In 1995, at the age of 22, I made a tragic decision that led to a murder conviction. Back then, my life was consumed by alcohol, daily marijuana use, and the occasional consumption of PCP. My youth was marked by sporadic employment and a desire for quick money, which led me to sell crack to afford clothes, food, and, sadly, more drugs and alcohol.

However, the turning point in my life occurred two years earlier, in 1993, when I became the victim of a shooting. This traumatic event initiated a downward spiral into severe depression, pushing me further into the destructive behaviors that culminated in the crime for which I am now seeking parole.

It wasn't until I was arrested in 1998 for my life crime that I was able to begin to see things through sober eyes. At first, I bemoaned the fact that I lost my freedom and would spend the rest of my life in prison. It was pure selfishness on my part, but when I was invited to a Bible study and accepted that fact, I began to see just how far off course my life had gone. As time went on my outlook went from blaming others to being responsible for my crime and being accountable for my actions. I then began teaching Bible studies in the jail and little did I know that my healing and self-worth would come in the form of helping other inmates to either prepare to re-enter society as spiritually minded people or to enter into the CDC system with a different perspective on life and people. I give credit to God who has given me a purpose in life. In addition, self-help groups such as personal development, victim sensitivity awareness, peacemakers, G.O.G.I., and the narcotics anonymous has helped me address my past character defects, faulty thinking, and has taught me about empathy, remorse, amends, effective communication techniques, and valuable coping skills that have been proven true since I've learned and practiced them. The person that I have matured into aims to be the type of grandson son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin that any family would be proud of. I feel a debt to society to give back in any way that I can and if I can make a difference in the inmates that I meet even the smallest positive change, then I am honoring my victim's life.

In the years since, I have devoted myself to rehabilitation. I've participated in various educational and personal development programs to better myself. I've found purpose in mentoring younger inmates, sharing my story to help them avoid the same pitfalls that led me to where I am now. My remorse for my actions is profound, and I have spent these years of incarceration reflecting on the impact of my choices on the victim's family, my family, and my community.

I acknowledge the severity of my crime, and I humbly ask for your support in my opportunity for parole. Over the years, I have demonstrated genuine change and growth, and I wish to contribute positively to society upon my release. With your support, I hope to have a chance to prove that I can be a responsible, rehabilitated member of the community.

Please sign this petition to advocate for my parole opportunity, enabling me to actively engage with society and turn a page in this new chapter of my life. Your support can help Governor Newsom, the decision maker, commute my sentence of Life with the Possibility of Parole which will allow me to go before a Board of Parole hearing panel. Thank you for considering my plea for a second chance.

Anthony Lamont Webb