Kim Kardashian’s efforts for justice have led to another victory. On Monday, December 16, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will announce that Dawn Jackson, a 53-year-old woman who spent 30 years behind bars, is now free. Jackson was convicted in 1999 for fatally stabbing her step-grandfather, Robert McBride, after enduring years of sexual abuse. Thanks to Kardashian’s relentless advocacy, Jackson is finally walking free.
A Major Victory for Jackson
Governor Murphy praised Kardashian’s role, stating, “Kim deserves enormous credit on this one.” After years of hard work, Murphy will commute Jackson’s 30-year sentence, allowing her to leave the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Hunterdon, New Jersey. Jackson, who first filed for clemency in 2018, will now have a chance to reclaim her life.
Kardashian shared her excitement saying, “We were all so emotional; we couldn’t believe it. Knowing these cases were heard and believed just like we believed in them is incredible.”
Jackson’s Struggle and Kardashian’s Involvement
In 1999, Jackson’s public defender advised her to plead guilty to first-degree murder, resulting in a lengthy sentence. However, the trial never brought critical details about her abuse to light. In 2019, Jackson reached out to Kardashian with a letter describing her suffering, which included years of sexual abuse from McBride and others close to her.
Kardashian, moved by Jackson’s story, contacted criminal justice lawyers Erin Haney and Jessica Jackson from the REFORM Alliance. Kardashian said, “I could feel her pain through the letters,” and vowed to help her. This bond deepened through letters and phone calls, with Kardashian using her massive social media following to amplify Jackson’s story.
Kardashian’s Advocacy Journey
Jackson’s case was featured on Kardashian’s 2020 Oxygen series, Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project. This was not Kardashian’s first major success. In 2018, she helped secure the release of Alice Marie Johnson, a grandmother serving time for a non-violent drug offense. Kardashian called these cases life-changing, saying, “This journey has opened my heart and soul to people I never imagined meeting.”
Governor Murphy’s Clemency Initiative
In June 2024, Governor Murphy launched the Clemency Initiative to fast-track cases like Jackson’s. The initiative focuses on survivors of sexual and domestic abuse, making sure their stories are heard. Murphy explained, “Society viewed domestic violence and survivors differently 30 to 40 years ago. There’s a glaring gap between what someone might have pled for versus the sentence they received at trial.”
An Emotional Announcement
On December 13, Governor Murphy shared the good news with Jackson, calling it “the most emotional moment of my seven years as governor.” Murphy praised Jackson for taking responsibility for her actions and becoming a model citizen. “She’s lived a hard life… I completely agree with Kim on this.“
Kardashian’s Broader Mission
Kardashian’s focus initially centered on non-violent drug offenders, but she soon recognized the need to address cases like Jackson’s. “Seeing pictures of Dawn at five, six, and seven years old when she was being abused—how could no one help her?” she said.
Both Kardashian and Murphy acknowledge the seriousness of Jackson’s crime but stress the importance of understanding the trauma behind it. Murphy stated, “The seriousness of the crime is a central factor. But granting clemency was the right decision.” Kardashian added, “Throwing someone’s life away without considering their trauma is wrong.”
Kardashian’s Ongoing Advocacy
Kardashian’s fight for justice continues. She has also voiced her controversial support for the Menendez brothers, who are serving life sentences for killing their parents in 1989. “We need to take abuse seriously and not just lock people up and throw away the key,” she said.
A Bright Future for Jackson
For Jackson, the future looks promising. The mother of eleven earned her high school diploma in prison and is now pursuing a criminal justice degree. She plans to live with one of her daughters.
Meanwhile, Kardashian is focused on her final bar exam. “I’m in my last course. It’s been a five-year journey,” she said. “We’ll keep working on these cases and finding ways to amplify them.”
One thing is clear: Kardashian’s passion for justice is unwavering.
