Everett, WA. - The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted 4 to 1 on Thursday to recommend a pardon for Marriam Oliver, who served 20 years in prison for her involvement in a 2001 murder in Everett. The recommendation now awaits approval from Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Oliver was 14 years old when she participated with four other teenagers in the killing and robbery of Jerry Heimann inside his home. After being released from prison in 2021, Oliver is requesting a third pardon.
While she is no longer on parole, she faces travel restrictions from her conviction and stated that clearing her record would help her family and allow her to expand her work helping youth involved in crime.
During a pardon petition hearing in June, Oliver spoke about her remorse and her current efforts to mentor at-risk youth.
“I helped take the life of an innocent man, so I caused lasting pain for every person who loved him,” Oliver said.
She explained how she applies her past to her present work, adding, “Today, I’ve used my lived experience to help others recognize warning signs to build healthy connections and prevent harm before it happens.”
Raymond Delos Reyes, Board Chair of the Clemency and Pardons Board, expressed rare support for the petition.
“I’ve been on this board for 3 years, and it’s something I have never seen,” Delos Reyes said. He noted the unique nature of the request, adding, “I can’t think of any other circumstance where I would support recommending a pardon but this case.”
Kelly Muller, the daughter of Jerry Heimann, strongly opposed the pardon, as did prosecutors, who argued that clearing Oliver’s record would downplay the severity of her actions.
During the petition hearing in June, Muller recalled the traumatic circumstances of her father’s death, noting that her grandmother was present during the attack.
“This vicious murder was also committed in front of my dear, sweet grandmother who was also a witness to these animals wrapping my dad’s body in blankets and carrying him away,” Muller said.
Muller explained that the pardon proceedings repeatedly reopen deep emotional wounds for her family.
“We’ve all been to counseling because of my response to the murder and the grief that caused me to react in unhealthy ways,” Muller said. Emphasizing the permanent impact of the loss, she added, “You don’t just get over something like this.”
Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office and the Heinmann family have already sent a letter to the board in opposition to Oliver’s petition for a pardon.