My name is Marlon Da'von Gray.  I have served 33 years  in prison of a Life Without the Possibility of Parole sentence for a murder I committed as a Teen.  I accept full and unwavering responsibility for my actions and I am deeply remorseful for taking a Man's life.  My remorse is authentic and comes through the realization of the depth of consequences of my actions and how those actions deeply affected so many members of many families including my own.

Much of the last 33 years in prison was turbulent for me.  As a result, my infractions were many in the early years.  However, I have matured and made many improvements in my life in a genuine effort to build a better me so that I am never that same 19 year old I was during the commission of my crime.  I have extinguished the gang mentality and lifestyle that landed me here.  I am a better person as a result of this level of maturity and awareness.  I am 51 years old now.  A Husband and Father.  I have participated in several self-help classes and workshops since my incarceration.  Such as NA/AA, (These ILTAGS have raised thousands of dollars for organizations like Battered Women and Victims Impact as well as local schools and shelters) GGA (Criminal & Gang Anonymous), CIP (Council Inmate Program), AVP (Alternatives to Violence Project-Basic and Advanced classes) Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Offender Responsibility and Anger Management.  I have received certification in each of these classes.  I am also a college student at Coastline Community College and I am slated to be enrolled in a second college next semester IVC (Imperial Valley College).

I have maintained family support throughout my incarceration.  My Wife and kids come to see me regularly.  So do my Parents and siblings.  My kids are great students in school and I play an active role in their upbringing.  I encourage them to strive for excellence but I also educate them about the importance of just being good Human Beings.  They both feed the homeless and my Daughter is part of the GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) at her high school at only 14 years old.  This is the tolerance that my Wife and I teach our kids.

I am asking that you allow me to demonstrate that I am completely worthy of a second chance at life.  I am definitely not the same person I used to be.  That person no longer exists.  I am an insightful, remorseful, more forgiving person today.  Due in part to all that I have learned and been through during the course of my incarceration.  I have a family to come home to and the support of family and friends.  If given the opportunity, I believe the Governor will certainly see that I have changed my life and deserve a second chance to give back to the society that I once took advantage of and neglected.

I am Marlon Da'von Gray, a Husband and Father.  I would love to have the opportunity to make my family whole.  My absence is felt every day in my family.  My presence would be critical to filing that void. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to hear my story and showing your support.