It’s hard to stay in touch, but I recently reconnected with my son and daughter, and that’s been a blessing.
I’ve been homeless for over 12 years, sleeping in parks, and I was accused of stealing a pair of shoes. As a homeless person, I fought my best, but I’m vulnerable and weak. We are human, but sometimes we are treated like animals, subject to cruel and unusual punishment.
While incarcerated, I’ve been a victim of COVID-19, Hepatitis A, C, and STDs. I suffer from schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. I was placed in a general population yard that I don’t belong in—I don’t like it!
I’m Christian, though, and I keep asking God why. I write letters to God, hoping for blessings. I need advice and direction. Sometimes, I feel depressed and even suicidal. I don’t want to be here anymore—I want to go home. It’s been three years since I’ve been incarcerated in LA County Jail. I fought my case and was found mentally incompetent to stand trial, yet I was still sentenced. This violates my due process rights. I’m hoping to win my appeal.
I am trying to be a Christian, and everyone calls me blessed. I’m from LA and trying to get into a program in San Gabriel Valley to be closer to my family—especially my son and daughter, Thomas and Kailynn. I also have two other children, but with different mothers. It’s hard to stay in touch, but I recently reconnected with my son and daughter, and that’s been a blessing. I don’t want to be a victim anymore. But the system sets you up for failure. Sometimes you have to work towards something and earn it—whether as an ADA worker, a kitchen worker, a spiritual leader, or a celebrity.