Christopher’s story has been lightly edited for clarity.

July 21, 2025, was the 50th year of my imprisonment. I was 20 years old. I am now 70 years of age. The statement that I am sending you is what I can remember.

On July 13th, 1975, in the den of night, I was intoxicated and woke up the the next morning at home, unaware of what took place or happened. On July 19th, 1975, while walking to the store, Detectives Stephens and Gallo picked me up and questioned me at the 22nd Police District, showed me a gang related photo, then returned me to where they originally picked me up. On July 21, 1975 while standing on the corner of Marston/Cumberland street, they stated they would like to ask me some more questions. I was then taken to 8th and Race, The Police Administration Building. Once there they continued to ask more questions, about what happened on the night in question of July 13th, 1975.

I explained to them that I really couldn’t recall because I had been drinking and didn’t remember how I got home, so on July 22nd, 1975, I was arraigned and charged with murder and robbery. At the preliminary hearing a witness by the name Jerome White testified that I stabbed him in his arm and that I held him from aiding the deceased Willie Keaton. He maintained that’s what happened on the night of July 13th, 1975 at trial. I did not take the witness stand because at the time of the incident I didn’t remember and it would be foolish to give account of something I did not remember, it would be false testimony. I did not plead guilty, but if I caused any harm then I take full responsibility for my actions. I can only hope for the best. 

My trouble began at the early age of ten (10), I was naïve and uneducated growing up in the gang plagued streets of Philadelphia. I was jumped into one of the cities many neighborhood street gangs and quickly became involved in a life of petty senseless crime. I developed negative social values. I was twenty (20) years old at the time of this incident and a gang member. I was immature and ignorant of the true meaning of life.

After more then forty (40) years of confinement I have matured to a more responsible adult who wants to make something of my life if given an opportunity. I needed to change, I’ve made an effort to change, I’ve strived to further my education. I’ve received my G.E.D as well as went on to get an Associates Degree in Business Management & Accounting. I’ve participated in other programs that have helped me to develop positive reasoning and to build my character as a person.

I’ve gone as far as all my appeals, but with no success. Despite that, I’ve never given up on myself. I’ve just tried to keep a positive outlook on everything, even when things didn’t work out. I’m now considered an elder with a purpose because at one point in time I was considered “poor socially, deprived culturally, emotionally suggestive, unhappy, dull with an antisocial attitude.” At the time my sense of values were deficient because of my environmental factors, despite that my adjustment has become more mature by way of numerous positive participations with responsibilities, helping with my creative sincere spiritual growth. 

In July of 2004, I suffered a stroke that left me partially paralyzed on my right side. I spent seven (7) years at SCI-Laurel Highlands, and with the help and encouragement from medical staff and rehabilitation I successfully recovered enough mobility to care for myself even if I’m not 100%. I have also been baptized and forever pray for forgiveness for the harm and sins that I committed by being remorseful towards both families. There’s no amount of time, no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a human life!

I can now say that I’ve grown into a positive thinking adult, free of any evil sinful thoughts. I can honestly say I’m ready to live in a useful, productive, law abiding place in society with my family who has supported me through the loss of several family members and close friends. If I should be granted this opportunity to show my growth in society, I am sure with my support group, I can be a productive citizen in life.