My name is  Laurence Perry and to date I have served nearly 27 years of a Life Without  the Possibility of Parole sentence for murder and attempted robbery. I was 23 years old when I made a horrible decision that ultimately led to the worst moment in my life, a decision whose ripple effect harmed several lives, the least of which mines. I take full responsibility and am deeply remorseful. I will live with the shame and regret for my actions for the remainder of my life.

Over the past 26 years I have committed myself to working hard to educate myself and become a better human-being. Towards this effort I have engaged a rigorous self education process and once CDC made them available participated in college correspondence course and numerous self-help programs. I have earned enough units for two Associates degrees, one in Communications and one in Social & Behavioral Science. I have also earned a certificate in Career  Readiness from Baylor University Hankamer School of Business, and over 30 certificates of completion in self help groups such as Anger Management, Criminal Gang Awareness,  AA & NA, Alternatives to Violence,  Cognitive Awareness, Catalyst, Insight Gardening, Etc. I am currently in the process of enrolling in CSULA Bachelors degree program.

Though my education process and many blessed opportunities I have developed a meaningful voice which is fueled by a sincere desire to make living amends. I have published a message driven work of realistic fiction which I hope will work as a cautionary tale to and for troubled youth. My second novel, put on hold during my pursuit of the Associate degree will be published soon. In addition to this I'm an active member of Paws for Life K9 rescue, a program where we care for and train  abandoned and abused dogs which are later placed in loving homes and given to victims and survivors of violence, and veterans suffering from PTSD. Overwhelming rewarding work that isn't work at all. The dogs care for me as much as I care for them, providing my life a much needed sense of worth.

Since being incarcerated I have maintained the support of my family who though forgiving never heisted to point out my flaws and demand better. This is particularly true of both my daughter and son who at 30 and 28 were 3 and 2 at the time of my arrest. I credit both  and their unbridled honesty with precipitating my turning point, and love them for it. I have also become a man of God, cultivating a strong spiritual foundation.

I write this this message with the intent of pleading with the "Public at Large" to assist me in getting the attention of California Governor The Honorable Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles district attorney George Gascon in hopes of earning an opportunity to demonstrate that I'm a matured man who sincerely  craves an opportunity to make meaningful living amends.

I'm Laurence Perry a 50 year old man who having developed true insight, meaningful awareness, and deep remorse can be a responsible, productive, and contributing assets to society. I'm a husband, father , brother, and son with an exceptionally strong support system in place. I have a home and guaranteed employment to compliment the success of my budding publishing efforts. I have support of LWOP community, CSULA where I will be continuing my education, and many other reputable entities. Thank you for taking the time to read my story   and hopefully showing support by signing my petition.