RICHMOND, Va. – Margaret “Blair” Dacey has been released from prison after receiving a pardon from Governor Ralph Northam late last year.
According to CBS6 sources, Dacey was released on Tuesday.
Dacey had time to serve his role in the death of a Colonial Heights man named Rusty Mack. She kicked Mack in the head during a multiplayer fight.
Northam pardoned Dacey, 26, even though she had 13 years left in prison. Dacey has served a seven-year sentence and must now complete an anger management and other transition courses.
Northam wouldn’t go into specifics regarding the pardon but said her pardon request has been thoroughly vetted and he believes in second chances.
“It’s been a bit overwhelming but I’m happy to be back to normal,” Dacey said in an interview with CBS 6’s Jon Burkett. “I mean, it’s hard for someone in my position to stand a chance. Monday.”
Dacey said that during her time in prison, she stayed out of trouble. She maintained a job, attended school, and graduated with a college degree. She is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
All of this is the reason that state senator Joe Morrisey said he had no problem asking for her release.
“She’s a prime example of someone who deserves a pardon. Finished first in her class while earning her college degree, is receiving her four-year degree, has taken advantage of every opportunity in prison. She’s a model prisoner. “Excellent. What did she do?” Morrisey said.
“I’ve learned to listen. Stop and listen. I didn’t always take the best advice in the past and I’ve learned to better myself and stay motivated. When you lose motivation at a In a place like that, that’s the worst thing you can do. Because you’re going to be affected by so many things. And I just wanted to prove that I wasn’t the one who made a terrible, terrible mistake. that night. It was a total accident and a tragedy,” Dacey said.
Dacey said that although her time in prison was difficult, she believes she has gained a lot of knowledge along the way.
“There are so many lessons I need to learn. I’m a better person for it,” Dacey said.
She said that after she gets out of prison, she wants to study law and fight for young people who may not understand well.
“I feel this system is very harsh on minors. And everyone needs to have a chance. The worst thing you can do in prison is not give someone a chance. If you don’t give someone a chance, opportunity, they have no reason to want to do better,” said Dacey.
When Mack’s parents learned that Dacey had been pardoned by the governor, they said they were outraged and surprised by the decision. Dacey hopes that one day they can forgive her.
“I just wanted them to know that I never meant to hurt him that night. I didn’t mean to let this happen and I’m so sorry it happened. And I want to do my best. to be the best positive example going forward. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” said Dacey.
