I'm reaching out today because my brother, Rashawn Cannon, is facing the fight of his life, and our family needs your help.
Rashawn is a smart, caring young man who deserves what every person is entitled to: a fair trial, due process, and a strong legal defense. We're working to raise $50,000 so he can have the legal team he needs to defend his life.
Many people know Rashawn's name because he has been charged in connection with the death of a correctional officer at Ross Correctional Institution. For nearly two years, the public has heard one version of the story through media coverage, while Rashawn and our family have had little opportunity to share our perspective. When we tried to speak out about our concerns, Rashawn lost communication with his family for 14 months and was placed in solitary confinement after our family, along with others, began raising concerns about conditions and treatment at the facility.
This is not a request for anyone to decide whether Rashawn is guilty or innocent. That decision belongs in a courtroom, based on evidence, not headlines. We are simply asking people to support his constitutional right to a fair defense and the opportunity to have his side fully heard before his fate is left to a jury.
Before his incarceration, Rashawn had earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Kentucky. He had a promising future ahead of him. Today, he is facing the death penalty, and the outcome of his case will depend on whether he has the resources to present a complete and effective defense.
The support we've already received from people across Ohio has reminded us that compassion and fairness still exist. Regardless of personal opinions about the case, everyone deserves competent legal representation when their life is on the line.
If you're able to contribute, share our fundraiser, or simply keep Rashawn and our family in your thoughts, every act of support makes a difference. Your generosity will help ensure that his defense is based on facts and evidence, and that he receives the full protections our justice system is meant to provide.
