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Raw Crime: a prison audio series

At Humans of San Quentin, we believe every voice matters, especially those silenced by prison walls. Raw Crime is a space where people inside share their stories in their own words, unfiltered, unpolished, and deeply human. These are not headlines or case files but lived experiences of harm, accountability, and hope.

This series challenges the way we see crime and punishment. In Raw Crime, you will hear directly from people in prison as they speak openly about their choices, their pasts, and their paths toward healing. No scripts. No spin. Just raw truth. Storytelling is a catalyst for empathy and change, and these voices invite us to confront hard realities while seeing the humanity, resilience, and possibility that exist inside every person.

William Peeples

In this interview, we spoke on the phone with William, who is responsible for killing his neighbor when she came home as he was robbing her house. He discusses his lifelong struggle with drug addiction, childhood trauma, and redemption. William initially denied his guilt, but he walks us through his path to taking responsibility and rehabilitation. Williams’ honesty and poise while discussing both his crime and his journey to accountability are admirable and inspiring.

Bonus: William Peeples, A Voice Honored

After his interview aired, William reached out again to share how deeply moved he was by the way his story was presented. He felt recognized not only for the mistakes of his past but also for his growth, accountability, and humanity. His gratitude for the respect and honesty in how his crime was shared speaks volumes about his courage and about the power of telling stories with compassion.

 

Coby Phillips

In this interview, we spoke on the phone with Coby, who had never known a life beyond gang involvement and drugs before now. Coby gave us an overview of his life, starting with the negative influences in his childhood and ending with the peace he has found in prison. In between, you’ll be introduced to the old Coby, who spent over 24 years in solitary confinement, charged with killing his longtime friend and fellow gang member. But following that is his story of rehabilitation and remorse, where you can meet who Coby is today.

Matthew Padilla

In this interview, we talked on the phone with Matthew, who is responsible for killing his childhood friend during an altercation at a party. In this phone call, you will hear directly from Matthew, who has been incarcerated for 32 years. Matthew discusses the details of that night, his relationship with his victim, and the forgiveness he found in conversations with Melissa, the daughter of his victim. If you are interested in learning more about Matthew and Melissa’s relationship, go to The Prison Podcast and listen to the first two episodes for their unique Victim-Offender Dialogue.

Larry May

In this interview, we talked on the phone with Larry, who is responsible for killing his wife and the mother of his children. In this phone call, you will hear directly from Larry, who has been incarcerated for 21 years at various prisons. He reflects on the events leading up to his wife’s death and his dedication to sobriety since that night. His direct accountability, remorse, and process of rehabilitation make for an inspiring and educational conversation.

Tommy Lee Dean

In this interview, we spoke on the phone with Tommy Lee, who has been involved in criminal activity since elementary school. He goes in-depth about shoot-outs with the police, aggravated robbery, and other aspects of his life outside prison. He also considers his years spent in solitary confinement, which were formative in his motivation to change and his evolution as a writer.

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