This story of Michelle Gurule’s uncle is full of heartbreaking twists. His life was basically over before it began, and she documents her efforts to get him a taste of freedom before he dies.

Broke as shit, and feeling as though he had nothing worth losing, Ricky waved his gun at two girls behind the counter, demanding they empty the cash register into his bag. He left without firing the gun and the money he walked away with was declared petty, but still, it was armed robbery. Ricky was sentenced to 52 years in prison.