for parole.
• Toney King, 62, has served 30 years for robbing hotels in Rowan, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg counties. He has completed a bachelor’s degree and worked in the Field Ministry Program. King will become eligible for parole.

Pardons Granted

The pardoned individuals have shown rehabilitation and contributions to their communities:

• Dakota Bradshaw, 32, was convicted of assault on a government officer and three counts of injury to personal property in 2011 in Haywood County when he was 19. He has earned a certificate from a community college and has been gainfully employed.
• Sharon Redfearn, 55, was convicted of drug offenses in 1993 in Mecklenburg County. She now works as a peer support specialist and helps care for developmentally disabled people.
• Donovan Mais, 63, a U.S. Army veteran and former public health nurse, was convicted of drug possession in Cumberland County in 1987 and 1988. He has also worked as a substance abuse counselor.
• John White, 41, convicted of robbery conspiracy in Wake County at 18, graduated cum laude from N.C. Central University, served as a mentor, and kept a strong work history.
• Kimberly Kaszowski, 58, was convicted of drug trafficking in 2000 in Surry and Stokes counties. She now owns a business and volunteers in the Surry County Jail Ministry.
• Sarah Smith, 46, was convicted of drug possession in 2004 in Onslow County. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in health care administration and become a licensed respiratory therapist.
• Sharif Mosley, 43, convicted at 16 for drug sale in Cumberland County, now is a father and volunteers with Belmont Stables.
• Thurman Walker, 43, was convicted of two robbery charges in 1998 in Wake County. He was 16 at the time. He has since earned a college degree and works with adults with developmental disabilities in New York.
• Seth Cole, 35, was convicted of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon in 2006 in Guilford County. He has since graduated summa cum laude with a degree in computer and information systems and works as both a substance abuse counselor and a systems engineer.

Governor Cooper said he plans to make further clemency announcements before the end of his term, noting the importance of rehabilitation and fairness in justice.