MOVE 9 Sentences
Sentence: 30-100 years each
Time Served:
- Shortest (Merle Africa, died in prison): 20 years
- Longest (Debbie Africa, Mike Africa, released): 40 years
- Still serving (Edward Africa): 47 years and counting
Average Time Served: 40+ years for those released; 2 died in prison never seeing freedom
Why the Disparity?
Official Explanation:
- Severity of crime (killing police officer)
- Group conspiracy requiring example-setting sentence
- Need to deter similar acts
Actual Reason (per advocates):
- Political punishment for challenging authority
- Revenge for Officer Ramp’s death (even if MOVE didn’t cause it)
- Using criminal justice system to destroy MOVE organization
- Making example of those who resist “the system”
The Pattern: People convicted of first-degree murder with premeditation often serve less time than the MOVE 9. People who intentionally killed, who planned killings, who showed no remorse—many have been paroled after 25-30 years.
The MOVE 9 served 40+ years for third-degree murder many believe was police crossfire.
That’s not justice. That’s political imprisonment.
The Evidence That Still Matters
Officer Ramp’s Wound
Forensic Fact: Officer James Ramp was shot in the back of the neck
Bullet Trajectory: Downward angle from above/behind
Officer Ramp’s Position: He was behind police lines, not in front facing MOVE house
What This Suggests: The trajectory is more consistent with a shot from above/behind (i.e., from police positions) than from MOVE house (which was in front of and below Ramp’s position).
Defense Argument: Officer Ramp was killed by police crossfire during chaotic shooting. MOVE members were defending themselves but didn’t fire the fatal shot.
Prosecution Response: Even if true, MOVE created the violent confrontation. Under conspiracy law, they’re responsible for all deaths that result.
The Problem: Conspiracy theory means you can be convicted of murder even if you didn’t kill anyone, didn’t intend anyone to die, and someone on your own side may have actually caused the death.
That’s how nine people get 30-100 years when forensics can’t prove who fired the fatal shot.
Why They’ve Been Denied Parole
Pennsylvania has a parole system. In theory, inmates can be paroled after serving minimum sentence if they demonstrate:
- Rehabilitation
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Low risk of reoffending
- Plans for reintegration
The MOVE 9 met every criterion except one: “acceptance of responsibility.”
The Catch-22
Parole boards say: Express remorse for Officer Ramp’s death. Accept responsibility. Denounce MOVE.
MOVE 9 say: We didn’t kill him. We won’t confess to something we didn’t do. We won’t denounce what we believe.
Parole boards say: Then you haven’t been rehabilitated. Parole denied.
This creates an impossible situation:
- If they confess to killing Officer Ramp, they’re lying but might get parole
- If they maintain innocence (which they believe is truth), they stay in prison
The system punished them for refusing to lie.
The Real Reason
Beyond the “remorse” issue, parole boards have been explicit in some denials:
“Continued affiliation with MOVE”
- Simply remaining part of MOVE is cited as reason for denial
- This is essentially punishing them for their beliefs
- No crime in being part of MOVE
- Amounts to political imprisonment
“Lack of insight into criminal behavior”
- Parole boards want them to say: “I understand why killing a police officer was wrong”
- MOVE 9 response: “We didn’t kill him, so we can’t gain insight into a crime we didn’t commit”
“Risk to public safety”
- No evidence MOVE 9 pose any risk
- No violent incidents in prison
- Simply being MOVE members treated as inherent risk