Kyra's Story

On Memorial Day Weekend 2006, the life of this promising young lady was changed forever. A typical Girls’ night out on the town began in fun, but ended in an enduring nightmare. Kyra Clardy, a college student with big dreams and an even bigger heart, found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A stop in a part of town Kyra did not frequent led to a confrontation between her cousin and another girl. A fight ensued. Kyra attempted, unsuccessfully, to break up the fight and leave. Instead, she was one of three young women attacked by a gang of 15 or more girls. Her last memory of the fight was being hit with a hard object in the back of her head. To date, Kyra’s memory of the events that unfolded remains clouded.

The incident escalated to a shooting and resulted in the death of a young woman. Seriously disoriented, Kyra was the driver at the time of the shooting. She was not the shooter, nor did she ever handle the weapon. She did not bring the weapon into her car, nor did she knowingly participate in a plan to return violence with deadly force. In this horrible moment, she was vulnerable, shocked, and confused.

Kyra was arrested and held without bail for 22 months. Kyra had no prior criminal record and was never in any trouble as a juvenile or young adult. At age 23, she was a determined young woman committed to being on track. Kyra was a criminal justice major, who worked full-time and was one step closer to fulfilling her dream of earning a degree.

Nonetheless, her altruistic spirit has not been deterred by incarceration. Kyra has volunteered faithfully as a tutor while in jail, helping women learn to read and prepare for the GED. Even in darkness, Kyra finds light in doing something she loves: giving of her time and effort for the betterment of others.

Kyra aspired to be in a courtroom one day, but never as a defendant. In March 2008, Kyra was tried with two other defendants. After three and a half days of testimony and less than three hours of deliberation, a jury that did not even minimally reflect her peers found all three defendants guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy, and firearm charges.

Kyra is joined by her family and friends in mourning the loss of life and her connection to this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers remain with the victim’s family. Her naivety and generosity were taken advantage of and ultimately used against her. We strongly feel that she should not have to pay with the rest of her promising life for this tragic set of events. Moreover, we have been advised by a leading appellate lawyer that Kyra has sufficient legal grounds for appeal.

Today, 1 out of every 100 Americans is incarcerated. The prison population is burgeoning out of control. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world. Long prison sentences and changes to accessory laws have greatly contributed to the prison bloat, especially among women. In addition, the appeal process is long, cumbersome, and costly.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

We, a circle of advocates for Kyra, are joining together to launch the 25 for 25 Campaign for Kyra in order to raise funds for an appeal. We are Believers in justice, fairness, and in Kyra. We are Faith Keepers who demonstrate that caring people can and will stand beside our youth in their darkest hour. Lastly, we are Hope Bearers who trust Kyra’s spirit will not perish behind prison walls, and she will use her life and the hard lesson of this tragedy to help others. The campaign continues on. We are seeking gifts of $25 toward her appeal. Please join us now in our effort to save Kyra’s future. Your generosity and compassion are most humbly appreciated.

To Donate a Gift of $25 or More, Click below:













Contributions may also be sent to:
25 for 25 Campaign for Kyra
c/o Members 1st Credit Union
1021 Briarsdale Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Make checks payable to: 25 for 25 Campaign for Kyra

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Fight for Kyra's Life Begins

On Monday, April 21, 2008, Kyra was given a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Kyra made her entire family proud at her sentencing hearing and moved every spirit in the courtroom. She requested to stand and face the victim's family prior to being sentenced. She read a moving letter that she wrote. It was addressed to the mother of the victim, the victim's entire family and friends, as well as members of the gang. Kyra's letter was passionate, heart-felt, and strong. It demonstrated her deep remorse and compassion. She asked the members of the gang to bring peace into the community and end the violence. She urged them to see her life as an example of how a promising future can change in a matter of seconds. She also stressed how she never intended for any of the events that occurred to have happened. Kyra stated that she hoped the victim’s family and friends could find closure. Also, she wished the victim’s mother would one day find it in her heart to forgive her. Kyra’s powerful words drew applause, tears, and the two mothers together afterward.

The appeal process is now moving full speed ahead. We are thrilled to have engaged a great appellate lawyer with a powerful fighting spirit. Your support and generosity is so deeply appreciated and needed. We will not give up our fight for Kyra's life!
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, April 4, 2008

How Can You Help?

We, a circle of advocates for Kyra, are joining together to launch the 25 for 25 Campaign for Kyra in order to raise funds for an appeal. We are Believers in justice, fairness, and in Kyra. We are Faith Keepers who demonstrate that caring people can and will stand beside our youth in their darkest hour. Lastly, we are Hope Bearers who trust Kyra’s spirit will not perish behind prison walls, and she will use her life and the hard lesson of this tragedy to help others.

In honor of Kyra’s 25th birthday on April 15th, we are seeking gifts of $25 toward her appeal. Please join us now in our effort to save Kyra’s future. Your generosity and compassion are most humbly appreciated.
Posted by at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)