I was 18 years old when they took me from my family and sentenced me to die in prison — Life Without Parole x 2 + Life + 150yrs. I hadn’t even begun my life before it was ripped away from me. 

I was convicted of a crime I did not commit. There was no murder weapon, no physical evidence, and DNA cleared me — yet I was still found guilty. 

That moment didn’t just steal my freedom. It shattered my family. It froze time for me while the world outside kept moving. Over a decade has passed behind these walls, and I wake up every day still fighting to be heard.

--- How Can This Happen in The Land where Justice is Supposed to Rule? 

I didn’t have the money for a private attorney. My public defender, like so many, was drowning in cases and couldn’t give mine the time it needed. The prosecution built a case on shaky witness testimony, which has since fallen apart. The witness later admitted they lied in court and explained why. They told the truth — and it wasn’t me. 

Still, the system chose to ignore all of it. 

I remember the jury. None of them looked like me or knew my neighborhood. The one juror who did — someone who could understand my life — was dismissed. When they asked him if he could convict someone without evidence, he asked them, “Did you just hear what you asked me?” 

But they didn’t want someone who asked questions. They wanted someone who would say “guilty” and move on. 

The judge rushed my sentencing. Didn’t even properly poll the jury. No time for hesitation. Just a stamp on my life — Life Without Parole ×2 + 150 years — like I was never meant to walk free again.

--- 

But the Truth Is Known Now 

The truth didn’t stay buried. The key witness came forward and recanted their testimony, explaining what really happened that night — and why they gave false information in the first place. 

And the DNA? It proved I wasn’t involved. It’s right there in black and white, backed by experts. 

But none of that matters if no one is willing to listen.

--- 

All I Want Is to Go Home 

I’ve missed every birthday, every graduation, every hug I should’ve had. My family has suffered right alongside me. They’ve held on to hope, even when the world didn’t. And I’ve held on to the truth, even when it cost me everything. 

I never took a plea deal, because I couldn’t admit to something I didn’t do. I stood on my innocence — and the system punished me for it.

--- 

Help Me Be Heard 

This isn’t just about me. Wrongful convictions happen every day in this country. 

I’m asking you to stand with me.
Sign this petition. Share it. Speak my name.
Help me bring this truth to light, and bring me back to my family.
I’ve lost so much time. I just want the chance to live again. 

My name is Isaac Perdomo-Paz. And I am innocent.

@FreePerdomo.

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