My name is Delfino Muniz.
In 1991 I was convicted of murder and 2nd degree robbery and was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP). I think often of my victim and his family and I’m deeply sorry for the lasting pain I’ve caused them.
I was an 18-year-old with a 4th grade education.
I am now a 45-year-old man, a prisoner who has been rehabilitated and seeking a second chance at life on the outside.
I grew up in the city of Compton, California. In my neighborhood, gangs, drugs and constant violence were all around me. I had a family and a home, but I moved towards a negative path. At a very young age I committed a felony that would crush lives forever, including my own.
During my time in prison, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the tragic mistakes I made as a kid. I know that I am not the person I was, as I view my own acts with horror
From in here, I’ve realized that there are other choices open to me and I no longer have to live as an uncaring person who is defined by the negativity around me.
My daughters and family have supported me throughout my years of incarceration and I’ve realized that life is full of opportunities and so much hope. They are my rock and my reason for redemption.
When I think of my victim and his family, I am filled with shame. One of my goals is to personally apologize to them and let them know that I’m deeply sorry for what I did. I sincerely hope that they are okay and I wish them the best always.
I am no longer that 18-year-old kid. I am a 45-year-old man with an outlook on life much more positive. I obtained my GED and completed rehabilitative and self- help courses such as Alternatives to Violence and Anger Management. I spend some of my time writing letters for our struggling youth, to help them choose a better life style. I want to give back by sharing my story with the youth, in hopes that I can help to guide them down the right path and ultimately help end the on-going cycle of our youth coming to prison.