In the Season 2 premiere of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka speaks with Matthew Garcia, who has spent 27 years incarcerated for felony murder-despite having fled the scene before the actual crime occurred. Through intimate conversations with both Matthew and his wife, Carisia Magobet, we explore the unjust realities of Pennsylvania's sentencing laws and the human toll of life without parole for felony murder.

Matthew shares his powerful journey of transformation and resilience from inside SCI Chester, where he has become a mentor, educator, author, and changemaker. Carisia reflects on their rekindled relationship and her role in advocating for his release, providing a heartfelt lens on the impact incarceration has on families. This episode not only highlights important changes needed to improve the justice system, but also uplifts the power of redemption, love, and collective action. Pennsylvania and Louisiana are the only two states still enforcing life without parole for felony murder. There is a case in front of the PA Supreme Court that could rule that life without parole for felony murder is unconstitutional. Sign the petition, spread the word, and be part of the movement to bring justice to those who deserve a second chance.

Key Episode Takeaways

Matthew Garcia has served 27 years in prison for felony murder, a law that holds participants in a felony equally liable for a death, even if they did not commit the act.
He was two weeks past his 18 birthday at the time of the crime. He just missed the resentencing possibility of the 2012 Miller v. Alabama ruling, which deemed life without parole unconstitutional for juveniles.
Matthew has used his time to create the "Real RAP - Restorative Arts Program" to rehabilitate others, facilitate education, and mentor incarcerated individuals.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of life without parole for felony murder under Commonwealth v. Derrick Lee.
His wife Carisia speaks out about their love story, the fight to get Matthew's sentencing reviewed, and the toll incarceration takes on families.
The episode emphasizes the need for systemic change in the Criminal Justice System and urges listeners to take action.

Key Resources & Links Mentioned

Matthew Garcia's Instagram: @MattRaw_1980
Matthew's Children's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Words-Only-Until-they-Hurt/dp/B0FWYLD5L5
SCI Chester's New Leash on Life & FELINE Foster Father Program: https://www.newleashonlife.org/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz37-Kz2SDY
Freedom Side School (Serving children of incarcerated parents): https://www.freedomsideschool.org/
Sign the Petition to End Life Without Parole for Felony Murder in PA: https://c.org/KfSGzZ7LTQ Sign the petition, follow Matthew's journey, and share this episode with your network. Together, we can push for policy change that acknowledges redemption and restores justice.

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Remember, healing is a journey; you don't have to walk it alone. Let's open those doors together!

Opening Doors Podcast Music by John Abella