| Christy Camp, a Cell Door Magazine faithful contributor, was granted parole December 30th, 2003. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will review her case during the next 4 months. She has contributed to our knowledge of what it's like to be in prison. Now let us help her to experience what it's like to be free to walk the earth. Bio/Address |
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EXCERPTS from Christy's Parole Petition Oct 2000 |
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In
1987, during a domestic dispute with my husband of six and a half years,
Michael James Camp, I stabbed him once. I immediately called 911 but
they could not resuscitate him. My action led to his death and I was
devastated and consumed with guilt for what I had done. I cooperated
with the authorities completely and my statements were the basis of my
conviction again, this was in 1989 before a jury was allowed to
consider my actions as those of us in imminent danger or fear for their
life. I
have since served over a decade in prison, 12 years (as of this article
it has been 15 years) thus far. I
came to prison with a 7th grade education. I now have an A.A. degree.
I have gone through times of sabotaging myself because of the guilt I
carry every day for what I have done and the fact that I am alive and my
husband isn't. But I’ve fought with myself to go on. I've initiated
and continue to participate in activities that will assure I can be a
positive and productive member of society upon my release. Currently, I am training to become a mentor for the newly established Substance Abuse Program here at Valley State Prison. Everyday I interact with female counselors who have in their own pasts seen or inflicted upon themselves and others situations of violence, alcoholism and drug dependency. They have suffered feelings of worthlessness and despair and they have pulled their lives together and overcome the situations that tormented them daily physically and mentally. They are my role models and inspiration. I also work with the Substance Abuse psychologist once a week. |
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I was a 14-year-old girl when I met Michael and married him. He
was 25. I am now almost 34 years old, and have never had an opportunity
to be free. I was a prisoner long before my crime. I've
matured and I only want to help others by my own experiences. I know I'm
not a threat to anyone or anything and that I would be a benefit to
society. I am writing you this letter now because October is the month
that the Nation recognizes as Domestic Violence Awareness month. |
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Schwarzenegger taking a different view of Parole |
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(Schwarzenegger's)
tally (8) matches the number that Davis allowed to be paroled in the
five years he spent as governor before being recalled from office last
fall.
Read about new governor's approach -> California's New Standard for Law and Order |
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