Despite parole denials, three individuals stay steadfast in pursuit of freedom

Three SQ residents who have spent more than 14 decades in prison share a message of hope through determination, faith, and self-help.

They were once deemed a threat to society, but after decades in prison and declining health, the elderly are no longer a threat. However, they are faced with “senicide,” the neglectful killing of incarcerated seniors, according to CalMatters.

Stevin Faith, 67, has spent 45 years behind bars. His original sentence was 25 years to life, but through litigation in 2004, his term was reduced to 15 years to life.

In 2014, the California Board of Parole Hearings denied him parole for three years. He said he became deeply depressed. Faith was called back early because of his meritorious behavior only to receive a 5-year denial. At that time, his wife said she was leaving him, and was placed in a long care facility shortly after.

“I know what a denial did to me,” Faith said, who has been denied parole ten times. “I fear it would do the same to my daughter.”

Faith said he maintains his psychological health with help from CDCR’s Mental Health program, but his physical health is not so good. He struggles with scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, and sciatic nerve problems, which is extreme pain in the lower back.

Despite his physical ailments Faith stated that Biblical scriptures have “immensely” helped him over the decades. Faith is a practicing Jehovah’s Witness, a religion which adheres to Biblical authority and in which practitioners commune directly with God.

“Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities for there is no authority except God. The existing authorities stand placed in their relative position by God,” Faith quoted the Holy Bible, Romans Chapter 13, Verse 1.

Faith said that during his incarceration he has participated in self-help programs such as Guiding Rage into Power which helped him live in the now. The groups Victims Impact, and Houses of Healing, helped him address his childhood traumas.

In addition, Faith has been involved with a program named “Boundaries.”

“We did not learn how to respect other people’s space on the outside, and how not to put our hands on other people,” Faith said, reflecting on the positive impact of the program.

Harold Bicknell, 68, has spent more than 48 years in prison. He was originally sentenced to seven years to life and has appeared before BPH 15 times.

Bicknell said he has concerns about the difficulties he will face upon reentering society. After four decades in prison, he has amassed numerous skills, such as computer literacy, been trained as a journalist, and song writing.

He wonders if what he has learned over the decades will translate into usable and viable skills in the free world.

Bicknell stated he is a Christian by faith. His belief in knowing that God has an interest in his well-being is critical to what keeps him going.

“God knows the truth of my situation, and greets me everyday with yet more breath to breathe,” Bicknell said. “Having been thus counted worthy by God to meet the day I step into each new one awaiting God’s revelation — or the call home.”

In almost five decades of incarceration, Bicknell stated he has obtained his GED, an Associate of Arts in General Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry. 

SQ resident Steve Drown, 76, is serving a 7-years-to-life term. He has been confined 48 years, and has appeared before the BPH 15 times. Drown said through his almost five decades of incarceration, he has experienced ever-changing regulations and requirements that have been placed on lifers.

He has outlasted six California governors, from George Dukemajian to Gavin Newsom, with each governor having a significant role in changing board requirements.

“I went before the Board of Prison Hearings thinking I could talk my way out go prison,” Drown said. “I did not have the understanding and awareness over the years that I have today.”

Drown fears he has lost touch with the changes of society, though he is able to keep up with current events through media consumption. “It’s not the same as lived experience,” he said. Resident Drown questions whether or not he will be able to formulate a lasting personal connection with someone. He has the desire to have a loving, honest, and lasting relationship with a partner after nearly 50 years of guarding his emotions.

As a lifer, Drown has participated in Dialectic [reasoning] Behavior Therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous, Anger Management, and Conflict Resolution, amongst others. 

Drown said his mental capacity has strong attributes, but he does find it discerning to see other people with less time being paroled.

He stated that he has experienced six mini-strokes, and has struggled with high blood pressure as well. Drown also said that he has had problems with his balance.

All things considered, at 76, Drown is fairly healthy. CDCR has two options for elderly release, if you have reached the age of 50, and have served at least 20 years, you are eligible to appear before the BPH. The same is true for people who are 60 and have served 25 years.

“This practice of letting elderly people die in prison has quietly tarnished the soul of California,and it will continue to do so until something changes,” stated Cal Matters.