My Journey Toward Restorative Justice: I Wrote a Book with My Victim’s Mother

Leonard Scovens ended up writing a book, Wildflowers in the Median, with the mother and grandmother of his victims. His longer story on the development of their unlikely friendship —  “No Ordinary Love: Agnes and Leonard’s Visit” won an award from the Writer’s Digest.

It was the Florida Department of Corrections’ first Victim Offender Dialogue, and Agnes Furey was smiling at me after saying, “I love you.” Agnes was the mother and grandmother of the two people I’m in prison for killing while whacked out on crack over 25 years ago.

To understand how Agnes could direct such compassion toward me, we have to go back to the beginning of our story when we met at a Sarasota Walmart in 1995.

A Warning Ignored

Agnes was with her grandson Chris and daughter Pat, who I was dating at the time. 19, stupid, and strung out on crack, I was hiding my addiction from Pat, but Agnes saw clean through me.

“He’s a crack addict, Pat,” she warned. “He’ll steal everything you’ve got and break your heart.”

I wish Pat would’ve listened.

A Letter That Sparked Restorative Justice

My journey into healing began 10 years later when an envelope containing a greeting card slid beneath my cell door at Florida State Prison. Inside was a card embossed with a dove carrying an olive branch—an image that would come to symbolize restorative justice in my life.

“I’ve been thinking about you over the years,” it read.

I stared at her handwriting, confused. When I wrote back, she revealed, “You killed my daughter and grandson.”

That sat me down. The impact of what I’d done suddenly became tangible. I wept—for Pat, for Chris, for Agnes.

Choosing Life Over Death

“If you want me to kill myself, I will,” I wrote. But Agnes didn’t want my death. She wanted my life. She’d even spoken out against the death penalty.

We began exploring the shades and textures of the tragedy that connected us. Our relationship became a living example of restorative justice—pouring our spirits out like wine into each other’s hearts.

Check out Leonard’s book, Wildflowers in the Median: A Restorative Journey in Healing, Justice and Joy

Fighting for Restorative Justice in Florida

By 2014 there were 35 Victim Offender Dialogue programs nationwide, but Florida’s corrections system resisted. Agnes spent nearly two decades urging officials to allow restorative justice a chance.

Finally, in 2020, at 84 years old, she confronted FDC Secretary Mark Inch: “Are you guys waiting for me to die?”

Her courage worked. That meeting led to Florida’s first Victim Offender Dialogue—ours.

Facing the Past

On the morning of our meeting, I walked alone across the compound toward the visiting park. My heart raced as I prepared to meet the woman whose life I had shattered.

Inside the visitation booth, I waited, unsure of what I’d say. When Agnes entered—small, strong, radiant—her presence filled the room.

We had already done the hard work through years of letters and calls. This meeting was about connection, remembrance, and honoring the restorative justice we’d built.

“I Forgive You”

Agnes pressed her palm to mine through the glass. Her eyes met mine. I broke down.

“I’m sorry,” I cried again and again.

“I forgive you,” she said softly. “And I love you.”

That moment—her smile through tears—was the purest expression of restorative justice I have ever witnessed.

Want to read more? Don’t miss Restorative Justice Workshops Transform Lives at SCI Phoenix

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