Richard Phillips, a tall and broad-shouldered man with a passion for singing, has spent years behind bars for a crime he claims he did not commit. Since his wrongful imprisonment in 1972, Phillips has been fighting for his freedom, and his story is one of desperation, hope, and the quest for justice.
Phillips’ journey began when he was sentenced to life in prison at the age of 26. With limited education and no clear future, Phillips turned to writing poetry as a way to express his emotions and maintain his sanity. His poems reflected his longing for freedom, his love for his children, and his desire for human connection.
Despite his circumstances, Phillips remained determined to prove his innocence. He filed appeals in 1974 and 1975, but both were unsuccessful. Undeterred, Phillips continued to work towards his goal, taking on a job at the prison’s license-plate factory to save money for a new lawyer.
Years passed, and Phillips’ savings grew. He eventually hired a prominent appellate lawyer, hoping that this would be his ticket to freedom.
However, the wait continued, and Phillips’ frustration grew. On January 1, 1979, Phillips received news that would change everything. Fred Mitchell, a man Phillips believed was responsible for his wrongful imprisonment, had been spotted in the prison’s chow hall. Phillips saw this as an opportunity for revenge and justice. With a homemade kn!fe in hand, Phillips and a friend set out to confront Mitchell.
The plan was to attack Mitchell in a blind spot where the guards couldn’t see. Phillips was driven by a desire for revenge and a need to prove his innocence.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Phillips’ quest for justice is complex and multifaceted. His desperation and frustration are palpable, and his actions raise questions about the morality of rev3nge and the flaws in the justice system.
