Vantage Point: Vol. 1, Issue 1
Volume 1 | Issue 1 Taking a Restorative Perspective Editor: Kyle Bryant
Our Passion Became Our Purpose
We arrived at this work through different paths.
Brashani is a survivor of attempted murder from a previous domestic partner. He served time for his crime. But she wanted a different outcome. She wanted accountability, insight, and change. She knew that a few years in a cell wouldn't accomplish any of that. Disappointed, she decided to insert herself into the justice process. As a doctorate student of Forensic Psychology she was introduced to the concept of Restorative Justice. And she was all-in.
I have been incarcerated for 24 years for a double murder that I regretfully committed as a broken young man. I lived the early years of my incarceration in total rebellion, doing everything possible to make a horrible situation even worse - kicked out-of-state, four years of solitary confinement, and a few stab wounds. When I was released from solitary I made a commitment to do better. I invested heavily in my rehabilitation. Tapping into my positive potential led me to the concept of Restorative Justice. And I was all-in.
Our love for the work led to our love for each other. Together, we've facilitated countless people's healing and witnessed remarkable change. Drop LWOP New England passionately invests in that change and advocates for more restorative outcomes in the justice process.
— Farooq (RI/MA)
Director's Cut
While working inside prison, I met individuals whose crimes were severe, yet whose remorse and desire to change were even more remarkable.
As a survivor of attempted murder, this work is deeply personal to me, so witnessing their resilience and honesty moved me profoundly. Many faced unimaginable trauma, hitting rock bottom before working tirelessly to grow. Their stories ignited my passion, proving that with support and accountability, genuine transformation is possible.
Their courage reminds me why restorative justice matters and is clear proof that true change is within everyone's reach.
— Dr. Brashani Reece, Psy. D. Executive Director Drop LWOP New England
Rest In Peace - "P-Man"
Vantage Point pays tribute to William "P-Man" page. P-Man sadly passed away last year while serving LWOP. He was only 48 years old. P-Man didn't only hope to hold his family again, he actively worked for it. He had virtually no access to adequate programming, yet still he demonstrated his determination to discover the best of himself.
“P-Man represents a true champion of change and a bonafide warrior for hope.”
But let's be clear, P-Man didn't transform his life BECAUSE of his incarceration, he actually changed IN SPITE OF being in prison. He spent 30 years in a Rhode Island Maximum Security facility. 30 years! Why? And we all know that RIDOC offered him little more than isolation and emotional anguish.
P-Man represents a true champion of change and a bonafide warrior for hope. So I salute him. I salute P-Man, not for the harm that he had once done, but for the man he had since become.
The purpose of Drop LWOP New England is to restore hope to the P-Mans of the world. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We will carry his legacy forward through our work and through our love.
— Farooq (RI/MA)
A Day OF Remembrance
On May 20th the Norfolk Lifer's Group Inc. hosted its annual Day Of Remembrance to commemorate the 1st and 2nd degree Massachusetts lifers who have succumbed to their deathin-prison sentences.
The Lifer's Group memorialized 419 documented lifers who have died in prison since the MADOC first began to keep record in 1972. This averages out to about 8 lifers dying in Massachusetts prisons each year, which means this past year has grimly recorded above average. Between May 2024 and May 2025, 11 Massachusetts lifers have sadly passed away while incarcerated.
The Norfolk's Lifer's Group Inc. mournfully pays tribute to: Fred Baskins; William Berry; Robert Bumpus; Robert Coy; Donald Johnson; Rae Mandeville; Robert Nickerson; Lee Perkins: Jwainus "ADub" Perry; Kevin Shanahan; and Armand Therien.
May each of you rest in love.
#EndDeathByIncarceration
— Farooq (RI/MA)
The Traveling Advocate
Over the past few months, I've traveled across New England, visiting prisons in Maine and Connecticut, and speaking at local events about the controversial subject of extreme sentencing. I've learned many people don't realize that Life Without Parole means absolutely no chance of release, or that many incarcerated people will die in prison.
I also heard statements reflecting how the media misrepresents these issues, shaping misconceptions that anyone who commits violence is an irredeemable monster — misinformation that fuels a retributive, unforgiving culture.
Often, I am the first survivor of violence they've met advocating for rehabilitation and second chances. What I've taken from these conversations is that there's still much work to do to combat misinformation and challenge America's retributive approach to justice.
— Dr. Brashani Reece, Psy. D. Executive Director Drop LWOP New England
A Statement of Accountability
My name is Steven "Farooq" Quinlan and I'm serving life without the possibility of parole. I was 21 years old when the judge sentenced me to die in prison. He explained to me that he had absolutely no confidence in my ability to ever be rehabilitated, and that, as a result of my actions, I have forever forfeited my right to exist in the free world.
I recognize the severity of my crime. Twenty-four years ago I made the worst decision of my life. I regretfully murdered two promising young men. My selfish actions brought immeasurable suffering to their families, friends, and loved ones; and to an entire community where countless innocent people were left to suffer in fear, sadness, grief, and loss. I am accountable for my actions. But I haven't always been at this place in my life.
At first I denied my involvement, blaming others, and desperately trying to evade accountability. I now realize that I was only lying to myself and further victimizing their loved ones.
I lived the early years of my incarceration making one bad decision after another. My attitude was that since I'm sentenced to death, then I've got nothing to lose. Years later I was left to take inventory of everything I've lost along the way: freedom; family; hope; a future. And I understood that I've taken even more away from the families I've harmed. For that, I am deeply sorry.
So I made the decision to better myself. enrolled in Boston University and earned my bachelor's degree; I became a mental health peer supporter, a substance abuse recovery peer educator, and an at-risk youth mentor. I've developed a longstanding reputation as a positive leadership figure in my incarcerated community, and I've gone 18 full years without one major disciplinary infraction. While I take pride in all of my accomplishments, I do so knowing that my victims will never get to achieve their own. And that is all on me.
Twenty-four years ago the judge told me that he had no confidence in my ability to ever be rehabilitated. If only he could see me now.
Can I live?
At what point does further incarceration interfere with rehabilitation? My name is Randy Arias and I have been incarcerated for 17 years. Throughout my journey behind the wall, I've encountered men who have served twice the amount of time and yet are not eligible to prove their worthiness of re-entering society. I am not attempting to paint some utopic reality that all people incarcerated are ready to live in sync with the norms and customs of society. However, the majority of people serving life sentences are the most humble, respectful, kind and influential humans I've ever met; yet they have been told by our society-don't you even attempt to hope.
In the midst of hopelessness, lifers defy that stark reality by helping others manifest better versions of themselves. Ray Colon, Peter Bin, Eddy Fielding, Scott Kirwin, Alexander Bolling, are just a few of the many men who exceptionally embody rehabilitation for the mere reason of procuring righteousness. I've witnessed these men, and many other lifers, create programs, encourage others to enroll into school, help settle quarrels and exemplify true leadership.
“However, the majority of people serving life sentences are the most humble. respectful, kind and influential humans I’ve ever met.”
I write this article today with the hopes that someone in a position of power may investigate my observations and maybe do something to end life sentences. Actions speak louder than words and over time can be tallied and analyzed as empirical data. People are who they demonstrate they are through patterns over time. A person shouldn't be defined as the worst act they have committed on their worst day.
— Randy Arias (MA)
A Justice that Heals
Restorative justice is committed to healing the emotional and psychological wounds resulting from crime.
Crime, especially violence, penetrates the fabric of a person's sense of security and, often, their sense of identity. Healing allows those who have been harmed by crime to move forward with their lives in as best a way as possible.
This victims-centric approach to justice also acknowledges that violence rarely materializes out of thin air. Studies have discovered a strong correlation between those who experience harmful events early in life and those who commit future violence. "Hurt people hurt people" is a common slogan.
And so goes the cycle.
The only logical counter, then, is to put less effort into punishing people, and more emphasis on healing people.
The maxim "healed people heal people" reflects the transformative power of restorative justice.
In our healing we develop essential insight about ourselves, causing us to be more aware of the impact of our decisions. Our newly developed wisdom empowers us to be more empathetic and understanding of others; thus helping them to heal as well.
And a new cycle begins.
— Farooq (RI/MA)
State-by-State
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In Connecticut, Drop LWOP New England assembled a coalition of 13 organizations to run the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), a second-look bill allowing survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking to petition for sentence relief if their abuse contributed to their offense. The bill was successfully passed out of the Joint Judiciary Committee, but the coalition decided to hold it instead of moving to Senate and House votes due to disagreements over key language and some opposition to certain homicide charges. We plan to revisit this effort in the 2026 legislative session.
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Description text goes hIn Maine, Drop LWOP New England testified in support of a bill that prohibits life without the possibility of supervised community confinement after 15 years for individuals convicted when they were under the age of 26. Additionally, a bill to restore parole to the Maine system was filed but was held over for the 2026 legislative session and did not receive a hearing this year.
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In Massachusetts, Drop LWOP New England is supporting several key pieces of legislation this session: (1) elder and medical parole, offering parole opportunities for incarcerated individuals age 55 and older; (2) the abolition of Life Without Parole sentences; (3) the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA); and (4) An Act to Build Restorative Family and Community Connection, which is geared toward improving visitation access in order to promote positive support systems during incarcerations and beyond. Since Massachusetts has a year -round legislative session, the outcome of each of these pieces of legislation has yet to be determined.
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Item descriptionIn New Hampshire this legislative session, Drop LWOP New England supported a bill that would have provided parole eligibility for incarcerated individuals aged 60 and older who had remained disciplinary-free for the past 10 years. The hearing was very successful, with strong community turnout in support. However, ultimately, the bill was voted down by the Joint Judiciary Committee. We intend to revive our efforts in New Hampshire in 2026.
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In Rhode Island, unforeseen circumstances prevented us from pursuing our Second Look legislation this year. Instead, we dedicated this session to planning a new approach, called the Rehabilitation and Resentencing Act. Over the coming months, Drop LWOP Page 4 New England will collaborate with key stakeholders to draft legislation that incorporates programming components and disciplinary requirements linked to second-look opportunities for all incarcerated individuals. We look forward to engaging potential sponsors as we prepare for the 2026 legislative session.
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In Vermont, Drop LWOP New England introduced a bipartisan Second Look bill that received multiple hearings from the House Corrections and Judiciary Committee. We provided expert testimony establishing a study commission in order to analyze the bill's operational practicality. However, at the last moment, there was an objection from the Vermont Governor's office to creating the commission. Based on the feedback received this session, a new piece of legislation will be drafted over the coming months for resubmission in 2026.
Restoring Hope
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Restoring Hope 🕊️
Crime Impact Seminar
Addressing the issue of extreme sentencing is a multipronged venture. There's the legislative arena, where we collaborate with sympathetic community stakeholders to raise awareness to these archaic sentencing practices while simultaneously advocating for everyone to have a pathway to redemption, regardless of the nature of their crime.
There's also the essential element of personal development. After all, what's the sense of opening a path toward a second chance if those we're advocating for aren't ready to capitalize on that opportunity whenever it arrives? Very few prisons have the rehabilitative resources that are available at MCI-Norfolk.
So, as Drop LWOP New England's Program Director, I have taken point on the initiative of creating the first-of-its-kind, Restorative Justice: Crime Impact Seminar.
Brashani and I are in the process of developing this correspondence course along with 25 co-pilots. These copilots are a diverse blend of currently incarcerated people across the six New England states. According to one anonymous co-pilot, "this seminar so informative. It should be distributed to all the lock-up units and "New Man" sections of every prison in America!"
Indeed, once the program development is complete, we hope to make it available to everyone incarcerated in New England and beyond.
Be on the lookout!
— Farooq (RI/MA)
Real Talk
Real Talk. Drop LWOP New England is founded on the principles of restorative justice. We believe in the redemptive potential of every incarcerated person, despite what they've been convicted of. This is not a popular position to take, but it is one that we passionately stand by.
Those convicted of homicide are easily condemned as irredeemable, even while many are among the world's most contrite and reformed.
A wise person once taught me that justice is not only a punishment for doing wrong, but also a reward for doing right. For this reason, we focus our energy on those who regretfully take responsibility for their actions.
But, don't get it twisted. This is not an open-the-gates and free-theworld type of movement. The reality is that everyone HASN'T done the work; everyone ISN'T ready to change; everyone DOESN'T deserve to be free. But everyone DOES have the ability to get there — if they are willing to put forth the effort.
“But, don’t get it twisted. This is not an open-the-gates and free-the-world type of movement.”
So we advocate for those of us who have accepted accountability for our actions; who are genuinely remorseful, and who have fully, completely, and indisputably transformed our lives. Because we understand that if we want a second chance to live our lives; if we want a second chance to make things right; we can't take any moment for granted. We have to live our lives today as if our second chances have already been granted to us.
We believe that this is how we get back to our families and ultimately this is how begin to repair our relationships with the community.
— Farooq (RI/MA)
Editor's Take
This is the first newsletter of Drop LWOP New England. am proud to be its editor and on the organization's Board of Directors. Vantage Point intends to keep you informed about our progress towards ending LWOP and all forms of extreme sentencing. If you believe that the incarcerated deserve hope, then this is the organization that you must get involved with.
The truth is that incarcerated people can change and contribute to the healing of our communities. We possess a transformative power that promises a luminous future. Through restorative justice practices we can build a stronger and safer community.
I joined this organization because it is clear to me that the old way isn't working, We must strive for a greater future while using a different approach, and that approach must embody HOPE!
— Kyle Bryant (MA)
Ray Of Hope: Miguel Mouré
Miguel Mouré is our first ever Ray Of Hope. Originating from the "Frog Hollow" section of southern Hartford, CT, he descended on Springfield, MA. Shortly thereafter, the gang-related death of a young woman fueled a rivalry that left scores of La Familia and Los Solidos members wounded, dead, or in prison.
He entered prison in 1994 as a misguided 22-year-old sentenced to death (LWOP). The first years of his bid resulted in continuous gang-related altercations which led to 8 years in the Walpole Gang Blocks: 23-and-1.
Over time he matured and began to feel the weight of his family's pleas for change. A woman who had been holding him down with attorney fees and emotional support gave up hope and abandoned him. It was time.
Miguel went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Boston University; has served his community for 10 years as a certified Restorative Justice practitioner; helps people become parole ready even while he will never see parole himself; co-founded the Family Violence Education Group; and leads the Christian community as a preacher and bilingual Bible study instructor.
Let him tell it: "I just want to be the man for my grandson that I needed but did not have".
Miguel is truly a ray of hope for us all.
— Farooq (RI/MA)
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