Behind the Veil: Meeting Someone Who Killed Someone

My Prison Experience and the Realities of Encountering Killers

Years ago, I worked as a nurse at a California state prison, where I met a variety of individuals, many of whom had committed murder. Despite common misconceptions, the majority of these individuals were not inherently evil. Some were simply mean, while others demonstrated a form of insanity. This experience, combined with stories from my personal network, provided me with a unique insight into the lives of those who have committed such heinous acts. Below, I reflect on these experiences and share some of the stories that have stayed with me.

From Prison to Assisted Living

Fast forward to a time when I was waiting for Social Security Disability (SSD) in an assisted living facility. One of the residents, an older gentleman, had served time for manslaughter in his youth. Despite his past, he was a kind and approachable man, even acknowledging his criminal history. I never probed further, as his behavior and demeanor suggested that he had completed his share of time and thus, deserved a second chance.

Local Criminology

Several people in my personal network also have pasts stained with criminal acts. I can immediately think of six such individuals:

The ex-wife's cousins My own cousin An ex-hired hand from our business The son of a former schoolmate A regular customer at the pawn shop, who confessed to killing an elderly woman with a hammer The neighbor's child who unfortunately caused a fatal motorcycle accident

While these individuals come from various backgrounds, their crimes range from manslaughter to vehicular manslaughter, reminding us of the weight of human actions.

Ex-ISIS Spokesman - John Maguire

Reflecting on my high school days (2005-2010), one name that stands out is John Maguire, who gained notoriety as a spokesman for ISIS. As a Caucasian man, his story was particularly compelling due to his ability to connect with potential recruits from a similar background. Although I cannot confirm with absolute certainty, some of his online activities, including multiple posts as an ISIS spokesman, suggest he may have been involved in more than just public relations.

One of the most troubling aspects of John's involvement was his association with Abu Saad al-Dagestani, who was known to have been involved in hostage-taking. Abu Saad al-Dagestani was captured on video with a child, performing a double-icide, indicating a dark side to his personality.

Despite these disturbing facts, some of John's online posts revealed a seemingly softer side. As his university days progressed, his attitude appeared to shift, and he began to espouse more violent ideologies. However, I remember him as a non-violent individual until his apparent ideological transformation.

As much as I respect privacy and prefer to speak in general terms, I share these stories to shed light on the complexities of human behavior and the myriad factors that can drive individuals to commit such acts.