Prison Radio
Antoine “Indy” Walker

Hey, what’s up y’all? This is Antoine Walker, Number KG7791, calling now out of SCI Pine Grove. I want y’all to know me as in Indy though, but the main reason that I’m calling tonight is that I wanted to bring some attention to this campaign called “Free the Mississippi Five.” And, you know, if y’all want to find out more about that, y’all could go to www.studyandstruggle.com/ms5. 

 So we’re just real quick, Mississippi Five, five women who’ve been incarcerated or sentenced to life with the possibility of parole between the late 1980s and early 1990s. They now range between the ages of 59-82 years old. And despite, you know, different, many achievements, personal growth, the loss of loved ones outside, and even recantations of key witnesses, they continue to be denied parole, irrespective of the access. 

MS5 have collectively been in prison for over 175 years and denied parole 47 times. So it’s time to free the Five, and I’m hoping that you guys can visit that site and bring some attention to this situation. Hopefully, we can bring these women home. And I do want to try to share a little bit about each one of them, so their names are Lisa Crevitt, Anita Krecic, Loretta Pierre, Evelyn Smith, and Linda Ross. Apologies if I butcher any names, but I’m gonna read word for word, you know, the little bio they gave about themselves.  

Loretta Pierre:  

My name is Loretta Pierre. In 1985, I was 20 years old, pregnant with my only child. I was charged with homicide. After six trials, I was convicted and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after serving 10 years. 

My first parole date was in December 1977. I have currently been denied parole 14 times, more than any other woman in the history of the state of Mississippi. The son I was pregnant with in 1985 is now 38 years old, with three children of his own. Grandchildren that I’ve never seen in person. I am a grandparent, mother, sister, aunt, friend. 

I’m also a published writer, a college student, organizer, educator, prison abolitionist, and politicized prisoner. I am still very close to my family, but unfortunately, my mother died on September 19, 2017, while still awaiting my release. I have currently served over thirty-six years. My next scheduled parole hearing is in December 2025.

 My charge will be 40 years old by then, so I’m hoping to be released soon. I enjoy swimming, deep-sea fishing, biking, concerts, reading, creating art, picnics, beautiful clothes, dancing, and ice cream. My favorite foods are crawfish and shrimp. My favorite artist is Joe Davis.  

Well, that’s Loretta Pierre. Next one is Anita Krecic 

I am a native Ohioan and have been in prison for 37 years. While using drugs, I foolishly became involved with a man who gunned down a state trooper. I was given a life sentence with parole consideration for having been an accomplice. I was broken, desperate, and spiritually dead, but God delivered me, forgave me, and saved me. I’m still holding on to my faith that the victim’s family will forgive me for all the pain and enormous loss they suffered because of their careless actions, because of the careless actions of my co-defendant and me.

My imprisoned life has reflected one who is remorseful, repentant, and productive. I became a quilter, a computer technician, a paralegal, a Christian mentor in a library. I’m currently in a four-year seminary program through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Despite my strong network of family and friends, and regardless of the redemption I have shown and the transformation I have made, Mississippi’s Parole Board has mercilessly denied my parole 10 times. My last set off of eight years was my longest. 

My hope is that Mississippi leaders will be able to show mercy, or even the apostle Paul, who was also a murderer, became one of the greatest saints for God.  But that’s Anita Krecic, again, apologies if I’m mispronouncing names.  

Linda Ross:  

My name is Linda Ross. I am of the Mississippi Five who were sentenced for crimes back in the 1980s and have yet to be released. I was 27 years old then and misdiagnosed as being mentally retarded and psychotic. I have overcome many challenges since then by choosing not to accept that that evaluation is final. I am now 62 years old. 

I have been refused treatment for hepatitis C since 2003. I am in need of a double hip replacement, as well as a shoulder and knee surgery. I have used my prison time wisely and achieved my GED. Currently, I’m enrolled at Valley State University and have already accumulated enough credit hours for an Associate’s degree. Granted parole, I would like to live out my senior years with my elderly mother. I believe I have not only transformed my mind, but have risen above resentments by using this opportunity to choose forgiveness.  

Okay, that’s Linda Ross.Number three.  

Number four is Lisa Crevitt:  

My name is Lisa Crevitt, and I am incarcerated in the state of Mississippi, where I’ve been for the past 39 years. I have no disciplinary reports in my file, which seems to serve no purpose, as I have been denied parole nine times for a total of 34 set-off years. It’s very disheartening to sit in prison your whole adult life, reform yourself, do the right thing, get no reprimands or negative reports, and yet continuously receive set-offs from the parole board.

 I was born October 4, 1964, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, into a wonderful family. I have a mom, dad, stepmom, stepdad, a brother, two sisters, a daughter, two grandsons, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. I’m a cat handler in the animal program, but my forever cat, Cosmo, when I am afforded the opportunity to go home, he will go with me. I also help in fostering 25 other cats who are waiting for their forever homes. I am computer literate and licensed to operate a forklift. Finding employment would not be difficult for me, as I am still young enough to work hard. My next parole hearing is scheduled for February 2028. 

 Number five, Ms. Evelyn Smith:  

My name is Evelyn Smith, and 32 years ago I committed a crime that forever changed many lives. It is a hurt and loss that I can never undo. When sentenced to life with parole, I had a tiny glimmer of hope that the judge, and maybe others, believed one day I might be worthy of a second chance. I started on a journey to become a person worthy of one. 

I have had many jobs, became a leader in my community who mentored younger women, and became a trusted mediator. In proving I was worthy of a second chance, I became a better person. With 30 years served, an almost spotless record, and positive contributions to my community, I believed the parole board would see a worthy person. I thought I had a real chance. When the board set off an 80-year-old for five years in 2022, they sent an unmistakable message: they wanted me to die in prison. 

I’ve taken accountability for my actions, sought to make reparations by living a life devoted to giving to others. Statistically and realistically, I pose no threat to society. I often ponder what is being accomplished by my continued incarceration.

So that’s the Five. I know that was a little longer than usual, but I think it was worth it. It’s so important to get out there.  So again, know if y’all want to contribute, y’all can visit that www.studyandstruggle.com/ms5. You could join a campaign to free the Five by signing a clemency petition, make a donation, write a letter of support, or even just spread the word. So appreciate your time for listening. 

Thanks y’all for helping me, and hopefully we could get some help for these women too. 

These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.