My name is Matthew Garcia (EG-5999). I am currently incarcerated, serving a life sentence for second-degree felony murder-a charge I continue to fight on the grounds of my actual innocence and several constitutional and humanitarian concerns surrounding my case. Though I did not possess a weapon, conspire to commit robbery, or participate in the act that caused a man’s death, I was convicted at the age of 18-just weeks past the age cutoff that allowed for resentencing under juvenile justice reforms.

I have legal representation and am actively challenging multiple aspects of my conviction, including prosecutorial misconduct, physical abuse during interrogation, and diminished capacity related to childhood trauma, ADHD, medication, and drug abuse. My case is also tied to the controversial legacy of prosecutor Roger King, who was central in both my case and the Derek Lee case currently before the courts.

Biography:

Despite my incarceration, I’ve dedicated my life to personal transformation, education, and community service. I am a published author, with my poetry book Raw Reflections available on Amazon. My creative works are showcased in university galleries, and I have earned college credits through programs at Bryn Mawr College, Villanova University, and St. Joseph’s University.

I co-created the first prison-college literacy partnership in the United States in collaboration with Widener University, and I founded The Real R.A.P. Program-a mentoring initiative designed to guide fellow incarcerated men toward rehabilitation, responsibility, and purpose. The program continues to impact lives and is currently being developed into a nonprofit organization.

My work has extended beyond prison walls. I’ve collaborated with Philadelphia community leaders, participated in school supply giveaways, supported mothers affected by gun violence, and helped launch scholarships for at-risk youth in partnership with Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and State Rep. Ronald Waters. I also served as a peer facilitator in the recovery unit, and now work alongside a parole agent at SCI Chester, helping incarcerated men prepare for successful reentry.

My mission is to transform The Real R.A.P. Program into a fully developed nonprofit organization that provides youth mentoring, life coaching, and support for those affected by addiction, domestic abuse, and gun violence. I want to promote education over incarceration.

In addition, I plan to integrate my fitness company, home care, and landscaping business into this nonprofit, giving others the opportunity to rebuild their lives through meaningful employment.

As a published author, I will continue writing—using my words to inspire, raise awareness, and showcase my art while building a livelihood from it.

Future Intentions & Vision:

My goal is to be a part of real, positive change—and to remain directly involved in the activities that create it. I didn’t wait to be given a job—I built one. And I hope to keep building not just for myself, but for others.