Institutionalized

DESCRIPTION

Oliver Gray is currently serving a sentence of 30 years for armed robbery with gun enhancement in the state of California. He's currently appealing his conviction on the basis of newly discovered evidence that proves his innocence. Along with several other grounds of appeal that violated his constitutional rights.

This non fiction story INSTITUTIONALIZED outlines his journey and experience through the criminal trial where evidence was presented of his mental retardation and significant brain damage which was denied and rejected by the judge as credible.

Before being arrested Oliver had a 20 min long standoff with police holding a gun to his face before surrendering.

At trial Co defendant Kristopher testified that he and another man known as "J" had committed the robbery with him. Oliver was only in the van not involved in the actual robbery at all. Next Oliver also testified that a man known as "J" committed the robbery with Kristopher and not him , "J" ran in a different direction and got away after the police chased them.

The jury convicted him of all counts sentencing him to 30 years 4 months for armed robbery.

After trial new evidence was discovered that was withheld by the district attorney. A witness stated that both suspects were black and Oliver is white clearing him as the suspect. However this evidence was never presented.

Institutionalized details the effects of long term incarceration , the psychological impact and emotional experiences adapting to life in a maximum security prison. In addition to him being white belonging to a black gang, Sacramento's Meadowview Bloods. Displaying how the California prison system is entrenched with a culture of racism and violence. Placed in administrative segregation where in isolation he fought mental Illness and depression.

Later describing being addicted to a cell phone and having separation anxiety after his cell was searched and the phone was taken.

Lastly the book comes to the unexpected ending when 10 years into his sentence and wrongful conviction his appeal was denied at the last level available. However God works in mysterious ways when he meets "J" on a prison yard. He was serving a sentence for a string of separate robberies. After realizing who Oliver was and hearing the news that Kristopher died of an overdose in his prison cell "J" agreed to come forward and admit his role in the robbery and clear Oliver's name. He wrote and signed a statement confessing to the robbery that Oliver was actually Innocent and wrongfully convicted.