I am a retired Deputy Sheriff with 30 years of service. These types of people were seen as the enemy, never really as human beings with crappy parents and just poor youthful experiences. which shaped their lives, often for the worse. This guy and many of the others in these videos show others that they are human and not all monsters, despite committing murder and other violent acts. How many cops did horrible things? Not me, not people I worked with, but they are out there. In this country you can change your life, you can reinvent yourself for good. Jon deserves whatever the good life he can make for himself, I hope he makes it.
Jon. You can do this bro. I'm a straight up heroin addict junkie. Got 12 yrs in prison, whole life's been a mess and it went by fast. I got sober man. Did it with methadone. It's not perfect but I don't wake up in fear of going thru withdrawal. That is hell on earth. Dude, if I can do this, anyone can, even you. I just got tired of going to jail man. And besides, as you know there's no heroin anymore and the fenny high sucks. It's time to change, alot of people would be willing to help you man. I bet some have already offered from this channel. Good luck bro.
This is one of many interviews that show how deeply damaged people can be from a very young age. I didn't want the interview to end. I wanted him to keep talking and working through some of the stuff he has suppressed for years. I hope he finds someone who helps him get on that bike. He is so fragile. One bump either direction will send him miles. I'm hoping he gets that hand that helps.
39 years old. I changed my life at 33. Totally flipped it. Changing your ways feels strange at first but it becomes the new normal. One or two things at a Time, bro. You can do it. Seriously. You will look back on this old life you’re living now and not recognize yourself. It’s an awesome feeling. My new drug is living this life I never thought I’d have.
Amen, . You can have two life's The Old. The New. He don't do the blame game for ending up where hes at at this time in life which say alot. Like here from him again in a couple years . God bless ...
Out of all of these videos that I’ve watched. This one is one of my favourites. The honesty and pain ,the message he was sending to the kids. The awareness he has , the message. Thank you I hope his life gives him a breather, he deserves it.
I wish your show was on public television. The whole of America needs to hear this shit. You're a fuckin boss for humanizing any and everyone Mark. An absolute fierce, savage beast
It just amazes me how so many, if not all, of your interviewees are so self aware and candid. The honesty blows me away. I expected some bullshitters but I haven’t seen one yet. May this gentleman get a break and find peace!
I think this channel is for us parents to learn from those stories and get involved with our kids 100%. May God help us make a good choice for our kids and break any negative connection in their way.
I dont know from what background you are coming from(it matters so you can understand if something is happening with your kid) but always remember , kids are actors and they act the way they wanna act. I used to be an addict in all kind of drugs(no heroin) but i always came back home normal. If i was too fked up i used to say ima sleep to a friend of mine etc. Both of my parents would never find out about my outside life if i didnt tell them. Parents have to see the signs , forget about your little sweet baby. Open your eyes and recognize when something is wrong.
Outstanding interview! Thanks for sharing your story, your truth, your insight on SWU! "I got a lotta talents, lotta fucked up shit...God knows how many people were affected by my negativity." Love that. And when Mark asked what his fear is...."my reactions." That hit home. Best of luck with the job opportunity Jon! Thank you for sharing. Mark, as always, legend.
Hi Jon! Thank you for taking time to tell your story. You should know, people that don't even know you care about you! We are rooting for you! Stay clean and I hope the job works out for you. 😊I'm praying for your success, it's never too late to change!💚
I can relate to some issues that Jon had in his life. I'm 51 years old now. I just want to say that the street life gets old, and it wears us down as we age. I have a bad temper as well. However, if we make better choices in our lives, we end up living a life that is actually WORTH LIVING. We create positive relationships and have people who actually love us and care for us. It's not easy and it's a process. A process that I'm grateful for, even though I'm still far from perfect. I'm a much better man at 51 than I was at 31. Much respect and best wishes Jon. Thanks for the interview.
So true years of drugs, addiction and prison stunts their social development. I knew a 50 year old woman that had been sexually abused at age 9 by her mother's boyfriends, her mother and her did drugs,she was a full blown addict...she could act like a spoiled 6 year old when she didn't get her way. Age 50 going on 10. Sad.
💯. He lacks so much self awareness and as intellectual as he may be, he lacks introspection. He’s likely to reoffend and get that ‘Cop Su!c!de’ fantasy he’s envisioned for himself… 💭
On this channel there are haters, that’s a fact. Listening to other people’s stories is very interesting. It would be hard to make sh*t like this up. He has the ability to unload his heart in this interview. I just ,again, want to thank you Mark for what you do. For allowing us to see what we would never see otherwise.
Jon,you have more to offer than you know. I believe you have the courage and determination to make your life now that you re out work for ya. I totally get the analogy you gave of a kid on a bike. One hundred percent. The youth of today could truly benefit hearing you. I hope that can get facilitated. To better days Jon!
That was raw and obviously honest. Jon, you are not as messed up as you think compared to a large segment of the outwardly normal segment of society. Show your kids that you can turn your life around, they're your legacy. And dude, work on lightening up!
This dude is not a highly ranked member. I’m from chicago (birthplace of the LKAQN) and I’ve known MANY MANY LK’s and have had just as many as my good friends…..this dude would never be chosen as a high ranked member. I’m assuming because it’s Florida that’s how he became a “ranked member”, but if he was here, I can say for 100% fact, this guy would’ve never been a ranked member. This guy is what you would call a crash test dummy, but that’s it.💯
I thought the same thing. Granted I am not Latin,Spanish etc. I have lived in Philadelphia my whole life and have been off the shit for 14 yrs now. Been in and out of lockup for majority of my youth. Have known many LK's in said jails,prisons and on the streets in the Badlands. I find it very hard to believe this man was a ranking member for them. Never seen anything like that and find it suspect. But again I am not this man and don't know his life.
What an incredibly intelligent man!!! Imagine how different his life would of been with that intelligence and a better start in life, he could really make a difference in the world, he needs to believe in himself more and realise what an amazing human he is. He possesses incredible insight into himself…. you are amazing buddy know you are loved my friend
He's so handsome, it's such a shame that certain situations can shape someone's life. I really hope he can change for the better and does things for himself he has sooo much potential. " Dont ever give up. Your hearts in the right place, you can make it. " Please do a follow up
Ultimately a great message from this guy , and it seems like he’s trying to make amends but living in a shit hole certainly isn’t helping things I pray for you, my friend and hopefully Mark has them back on for an update, and he has better news
Heart breaking... He's clearly a smart and thoughtful guy who doesn't make excuses for himself. I hope this job works out, you stay off the needle and maybe try some 12 step meetings (if it makes sense for you)... I wish you luck, brother.
His description of the lady getting beaten. He understands that's totally messed up. People standing back and watching is sometimes worse than the man beating the girl. Sick
Jon- You are SO intelligent and self aware. You know what you need to survive and stay out of prison. If think there are plenty of pharmaceutical medication that can calm your nerves and temper. I think you are on a good path with your methadone and the job! You seem to really want better for yourself and your kids. Please continue down this path. I think you could really love the second half of your life. I hope you come back to Mark for another update interview and I can see that my hopes for you are coming to fruition!!! Stay strong and don’t give in to that urge. Keep looking out for those women who are beaten down and give them that great advice of getting on a train!! That is some great advice! Marie
Wow 💔 thank you for giving these people a space & time to talk. Especially when they’re so angry, and may not know how to express it. I think it’s so helpful.
Hey Jon, I hope your new job works out for you. I feel like you want to do right so bad, but you feel like you can’t. You have been through a lot, and I can tell you are very strong physically and mentally. Stay off the drugs, because being clean will set you free for once in your life. I’m praying for you. All you need to do is take that strength within you to fight off life’s demons. Someone gave you a second chance, whether it’s God or someone else, but take this chance and run with it.
This guy sounds like every person that has been in jail for long time. Most of what he is saying are absolute lies but that's the convict mentality. He won't change and will be back in jail by the end of the month.
I feel for this dude. But, he is stretching the truth about being charged with a deadly weapon because his "martial arts training" means that his "hands are registered as deadly weapons." A lot of guys say that to sound tough, but it's not true. A lot that he says about LK is true, but there are a couple things about LK that he said that are not GENERAL requirements of LK. MAYBE he's referencing Florida LK and if that's the case, I get it, but some of the things he said about LK are not how it is for LK in Chicago or the US. As an 11 year old, he says that LK guys told him that if he kills, he'll be a made member. Maybe that truly happened to him, but killing is not a requirement of LK anywhere. He said that you have to have Hispanic or "at least Italian" blood in you. No. There are NO racial requirements to join LK. Of course, the vast majority are Hispanic, but any race can join. Not sure if I believe that he beat up two people at the same time with 200 people watching. I feel for this dude because he definitely had it rough in life. My heart goes out to the brother.
Embellishing stories can be a bit of a big ego mixed with trauma. Trying to look tough or boost his own self-esteem with underlying low self worth. He talks about wanting out but tells some battle stories. Hopefully he realizes that war stories take us back into that time. Move past that and grow up in a good way.
Jon, Thank you for sharing your story… it came from the heart. I hope that Mark does a follow up with you… I think you’re capable of a good life. Hugs & Love & All the Best to You.
Mark I just wanted to say your an amazing photographer that goes without saying and I mean the real deal and you were doing it before the digital cameras of today’s world, which truly has shown your talent and you will be remembered as that but what’s even more beautiful is the work your doing today, the combination of the your photos with the stories that sit beside them has changed people, and has helped even more then you know but you have started a path that’s leading people of power, of wealth, and some who even run this nation by opening their eyes to what the REAL problem is and how just a simple hand reaching out, or taking the time to just stop and listen to someone that in and of itself has the power that can start to change this mess. The imprint your leaving will truly live on forever. The selfless acts of kindness and love given to people you don’t even know with wanting nothing in return, is what this world needs right now more then anything. So I just want to say thank you
Jon is the type of guy that I’d just like to hug. Not say anything, just hug him, so he’d have a chance to feel unconditional love, that maybe would transmit some hope into his fractured Heart. You hang in there Jon. Highest Respect and Love Jon ☮️❤️🙏❤️☮️🙏❤️
39 could be a beginning. I pray that so many people who need to hear this message hear it, he is articulate and quite smart, I hope he gets connected with people who can be the community he needs. We all need to belong somewhere. Prayers.
By Age 39 i would have thought a person would be living there best life, i thought a person by the age of 20 would have called it quits doing all the fucked up shit they were doing. Just shows dudes hate growing up
Suicide by cop is so selfish and cowardly. He talks about how he felt bad about the family member of the person he killed, then follows up with this...
Take it "one minute" at a time, you are not too old to practice self discipline and self respect. Get out of Skid row..., work on forgiving yourself and others, write each hurt on a rock and literally throw them into the ocean, stop carrying that garbage around its weighing you down, turn the page, write a new chapter. I believe you can do it Jon!
Excellent interview. He's articulate and insightful and could be a great influence for teens who want to join gangs. I wish him the best of luck and he deserves to have a second chance.
He says he’s still banging though? He’s an old head in that world which makes it seem like it’s a good idea, but if he’s still affiliated there’s no way he should be an influence to anyone. He bangs cocaine and you’re talking about “great influence.” 😂
@@pepperedbeefjerkey2990 maybe the word influence wasn't the best word to use. I taught in a junior high school with some students who were gang wanna bees and thought they were pretty tough. So we took them to the local prison to meet some inmates who offered their advice. It was a harsh and real life eye opener to these "tough" students. John seemed like he could offer his own type of advice and he seemed sincere in wanting to do this.
When I was young and worked sh!t jobs I worked with guys just like him. He's a decent guy living with the choices he made when he was too young to make them.
@Broski Snowski Yeah but when they did show up for work they could always hook you up. America's shitty jobs need people like this if only to get quality drugs for the youth of this great land.
I’m a father of two younger kids 8 & 6 and I do show them some of these stories and try to skip through the profanity I do find these stories very very important. My kids future terrifies me.
You guys love the homeless, you feed em and giving drug paraphernalia and money. Y’all encourage your own destruction in Cali. A beauty place full of idiots. The ones with sense flee and go ruin other states.
This guy speaks the truth!! I’m rooting for him✨✨ Jon I pray you stay strong through this time. Turn this hell of a life into something you cherish 🙏🏻 you have been through so much & came this far..why give up now!? Believe in yourself & trust faith ❤ You are so smart & are beyond your years. Make your life worth it because you are!! 👏🏻👏🏻 Stay blessed and please come back with a heck of a come back!! 🌟
I hope Jon doesn't relapse & gets serious about his sobriety, cause it's obvious he's sick & tired, but his really? Talking about suicide by cop? Come on, if you don't do it for anyone else, do it for your kids. Just try please
I think I would be really scared of him if I was alone with him listening and watching his body language, he has so much anger and I don’t blame him honestly. I actually think this was very brave work from the team who is making the film and I do like the message. Thank you all and I hope he find peace and the love he deserves.
Thanks and best to Jon. It ain't easy - I was a functional alcoholic for 25 years and in a few months, God willing, I will have been sober for 23 years!! Miracles do happen - the power of Prayer is real! God Bless!!
Dudes all over the place hope he gets his shit together but he ain’t gonna change .He gonna go use that money Mark gives him to buy dope, I ain’t nobody special but I did 14 years straight in California and when I got out I got a job 1 month later been working for 5 years straight now got married paid 25000 for my wedding no handouts from the government or anyone I just don’t make excuses for what I don’t have or why something is not fair and if I can do it with a million tattoos anyone can you just got to live yourself
God bless you Jon! You have a good heart and a fantastic brain! Please stay vigilant to your plan, stay clean and keep sharing your story because we are listening! You have the ability to change lives if you so wish. Much love to you, and I'll pray for you. 🕊
Jon, dude, you are wicked smart. Your ability to reflect and emotional intelligence are on point. I know that if you have the right opportunity and focus, you can harness your power and have anything you want out of life. Keep trying and believing in yourself. I care and wish you the best. You've got this.
Jenn Richards, dude, you are wicked dumb as a box of rocks if you think this guy isn't going to be shot dead by cops in short time. You've got this Jon.
Some of these dudes just lie like crazy ....just do the math on his story ..he said he got 20 years and he got 5 years knocked off but he did 85 months then he says he did 15 years .. 85 months is not 15 years... Also anybody that says their hands are considered deadly weapons are bafoons..the whole myth of boxers or MMA fighters having to register their hands isn't true ..this guy doesn't seem like a bad guy but he's a tweaker ..anybody that has spent time around tweakers and guys like this know their all filled with a bunch of stories ....do not believe 75% of what this guy says .. take the good of what he says but avoid the sensationalism in his stories
“I’ve been good, I’ve picked good women” to have my 5 kids with. And “I’ve never” taken my kid’s mother away from them when I went to jail. I so sorry people like him have had to live their lives with these kinds of thoughts. I hope you find some peace in the future.
@jimbofischa agreed, its disrespectful to come on this channel and and lie to Mark with this bullshit story. 'My hands are deadly weapons" lol, okay bro.
@@drewcobarrubias2093 from Wally that I seen it was. I’m wondering if it will be on the patron account. Sadly I don’t have that. You tube prolly removed it
Just my thoughts ✌️ take or leave. Life, It's up to you only. 🚲Don't look for a push. Push yourself. You got this. Stay focused on what's to come. Find something you really love, a different high, focus on it, do it. Go all in on it. You can have fun without that high. For me it's beaches, sunsets, stars, birds, nature...💭 it wasn't always that way. 1 more: It took me most of my life to realize that when you have no expectations of anyone, at all, you will not be let down. Hold yourself accountable for your choices and your future because only you decide. I hope this helps. Sending good vibes your way ✨️
I hope Jon makes it to work on Monday & everything is up from there for him 👍 Please Jon, try & connect with someone you can talk to in the medical field, I think it will help with your anger & learn to forgive yourself & your parents & guide you to a productive life.. sending a big hug your way 🫂 Great interview Mark, thank you 🙏
When I listen to stories like Jon’s, I think about how blessed I am that I don’t know anyone who would drop off their kid at 4 years old and never return. As a parent, it’s so hard to fathom.
Why did he leave Florida for California if most likely his baby mama's and kids are in Florida? Must be hard to see your kids when you bolt all the way across the country once released from prison. LA is not the place to go once your released from prison, unless you want to end up back on the streets or back in jail.
One more example (of thousands) of a super cool, smart, talented person...full of potential, who just did not have the guidance and support that he needed as a young person. Period. No one from a loving, well -resourced family joins a gang...where u have to negate yr humanity to survive. Poor guy. It could have been so different. Every day I thank god for my Mom, these interviews help me appreciate what I had. When he says he is 39, my jaw dropped. Hes lived the life and stress of a 70 year old. His outer shell reflects the stress and hardship. Wishing u luck Jon. ❤
Crazy to hear these gang members or ex gang members talk. They talk about all the ins and outs of the gangs, the hierarchy, the rules, the application process...all this stuff that means so much to them. This guy claims he is high up in this gang, like it has gained self worth and credit in life. Then you see it from a normal person's perspective who is just a blue/white collar 9-5...and it all means nothing. To the rest of the world these are just gang members who go in and out of jail. No one cares how high they are in the gang, or how many people they killed, or what zip code they defend. It's bizarre that they have this whole other world and lifestyle going on that means the world to them but nothing to the world.
What I heard early on is when he said no-one cared about him. That seems like the core of all of it. I pray for more courage to go be with folks who feel this. “Carry one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians)
Your life, all the hardships, your sentence has taken a toll on you. You’ve learned and know yourself well including your fears and desires. I hope you can buckle down and get on a good life track, you deserve it. When you do, let the other shit go, don’t hold onto it but rather define yourself as the hood ‘Jon’. Wishing you nothing but success and hope you achieve it! Hugs
Hey Jon. Please don’t kill yourself. You have everything needed to be an educator. PLEASE Use your KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO TEACH ALL OF US! you have a way with story telling and you could be so powerful as a teacher!
