I am sitting down today and write a letter to FUEL & others in order to portray the life of an inmate with a sentence of LWOP, a sentence where the word hope does not exist and the light at the end of the tunnel is hard to see. A condemnation signifying one cannot be rehabilitated, even if the crime was committed during one’s youth.
At the age of nineteen (19), I was sentenced for a “Special Circumstance Murder Robbery”, even though the Distract Attorney said during the Trial that the homicidal act was unintentional and/or accidental. According to Felony Murder Rule, if someone dies during the commission of a Robbery or attempted Robbery it is automatically Life without Parole.
At the young age of 19, I was devastated; I know ignorance is not a defense to the law and these laws were passed to deter criminals. But hindsight being 20/20, I wish I knew then what I know now.
I’m Twenty-Nine years old now and some light has made its way through the tunnel. Throughout my years in prison I have been able to achieve a better understanding of myself and why I committed my crime. These past few years I have really been focusing on my rehabilitation, I have participated in numerous Self-Help programs and am halfway done with completing my associate degree.
If I’m given a second chance at freedom one day, I know I’ll be an excellent asset to our community.
Zachary Flanders