Juvenile Lifer: Colored Pencil by Suave Gonzalez

Colored Pencil drawing of Thomas Tomoney. Thomas was 16 years old when he was charged with murder. Growing up in North Philadelphia, he found himself in a great deal of trouble when he was 13 years old. During this particular time, gang wars in Philadelphia were prevalent and Thomas found himself in many fights because he was from a rival neighborhood. This led to him being placed in reform school and a youth detention center. On the day of his offense a rival gang member was stabbed to death in a fight. Thomas was tried as an adult and he was convicted of first degree murder. As a result of his conviction he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Thomas is now 47 years old and since his incarceration he has obtained his GEd, completed all the prescribed treatment programs recommended to him and he is currently seeking to obtain his bachelors degreee. Thomas has maintained a steady job since he has been incarcerated, and he has been miscondut free for over 13 years.