I am writing to you today with a heartfelt plea on behalf of my husband, David Sell, who is currently incarcerated at Wende Correctional Facility. My name is Lakisha Santana Sell, and I speak not only as his wife, but as a mother, grandmother, and the emotional pillar of our family for the past 28 years. David has served 28 years of a 43-to-life sentence, and I am asking for your compassion and understanding in considering his immediate release.

My need for David’s presence is not just emotional—it is fundamental to the survival and well-being of our family. As simple as it sounds, I need him. Those three words resonate deeply within me because they reflect the immense weight of his absence in our lives. For nearly three decades, I have done my best as a single parent, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot be the father or grandfather that our family so desperately needs.

David’s role as a father is irreplaceable. Our children have grown up without the presence of their father to guide them on what it means to be a man, how a man should treat a woman, and the responsibilities that come with adulthood. Despite my best efforts, I can only offer one perspective. I cannot be the other half of parenting that shows our children what it means to be strong yet compassionate, responsible yet kind. I am simply Mom, and I am missing the critical partnership that David would bring as a father and grandfather.

David is not the man he was when he entered the system. Over the past 28 years, he has evolved, reformed, and worked tirelessly to better himself and those around him. David is now a peer supporter at Wende, offering aid and counsel to others in crisis. He works as a hospice aide, helping those who are nearing the end of their lives. He has been deeply involved in programs aimed at rehabilitation, including working with at-risk youth, serving as President of the Hispanics in Progress inmate organization, and obtaining several vocational qualifications. He is also a published writer with works featured in the NYU Review of Law & Social Change and the Vera Institute of Justice.

David’s commitment to improving himself and helping others is clear. He is certified as an HIV/AIDS peer counselor, actively participates in self-help programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and has completed several anti-aggression programs. He is also a facilitator for his faith group and co-founder of a nonprofit organization, CCFW, that mentors youth in the community.

I understand that David had to pay his debt to society, but I ask you—how much more must he, and we as a family, pay? How much punishment is enough? David has more than redeemed himself. He is no longer a contributor to the problems of the past but a solution for the future. He has shown immense growth, remorse, and dedication to making a positive impact on those around him.

I humbly request your support in granting David Sell’s release so that he can come home and resume his rightful place as a father, grandfather, and husband. Our family needs him emotionally, financially, and spiritually, and I believe that he has more than proven his readiness to re-enter society.

Thank you for your time, compassion, and consideration of our plea.