I was born in Guyana and grew up in the Bronx. While attending high school I was a Straight A student with the possibility of an academic scholarship. My dream was to become an attorney. However, personal self esteem issues and my wanting to be accepted led me into friendships with the "wrong company," and eventually also into criminal behavior. The lure of the streets, and my own instability together fostered a criminal mind in me throughout my teenage years.

I am convicted of the following offenses: murder in the second degree, armed robbery, and gun possession, and I am in my 22nd year of a controlling sentence of twenty years to life. I accept full responsibility for these crimes and the reckless life I once led. I cannot begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am for my transgressions, and for the pain and suffering I have caused to the victims. I will continue to be deeply affected by the enormity of the crimes I have committed for the rest of my life.

I have been with my lovely wife for thirteen years. We have a four-year-old daughter, and I also have a son who was one month old when I was incarcerated. I work hard to maintain a strong relationship with my wife, daughter, son, and the rest of my family. My wife, Asha Bandele, is the author of three books including "The Prisoner's Wife," a powerful story of our mutual love and transformation.

INCARCERATION HISTORY

Educational Accomplishments

My academic degrees are: Associates' in Social Sciences, summa cum laude (1987: Dutchess Community College); Bachelors' in Social Sciences summa cum laude (1991: SUNY/New Paltz); Masters' in Professional Studies (2003; New York Theological Seminary). I am currently four classes short of an Associates' Degree in Paralegal Studies in which I maintain a 4.0 grade point average.

Employment & Volunteer Programs

I have worked for approximately eighteen years as a paralegal assistant. I have also spent many years counseling and facilitating conflict resolution workshops, substance abuse programs, and working with youth groups.

Commendations

I have received seventeen awards for outstanding and distinguished service to young adults. I have received letters of appreciation for teaching a certified legal research course, for providing services to families of the incarcerated, and for providing counseling in violent behavior awareness.

Special Skills

• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
• Certified Computer Diagnostic Engineer - Tech I
• Public Speaker
• Educator: Teacher/Minister

RELEASE PLANS

Once I return to the greater community, I will pursue a doctorate in education, a career in teaching, and further my legal studies. I will continue to be a full time youth advocate. I have the full support of my entire family including two uncles who are pastors. I will live with my wife and daughter upon release, and will be financially supported by my wife until I have established myself. In support of my release are letters from law enforcement officers, university professors, medical professionals, organization leaders, staff members of DOCS, clergy, attorneys and a former district attorney.

I have several job offers in the fields of both counseling and law, and invitations to lecture at various Universities and High Schools.

CLOSING

There is no single act or number of acts that CAN or will ever compensate for taking a human life. I cannot change the fact that I have committed these terrible transgressions against society. What I changed is the person I am today. What I have done, and what I do each day is to take control of my journey toward the future with moral guidance infinitely greater than my unguided and misguided actions of the past. I have learned throughout my many years in prison that any lifestyle that does not value every human being is one not worth living. As long as I live I will always owe a tremendous debt to society. A debt that can only be paid by saving lives, by inspiring young people to stay on the right track, and to avoid the kind of life I once lived, and the mistakes I once made.

I cannot even begin to express how sorry I am for having committed these crimes, and for the human suffering I have caused. My remorse for these crimes is not something easy to live with. I seek atonement and redemption in the course of my daily life.

Thank you so much for reading my story, and I pray that you will find me worthy of your support.

Zayd Rashid

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