In 1992, I was arrested for robbery, kidnap, and murder. As an Aider and Abettor, I was sentenced to Life without the possibility of parole, plus five years for being vicariously armed. I was 18 years old. During trial, the jurors were presented with multiple theories of guilt to choose from: Felony Murder Rule (FMR); Natural and Probable Consequence; and Special Circumstance Allegation. All of the above mandate that that a defendant be sentenced to LWOP (Life Without Parole) or Death, regardless if they had the intent to kill or were the actual perpetrator. It took a long time for me to accept responsibility for my crime. I believed that because I did not kill anyone, I was treated unjustly, or at least that was what I needed to believe. It was easier than accepting the full responsibility for what I had done. As a young adult, I didn’t realize that the choices I was making were the result of my childhood experiences. I witnessed my father die from a heroin overdose at five years old. Being a slow learner, I was constantly ridiculed and bullied in school. Growing up my household was marred with domestic violence and drug abuse. These scars warped my self-perception, my view of others, and how I saw the world. I ultimately became an angry and violent criminal. The gang lifestyle became my platform where I harmed others acting out my pain, anger, and resentment. My prison experience motivated me to change. I hated the person I had become. So, I made a conscious decision to become someone better. Through education, self-help, and my faith in God, I now practice living amends by honoring the people that I’ve harmed. I’m dedicated to helping others and never harming another human being again. Although I have LWOP, my family and I have worked diligently to demonstrate that people can change if given the opportunity and those who have, deserve a second chance. I’m no longer the angry kid who felt that the only way to cope with my hurt and pain was through violence and crime. I’m a father to five wonderful children and a husband to an amazing and resilient woman. I’m a man of faith. I have made great strides towards rehabilitation, forgiveness, and healing. I have been given the privilege to contribute to my community by sharing my experiences with At-Risk Youth. As the Chairman of Men for Honor, an inmate led pro-social group. I also teach and encourage my peers to make better decisions. Through outside organizations such as Healing Dialogue and Action, I’ve also been able to bridge the gap between offenders and survivors of violent crimes. Recognizing the impact of my crime, I realize that there is no greater dialogue than reconciliation. My name is Allen Burnett and I am serving Life without the Possibility of Parole.