Transcription
1-9-12
Dear Outside World,
Is there anyone out there who believes
that justice should be more than just an
American ideal?
Well, I grew up believing that America
was more than just an ideal, and that if you
did the right thing in life that justice
would prevail no matter what situation
you were in. But that ideal of American
justice soon became my nightmare when I
found myself on the end of a political-
lynching due to what I felt in my heart of
hearts was morally the right thing to do.
What was the morally right thing to do
that I felt so strongly about that I was
willing to risk my life? It was coming to
the defense of a fellow human-being/
prisoner who could not defend himself against
a savage being by a thug of prison guards.
What would you do if you were walking
down the street and you spotted a group of
thugs beating a homeless person to death?
Would you ignore the situation and continue
on your way or would you stop to help a
human-being even though the odds were
against you, and you too could be hurt? To
stand selfishly by watching an injustice
take place and do nothing about it, is just as
bad as committing the injustice yourself...
On February 1, 1985, I was a prisoner at
the Indiana State Reformatory in Pendleton,
Indiana. At the time, I was serving the last
few months of a four (4) year sentence for
petty theft. With just a few months before
my release to freedom, I was involved in a
prison riot, I was charged with a multitude
of criminal offenses and taken to trial that
was nothing more than a political lynching
in which the jury was prevented from knowing
the whole truth. Then I received an additional
prison sentence of 142 years all because I came
to the defense of a fellow human-being/prisoner
who could not defend himself against the
savage beating by prison guards.
Can anyone out there imagine coming to
prison for the first time in your life to just
serve a four (4) year sentence for petty theft
and end up with a 142 yrs for doing what you
felt was morally the right thing to do? Now,
no one was killed in the prison riot, but yet I
was given an outrageous sentence of 142 yrs
which is the death of me inside the belly of
the beast. That is not the American ideal of
justice that I grew up believing in.
Now, I'm asking all those who believe that
justice is more than just an American ideal to
support me in my struggle for freedom. I ask
that you go on Wikipedia and check out the
riot situation yourself, then spread the word
by any mean you have. I need legal support,
internet support (website) and letters of
support. So please contact me at:
Christopher Trotter #862556 P.O. Box 1111
Carlisle, IN 14838
I'm strong by human!
Christopher Trotter
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Replies (23)
I saw your episode and you said you do not regret getting involved in the prison riot that afforded an additional 142 years to your prison term. Why do you not regret it?
Miss V
My name is kyi I seen a episode of lock down which you was on my brother keep your head up just curious how much more time do you have to serve
I learned of your story by watching Lockup. I was glad to see you move into general population. I'm struck by how unimaginably long your sentence is. It seems so unfair, especially when I think of the much shorter sentences given to people I have known who have caused much greater harm. I am inspired by your strength. I can't imagine what it would be like to go through what you have - the closest I have lived is several multiple-week stays in a locked psychiatric unit, and it was probably the most damaging experience of my life, even if it was supposedly for my own good. I hope that you will be able to stay strong and that some day you will be able to again experience life outside of prison.
I saw your episode on Lockup: Maximum Security. Your lengthy sentence must be hard on its own but the amount of time the show says you have spent in solitary confinement is shocking to me. How do you handle being alone for that amount of time? Are you religious at all? What has been the main thing getting you through your hard times in prison?
Thank you and God bless,
J.
God bless you.
I'm am hoping this reaches you. My name is Tiggi and I live in Australia. I first came across your case on the tv series 'Lock Up' and it brought me to tears. I would love to know so much more about you. I'm hoping you are looking for a friendship with unwavering support and that you will have faith in me to reply. Sincerely Tiggi
Hey, my name is Eagle. Never have I met you, but I'm sitting here at my work and you were on Netflix. The Lord pulled at me to reach out to you. Stranger things have always happened. Lord has gifted me with the ability to free style. Here very soon I'm going to be lyrically spreading the gospel and the good news Lord has done for me. I'd like to figure out a way to be able to visit you if possible. How are you? Are you eating okay? Check it... Beloved think it not strange the fiery trial that is to try you as tho some strange thing has happened unto u. But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed you shall also be with exceeding joy. Praying for you Chris. I love you. Keep your head up. You are loved. You are enough. "I'm not a monster. I am you". This worlds gonna suck but God's got you. Steady. For the love of water, please stay hydrated and continue growing.
-Eagle Anne Marie
How does this letter find you? I trust you are in good health, and making use of the Health Centers wonderful services, Do you get to use the heated pool much? How's the sauna?
Hehehe. I jest, we all know how that goes!
Rambling, lol, to my reason for contacting your good self.
After watching Lockup: Raw, I saw a feature with yourself describing your situation, the event and subsequent punishment.
Your words saddened me deeply, regarding being in isolation, especially considering you had at that point already spent 12 years there I believe.
I followed the interviews with you closely, you showed such spirit, courage, faith and belief.
But what I admired the most was your brutal honesty, To see you cry from the realisation of all that had been, to all that was then in that moment.
I admire you so very Christopher, your a I believe a good man, a kind man, but made choices that steered you away from the light that showed the real you.
I have since read you are asking for a reduction or clemency regarding your sentence?!
I truly hope you get a retrial. You was a young man. You cannot continue punishing the man for his past when he or she took no lives or harmed anyone deliberately, if by misfortune or duress, the case should be reviewed at a set time when the individual has become older and wiser and has a clearer understanding of the choices he made, and how actions they took created the reactions that come forth with.
To hand such a sentence in the first place is demeaning. Period.
In the second instance, it proves no point, it sets no example, it will not stop another future riot amongst other institutions and it's occupants.
Thirdly most importantly, it is akin to a child doing something naughty yesterday,however you do not act until a week later. The child has no understanding of the event in that it's passed. The child's perceptions and or opinions too will no doubt change, and so what would be said immediately after the event to what would be said sometime later will always differ. Including recollection.
But what is there to reflect on after 5 years, 10 years, and so on?
A person could and would surely loose their mind having to constantly think of the sentence given, for actions that in no way deserved the sentence.
Every man woman and child can change given the right attention, guidance and support. I believe you being back in gen pop is the first step in many steps that will bring you back into the light, I would be honoured to be friends with such a wonderfully kind and courageous human being.
M.D.S. United Kingdom.
I am hoping this reaches you. I am not sure what has happened with JPay but I can no longer email you? I hope it’s nothing bad. Anyways I just wanted to say Merry Christmas & wish you all the best. Stay strong.
Tiggi