Daniel L. Nixon Sr.#A388682
Grafton Correctional Institution
2500 S. Avon Belden Road
Grafton, Ohio 44044

I have spent the majority of my life in prison. Since 1992 I have only lived as a free man for about 4 months. I came from a good home. Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, I fell into the worst possible places as a young person after choosing rebellion over common sense. Alcohol and drugs were early indications that I would eventually find myself at a social disadvantage but my rejection of the sound Christian principles my parents attempted to teach me ultimately pushed me down a path which would produce a lifetime of pain and sorrow.

I was sent to prison in 1992 and was thrown into a violent, savage environment at 22 years of age. I was quickly introduced to levels of savagery that most movies focus on with respect to prison life in the U.S. In 1996, my six-year-old son was killed under questionable circumstances while I was still incarcerated. In 1998 I was released on parole. Overwhelmed by everything I returned to drugs, alcohol, and my then ex-wife. Four months later in 1999 I found myself facing almost 100 years in prison for crimes I did not commit. Later in the same year while in custody I tried killing myself by hanging. I was in a coma for four days as a result. After a jury trial I was sentenced to 28 years of mandatory time in prison. After years of fighting in the courts for justice, I came to a very dark place once again. I saw leaving the planet as the only solution, but God had other plans.

Since coming to prison, I have endured many great losses. Everyone in my family has passed away except my daughter who is 34 years old. Although my losses have been great, I am grateful for the life I have been given to live. I have three granddaughters, a great son in-law and a deeply established faith which guides me as I enter the final stages of this part of my life journey. One day soon I will leave these fences and cages and embark on a new journey in life that will serve as a testimony regarding the power produced from a relationship with the Creator of all things.