My name is Donnie McKinley, I have been in prison for over 27 years now. And without your help, I will die here.

My silent death penalty is called "Life Without the Possibility of Parole" - and in case you didn't know: Over 50,000 U.S. citizens share my fate. There are 5,000 in California alone.

You can help give me a second chance in life - and help to improve the unjust justice system of the USA.

My crime?

I didn't stop my friend from killing. I didn't pull a trigger myself, but when I was 18, during a stupid teenage gang fight, a friend of mine took a life, which I am deeply remorseful for. This is something that I will live with for the rest of my life.

My past:

Over the last 27 years I have matured and made many improvements in my life to become a better person. Educating myself through reading, writing and self-development has helped me in my transition. I have been involved in many self-help programs such as Criminal and Gang Members Anonymous, Alternative to Violence Project, Celebrate Recovery Inside, Victim Awareness and Stress Management. In completing many of these programs, I have grown to understand that my actions are unforgivable and that I could never take away the pain that I have caused, however, what I can do and have done is to make significant changes in my way of thinking, in my character, and in my life to be sure that my actions are never repeated.

My future:

Please allow me to show that I am no longer the immature selfish 18-year-old kid I used to be but instead a 45-year-old man who has gained insight, remorse and responsibility.

Let me come back into the world and contribute. Give me the chance to show that punishment doesn't have to be slow death if you're young and make some bad mistakes.

Our future:

Dear Governor, make California the State that started changing the system, away from revenge to redemption.

Thank you for taking the time to listen and showing your support in giving me a second chance.

p.s.: If you're interested in my work as an author from prison, here is my homepage: https://donnie-writes-for-freedom.org