Laurence Perry is a 51-year-old African American male who has served over 25 years on a life without the possibility of parole sentence. Born and raised in Compton California in the midst of the gang and drug cultures that permeated the bastion of poverty he witnessed and experienced several acts of gun violence that included the murder of one friend and a shooting that left another friend’s father paralyzed. He also witnessed and experienced physical violence (beating’s) inside and outside of his home. Through a series of horrible decisions Laurence joined a gang and embraced the criminality that led to his being shot ten times on three different occasions and ultimately murdering another human being while attempting to commit a robbery.
Laurence has taken full responsibility for his actions. He understands that in murdering Juan Garcia he caused severe hurt and harm to Mr. Garcia, his family, law enforcement, the community and countless others. He is ashamed of and deeply regrets his actions.
Though Laurence experienced instant remorse upon murdering Juan Garcia it was not until he had a fall out with his teenaged daughter who had been three years old at the time of his arrest that he experienced an awakening that shook him to the core. She called him on his being a criminal and pointed out how selfish and neglectful he had been as a father, leaving him feeling like a scabless sore. He realized that she was right and from this point forward committed himself to becoming the best human being he could possibly be and dedicating the remainder of his days to making amends. Towards this end Laurence has renounced his gang and criminal affiliations, participated in over thirty self-help groups, earned Associate degrees in Communications, Social and Behavioral sciences, and Liberal Arts and penned a message driven novel.
In a full circle moment, Laurence’s daughter who is now thirty-one and soon to be a mother has forgiven him. She is proud and fully supportive of his change.