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