Marsha’s statement has been lightly edited for clarity.

My name is Marsha Scaggs and I am currently incarcerated at SCI Cambridge Springs. I have been incarcerated for 37 years and am serving a second-degree life sentence. I came to prison at the age of 23 years old and I am now 60 years old.

When I first came to prison I was bitter, resentful, and blaming everyone for my demise. I was angry with God and my co-defendants because I felt like they placed me in this situation. I didn’t want to take any responsibility and was constantly getting myself in trouble by being defiant against anyone who would point out my behaviors.

Then a friend convinced me to go to church with her. This is where my life changed for the better. Something came over me and I felt this sense of peace. I started going to church every week, going to bible studies and fellowshipping with other Christian sisters. I have changed by devoting my life to God. I try to live my life by the word, setting the intention of humility at the start of each day. 

The last 16 years, I have been a peer assistant in the Therapeutic Community (TC). Assisting women in the inpatient drug/alcohol program with relapse prevention with a primary focus on CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). It focuses on changing the way we think and identifying distorted thinking patterns. In TC, the method of treatment, and being a part of the community for so long, focusing on right living, I have a lot of practice living the right way.

While at Cambridge Springs, I was afforded the amazing opportunity of getting trained as a certified recovery specialist and maintaining my certification, so I am able to apply what I learned at my job in TC. Helping other addicts is my passion in life as is sharing my story to let others know what living that lifestyle can cost them. Upon my return to society I plan to continue that passion. 

I have been misconduct-free for 26 years. I have been certified in Braille and have embossed books, magazines, bus schedules, cards, and menus. I have an associate’s degree in business/accounting, and I just recently was certified as a peer specialist. 

I have completed the Impact of Crime, House of Healing (a six-month inpatient trauma program with an emphasis on forgiveness), Victim awareness, Living Safely, Re-Entry Staying on track, Relationships course, Healthy living, Non-Violent Conflict resolution, Survivors Group 1&2, Adjustment group, New Choices/New Options Career development, Food & Nutrition, Drug/Alcohol outpatient group therapy, Domestic violence, Guilt & Shame group, Trauma & Abuse group, Drug/Alcohol education/intervention program, 12 step study group, Drug dealers & Addictive behaviors group, Penn State basic vegetable gardening, Double Trouble group, S.M.A.R.T. recovery group, Chairing recovery meetings, NA/AA recovery meetings, Anxiety group. I continue to involve myself with any group that is offered to better myself further. There is always something to learn and I am eager to build onto the knowledge I already have. 

I give back to my community in here and out there by volunteering in the Run-a-thons we have every year to raise money for Big Brothers & Big Sisters. I also help raise money for our local fire station, St. Jude’s Children’s hospital and research facilities on helping find a cure for cancer. I make blankets, hats, and scarves for the Create for Kids program that we have here. I attend church services every Sunday and any church events that are available.

The crime I am serving a life sentence for happened in 1987. I was living a fast life, using heroin on and off from the age of 14. At 23 years old I was at an apartment complex and ran into my victim, Joseph Supples, whom I’d never met. He was looking for my co-defendant. When I ran into my three co-defendants, I told them a man was looking for them. Joseph got into the car and an argument broke out. Joseph then got out of the car and walked off.

My three co-defendants asked me if I wanted to go to the Comfort Inn to get high, so I got into the car. As we were driving out of the complex, we drove by my victim, Joseph. My co-defendant Christopher Fenati, asked him if he wanted a ride, and he got in the car. The driver Christopher drove to a secluded area and ordered Joseph out of the car as well as myself. Christopher handed me a gun and told me to shoot Joseph. I told him I couldn’t do it, and that’s when Christopher reached over and pulled the trigger, killing Joseph with one shot. Christopher and I were charged with second-degree murder and both received a life sentence. 

Joseph Supples was a young man that had the rest of his life ahead of him, and my actions that night took him away from his family. This had a huge impact on the small community of New Castle, where people who lived in the secluded area where Joseph Supples’ life was taken did not feel safe. I caused Joseph Supples’ family heartache, grief, and a huge financial burden, as well as not ever being able to share birthdays, holidays, or any family events with him.

I brought embarrassment and shame to my family as well as not being there for my siblings. I impacted the officers who had to deliver the news to the Supples family that their son was murdered, and also the investigating officers. Everyone involved suffered because of my poor choices and judgment.

I still hold onto guilt because I never would have believed that my selfishness and addictive behavior would have led me to destroying so many lives. I have often wished that I would have been the one to lose my life. Joseph Supples’ death will always be a part of my life, and the only thing that I can do to move forward is honor him by living right and helping others. 

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.

— Marsha Scaggs