Voices of the Incarcerated - "I Don't Want to Die in Prison"

Heidi • July 28, 2023

"I am determined not to die behind bars"

The following are excerpts an essay written by Charles Patrick Norman in January 2023 published on the Prison Writer website. Norman has been incarcerated in Florida for over 40 years for a crime he claims he did not commit. His parole release date is frozen at July 4, 2017, and he is seeking a new parole release plan with letters of support from family and friends. He has also called on the state attorney to make available crime scene evidence for modern DNA testing to prove his innocence, but the new state attorney claims the evidence is lost.


*****


On Monday, January 9th, 2023, I made my way to the classification building to undergo my annual progress report. During the process, they reviewed my emergency contact information, just in case something unfortunate were to happen, and inquired about any desire for a transfer. However, I declined as I have no interest in transferring, as there are no decent prisons left.


Similarly, I declined any job change as I’m content with my current position as a houseman. My duties involve light cleaning without windows, and I have no desire to change my role. The days of digging ditches and washing pots are behind me. I did, however, learn that I’ve accumulated 10,424 days (equivalent to 28.5 years) of automatic gain time for good behavior, though it’s of little use to me.


The upcoming year is realistically my last chance for freedom. We must gather our resources and create a new, convincing parole release plan. We still need additional letters supporting my parole; we currently have only three. On April 5th, I will have been incarcerated for 45 years for a crime I did not commit. We have requested that the state attorney provide access to the crime scene evidence for modern DNA testing to prove my innocence. However, the new state attorney claims that the evidence has been lost.


Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the “Prisoners of Christ” program and to teach the creative writing workshop. Writing has been a source of solace and catharsis for me, and I hope to inspire others to discover the same therapeutic benefits. I remain hopeful and focused on the future. I am grateful for the support of my wife, family, and friends, and I am committed to doing all that I can to prove my innocence and secure my release from prison.


Despite my failing health, I refuse to give up the fight against the injustice that has kept me in prison for so long. I am determined not to die behind bars. Instead, I will continue to do everything in my power to prove my innocence and secure my release.


******


Norman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1978. He has maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration and has sought exoneration through various legal avenues. He has been approved to attend a faith-based residential transition program and has been teaching a creative writing workshop in prison. You can read the full essay titled "I Don't Want to Die in Prison" at the Prison Writer website. Prison Writer is dedicated to showcasing the talents and experiences of writers who are currently incarcerated, and believe that writing is a powerful tool for self-expression, reflection, and personal growth.


Charles McCrory (Photo: Alabama Department of Correctios)
By Heidi July 29, 2025
In 1985, Charles McCrory was wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife in Alabama with “bite mark” evidence, now considered junk science and a leading contributor of wrongful convictions.
Robert Roberson in a phone interview (Photo: Gideon Rogers/Texas Public Radio)
By Heidi July 28, 2025
Robert Roberson is entitled to a new trial, as the Texas-planned State-sponsored murder of a man many believe to be innocent is the furthest thing from justice.
illustration of an open boksyl
By Heidi July 26, 2025
"From Brilliant Mind to Broken Prison System: My Journey Through Incarceration, Re-entry, and Redemption" is written by formerly incarcerated writer Anthony McCarary
The former Dozier School for Boys campus in Marianna, FL (Alicia Vera/The Marshall Project)
By Heidi July 25, 2025
An investigative report from The Marshall Project found at least 50 boys who stayed at two different abusive reform schools in Florida ended up on death row.
Jimmie Duncan and his girlfriend Zoe (Photo: Zoe Grigsby)
By Heidi July 23, 2025
Louisiana prosecutors ask to reinstate Jimmie Duncan's death penalty sentence that was vacated in April 2025 due to a prosecution that relied on junk science.
CCWP hosts a 30 year anniversary event with author Dr. Angela Davis 11/5/2025 5p-8p PT In Oakland CA
By Heidi July 21, 2025
California Coalition for Women's Prisoners hosts an event celebrating 30 years of organizing across the walls of women’s prisons with Dr. Angela Davis on 11/5/2025
STOP Secret Police - Add your support for SB 627 and encourage your CA legislator to do the same.
By Heidi July 18, 2025
Masked law enforcement bring chaos to our communities. CA legislators are taking action: SB 627 bans all law enforcement from covering their faces when policing our neighborhoods.
Officers at the US penitentiary in Thomson, IL use a four-point restraint (US Attorney, N. Illinois)
By Heidi July 17, 2025
US DOJ's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report is critical of the federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) use of restraints on prisoners, noting officials violated their own rules.
Ella Baker Center Virtual Mail Night is Monday 7/21 530p-730p PT. Register: bit.ly/MAILNIGHT721
By Heidi July 16, 2025
Ella Baker Center hosts a virtual mail night where attendees respond to letters from incarcerated people. The next event is Monday July 21st,530p-730p PT.
Charles Collins (left), and Brian Boles (right) in a New York City Courtroom (Steven Hirsch/New York
By Heidi July 15, 2025
Brian Boles and Charles Collins were exonerated for a 1994 murder after new DNA testing made it impossible to uphold their convictions in New York City.
Show More