3-Strike Stories: Randall L. Murphy
Name and Family History:
Randall L. Murphy-- 43 years old. I am not married and have no children I have two
brother and two sisters.
Strikes:
1982 robbery-4 years state Prison Soledad (strike)
1984 robbery- 7 years state prison San Quentin (strike) I have other convictions and have
been sent to state prison, but these are my only strikes
Story:
I paroled from San Quentin in 1989. When I was released, I vowed never to return to
prison. I went to work, stayed out to trouble, and was discharged from parole in 1993. I
worked hard until 1991 when I was hurt in an industrial accident. After I got hurt, I
started abusing prescription drugs. That led me back to heroin abuse, which had been a
problem off and on since 1968. At any rate, I found myself on and off drugs and rifting. I
was once again estranged from my family and my life became one of addiction and bondage to
drugs. I became homeless. Knowing about the 3 strikes law, I did not want to commit any
felonies and go back to prison for 25-life. I got my drugs by collecting aluminum cans and
other scrap metals from condemned buildings. In Oct. 1995 I was in an old supermarket
owned by the city of W. Sacramento with two other people. We were taking stainless steel
and copper to sell for drug money. I must interject here that this market was slated for
demolition and all of the materials inside were going to the dump. This building was not
locked and there had been several people previously who had taken scrap out of there. At
any rate, the city manager drove by, and saw the building open and called the police. The
police came and the city manager told them to cite us for trespassing. Instead of a
trespassing charge, we were booked for 2nd degree burglary. I was charged under 3 strikes.
I was somehow sent to the branch jail, (basically an honor farm) and allowed to work
outside the jail at the animal control shelter without supervision. I was at this point
still in withdrawal from heroin, and facing 25-life, and needless to say, scared. I walked
away from my job assignment-escaped if you will. Almost immediately I got on the methadone
program bought a Bible and started going to Church. I knew that sooner or later, I would
be caught, but I wanted to enjoy freedom while I could, knowing that when I was caught,
I'd never get out again. I was a fugitive for 14 months. I don't want to give any details
about my time on the run, so I can protect those who gave me aid and shelter. I stayed on
methadone and quit doing drugs. After 14 months, someone I knew betrayed me to police, and
I was re-arrested. When I was finally sentenced, the judge had a small amount of
compassion and struck one of my strikes (under Romero) and dropped the burglary to petty
theft with a prior. I got 6 years at 80% for the escape, and 1 year 4 months at 80%. That
was the "deal" by the way. If I had gone to trial, I faced 50-life. So here I
am. I do not in any way claim to be an angel. I've done some bad things in the past, but I
did the time for those things and now I am being punished again for something I already
paid for. How many times do I have to pay? I am not without blame, but the punishment
should fit the crime. 7 years 4 months seem excessive for stealing garbage. And of the two
men arrested with me originally? One of them got 17 days and the other one got 43 days.
This is justice? I think not!
Comments:
I personally know many who got 25-life for petty crimes. The state has lied to the
public, playing on emotions to get more money. The state has a vested interest in keeping
people in prison for longer periods of time. Please, please, please try to make the public
aware of what is really happening here. May God bless you and your efforts. Would you
please keep me informed of any changed in this unfair law?
Please send questions or comments to facts@mediaone.net.
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Date last modified: 1/7/97.