She’s come a long way, since that dreadful day of being arrested, of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the wrong, unsavory adults, who murdered two convenient store workers. At just turning 16 yrs of age, she was talked into taking a “plea” of 30 yrs prison time with NO chance of parole, scared, alone, and ineffective counsel, she now spends her days for close to 9 years in a correctional facility in S.C. Her journeys have been very tough, languishing in prison, with no focus on her future, an appeal has been filed with the SC court of appeals, but was “denied”
Since birth,(of a 15 yr old mother) this child had been handed off to different relatives in many homes in her young life, with no structure or stability, just trying to survive in an adult world. As it is the nature of all children, she was constantly seeking love and attention from anyone who would give it, unfortunately one did show her attention, kindness, even bought her things, she soaking up this attention like a wet sponge. Born to a 15 yr old mother, inexperienced in having a baby, with no father around for support, she and mother muddled thru life, as best as she could.
She has come a long way since that dreadful day, she had a baby herself, when too, only 15 yrs of age, just like her own mother, but being incarcerated, her mother has custody of her child, who is now 9 yrs of age, without her own mother to be there for her and give her the love and attention, structure and stability she so needs in her young life as well.
She is 24 now, and has grown up in so many ways, having more respect for herself, and confidence, and most of all support from those who care what happens to her. Advocates are communicating with her, keeping the windows open to the outside world, canteen funds, books, magazines for educational resources are sent to her, and helping her get as much education as possible. She is severely malnourished, does not get the adequate balanced meals to help maintain a healthy body and mind, only weighing around 109#.
Now days her spirits seem higher than before, in knowing there are those “out there” she can trust and rely on to be her trusted friends, and continue to be in support of her. She has grown into a beautiful, confident young lady, and is absolutely NO threat to society. She did NOT murder or rob anyone, but so unfortunately, was with those bad people that did this horrific deed, she got punished right along with those, who actually did the crime, but she did NOT, she was with them, tho she did NOT know “they” were going to do such a horrible thing. She and advocates alike, still believe her punishment sentencing was severe and barbaric, for the mistakes made as a mere “child”. Perhaps had she had the stability and structure of a better “home life”, this horrible incident would have never occurred in her young life.
Krista deserves a “chance” at life, NOT 30 yrs prison time with NO chance of parole, funds spent for incarceration, could be put to use in much better areas of education and rehabilitative efforts.
Krista McDaniel
Leath Correctional Facility
Greenwood, S.C.
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