Help Free Domica Winckler

Domica Winckler is a 47-year-old Black woman who has been incarcerated in Virginia since she was only 18. In 2027, she will have been incarcerated for 30 years. 

In 1997, Domica, along with three white women, was involved in the death of Stacy Hanna. Some of the women were romantically involved, but Domica did not have a romantic or sexual relationship with any of the women. Initially charged with first-degree murder, two of the women, including Domica, were ultimately tried for capital murder, and the prosecutor fought to have them both executed. 

Domica recalls that only one member of her jury was Black. That primarily-white jury voted to execute Domica.

That only the lone Black woman of the group was sentenced to death understandably caused outrage among the public. It was a blatant case of anti-Black racism that could cost Domica her life. Due to public pressure, the trial judge ultimately removed the death penalty option and Domica was sentenced to life without parole. Domica appealed her conviction with the Virginia Supreme Court, explaining that jurors were not properly instructed that her case did not meet the standard for a capital charge because it was not motivated by a robbery that took place only incidentally. The court denied her appeal. 

It has been nearly three decades since that July in 1997 when Domica made a serious mistake that she very much regrets. Over these decades, Domica has pursued every opportunity allowed to her in prison to improve herself as a person and as a community member. She has worked hard to prepare for the life outside of prison that we believe she deserves.

While in prison, Domica has pursued vocational education including HVAC training and an apprenticeship, and programs in computer repair, computer-aided drafts and design, and optical. She has recently passed her American Board of Optician Certification exam and become a certified optician. She is currently continuing her optical education in pursuit of licensing. Domica has completed her Associate's degree at Piedmont Virginia Community College and, in January of 2027, will begin study for a Bachelor's degree at the University of Virginia. 

The IWCSP is seeking to gain a conditional pardon/commutation of sentence for Domica from the current governor Abigail Spanberger. In Virginia, a commutation of sentence is essentially a partial conditional pardon.

Domica is intelligent, caring, compassionate, and driven. Her goal is to secure clemency and serve her community by opening an optical dispensary shop that is specifically tailored to the needs of low-income families.

Please sign Domica’s petition and get her back to the community that loves and needs her!