I am a forty three year old incarcerated individual in Northern MN at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility. I am incarcerated for homicide; a crime that I deserve to be held accountable for despite my disagreement with the sentencing guideline.
I was raised in foster care and adopted at age seven just prior to first grade. Growing up, my life was good until age fifteen. I left my home and moved away to live with my biological family. Although I lived a comfortable life with my adoptive parents, I still wanted to know my biological family despite having little contact with them.
Reluctantly my adoptive parents relocated which reunited me with my biological mother. My character changed, influenced by trials and learning through error. I was forced to survive and navigate through the city of Minneapolis. Prior to meeting my mother, all I knew was the outskirts of the suburbs of Minneapolis off the Northside consisting of Crystal, Robinsdale, New Hope, Brooklyn Center areas. My biological family consists of hustlers, gangsters, con artists and sex workers. Only a few had full time employment however they later decided to engage in criminal activity. I was gravely impacted by associating myself with their lifestyle.
Once incarcerated, I had time to reflect on my decisions. Do I continue on this dimly lite winding road filled with dead ends turn around & pot holes littered with depression, anger, pain deception or do I turn that corner and head another way and stay the course? Throughout this prison sentence I learned how to weld, I’ve taken & completed college courses. I’ve maintained several positions and saved money, I’ve went to treatment groups to better myself, learn about myself and others pains but also successes because I firmly believe that change is possible and I think honestly I owe it to my victims family and also my own to step out of here a changed man.
I’m approaching ten years incarcerated with five and a half years left until my Supervised Release Date. I see myself hopefully at a halfway house, employed fulltime and owning a car or truck to transport myself to work. Eventually, I hope to have access to a permanent house or apartment following my time at the halfway house.
I am taking the necessary steps towards a better future. I’m grateful for the love and support I get from friends and family members on the outside and also my friends here on the inside. In closing I want to say it’s never too late to do something new and different and at least see where it goes.
Narrative Submitted by Rick Martinez