Dear Reader:

My name is Darryl L. Freeman, I was born and raised in a small community called Muscoda, located in Bessemer, Alabama. I am 46 years old. I am the oldest of my siblings; seven brothers and one sister. I grew up in a household of loving and supportive parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1973, and remained there until the tragic death of my dad in 1975. I was my father's son, and was devastated by his violent, but accidental death. He was shot in the head by his best friend while verbally arguing with a man regarding some matter that I have never learned the nature of that confrontation. A few months later my mother brought me to New York in the summer of 1975. I had lived a sheltered life and was naive. A change in environment exposed me to some of the harsher realities of life. In six months my innocence was gone because I wanted to fit in with my peers. I started smoking cigarettes, marijuana, and drinking beer. I eventually lost my inner fear of doing wrong and graduated to skipping classes and began participating in other nonconductive activities with my new friends such as experimenting with cocaine, alcohol, and stealing in an effort to prove that I was down for whatever. During this phase I became an efficient robber. Two years later I was arrested for petty larceny. I slowed down for a minute but was unable to fully grasp the significance of this sign. A year later the record was sealed. Two years later I was then arrested for armed robbery. My attorney worked out a plea bargain where I could get three years probation for taking a pea to possession of a loaded firearm, a misdemeanor. Seven months later I was arrested for attempted murder in the first degree during the course of committing a robbery. On September 27, 1981, I was found guilty, and on October 27, 1981, I was then sentenced to twenty years to life. I entered the State system on November 4, 1981.

It has been said that God watches over the elderly, women, children, and fools. I was in the category of being a fool. My crime was senseless, irresponsible, and reckless in every aspect. My thoughtless actions had placed two innocent human beings lives in jeopardy and it was through the grace of God that no life was lost. I feel bad about what I did and wish I could go back and undo all the harm that my actions caused to my victims as well as my loved ones. The road to redemption was not spontaneous, but gradual in transforming my life to become the person that I am today. I am not proud of what I was in my past life, but feel much better about the responsible person that I have grown to become in the present. There is no excuse for my actions, because I knew the difference between right and wrong. I never considered the cause and effect of those actions. I made a serious mistake by being involved in illegal activities. It was through the love, support, and encouragement of my wife, our families, new friends, and getting an education that really made a difference in this transformation.

Incarceration History

I earned my GED in 1982, an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Clinton County Community in 1986, I earned my Computer Operator Certificate from Sullivan County Community College in 1980, a Bachelor Degree in Management Studies from Marist College in 1992, and a Master's Degree in Professional Studies from the New York Theological Seminary in 2002. I have participated in ASAT, ART, AVP I, II, III, and Violence and Alienation. I have served on the Inmate Liaison Committee, as a mediator between the Administration and Population. I have functioned as a Quality Control Inspector, as an Assistant Cook, Teacher's Aide, and as a Program Assistant/Peer Counselor on an Intermediate Care Unit for Inmates who suffer from various forms of chemical imbalances. I have also acquired skills in wood works; Router, Table Saw, Panel Saw, Slot Router, and with Grommets. I have served in the NAACP, JAYCEES, and the LIFER'S Organizations in various capacities. I have also received a commendation from a Superintendent at Clinton prison for my involvement with the ILC. I obtained letters from a Senior Counselor, Senior Recreation Therapist, a Correction Officer, and the President Emeritus of the New York Theological Seminary.

Release Plans

If released on parole I plan to utilize the services of the Exodus Transitional Community to gain meaningful employment in the field of counseling. I also intend to enroll in Hunter College and acquire a second Master's in Social Work. I would like to work with troubled youth and those mentally challenged. I also intend to spend quality time with my loved ones and be an asset to them rather than a liability. I will reside with my wife and daughter in the Bronx.

In Closing ....

If released on parole I plan to utilize the services of the Exodus Transitional Community to gain meaningful employment in the field of counseling. I also intend to enroll in Hunter College and acquire a second Master's in Social Work. I would like to work with troubled youth and those mentally challenged. I also intend to spend quality time with my loved ones and be an asset to them rather than a liability. I will reside with my wife and daughter in the Bronx.

Thank you very much for taking time out of your schedule to read my story.

Cordially,
Darryl L. Freeman

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