Free Fidel Santiago
Together, Fidel Santiago, Hernan "Spel" Cortes, and John Payne have spent more than 120 years wrongly incarcerated. Each has submitted an application for commutation of their sentence so that they can return to their families. Fidel, Spel, and John go before the Board of Pardons for a merit review on July 10, 2025. If voted forward, they will proceed to a public hearing where the Board will make a final decision.
For Spel, Fidel, and John, this is likely a last chance to have their cases heard and to hope for release from prison.
“I must emphasize that the impact of Fidel’s absence at family functions and gatherings cannot be overstated. Our family bonds have been tested, and the voice left by his absence has been deeply felt. ”
Meet Fidel: Fidel "Fifi" Santiago has been incarcerated for more than 50 years. He and four other men were convicted of a 1973 murder based on the statement of one defendant who implicated himself and all the others. Two of the co-defendants were fully exonerated based on alibi evidence proving that the alleged "conspiracy" among the men could not have occurred. Fidel is the only one of the five who remains incarcerated.
Fidel is deeply religious, has consistently served as a mentor while incarcerated, and is a beloved activities leader. His health has suffered greatly during his incarceration. He is now largely dependent on a wheelchair and speaks often of his regret that he can no longer play baseball, the game he loves so much.
Fidel's close-knit family has supported him these many years and he longs to spend his remaining years reunited with his loved ones. In a letter of support for his commutation application, Fidel's niece writes that the impact of his absence at family functions "cannot be overstated."
"Our family bonds have been tested, and the void left by his absence has been deeply felt... [He] deserves a chance to rebuild his life, reconnect with his loved ones, and contribute positively to our community."
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