Living a Life Sentence in Pennsylvania: Reflections From 26 Years Inside

Jeffery Shockley reflects on what it means to live with a life sentence, navigating decades of loss, resilience, and systemic challenges inside the Pennsylvania prison system.

My name is Jeffery and I’m a 63-year-old individual serving a life sentence in the state of Pennsylvania. Today is my birthday, and on the one hand it feels like just another day. Yet, I think of the family whose loved one will never have another to share with their family because of me.

This is the 26th year of this sentence, and through it there have been many changes in my life. Some are no different than the average individual may experience. Then there are things that are relevant more specifically to the prison environment.

Struggles and Adjustments in Prison

As a victim/survivor of childhood and military sexual trauma, I reside among those convicted of such crimes. I have had to stand like an animal in a stall for count, or be talked down to by someone younger, with no life experience, but who holds authority because of my own actions.

I have lost family members from cancer, crime, and even age. I witnessed 9/11 on television, the first Black president of the United States, the rise of Black Lives Matter, and even the election of a convicted felon as the 47th president.

Daily Life Under a Life Sentence

Daily life inside is fraught with things foreign to the common man or woman not in prison—or perhaps there are more similarities than we want to admit. Two cellmates verbally assault each other over crumbs on the table, toilet use, or loud behavior, yet must sleep in the same cell that night.

Living in small quarters under a life sentence means finding ways to endure annoyances while realizing, “It’s prison, get over it.”

Lessons Learned Over Decades

In my decades of time inside, I’ve had to overcome and adjust. I’ve learned not to complain about insignificant things. I take joy in being able to walk in the rain. I’ve accepted responsibility for who I am today, rather than blaming my father or the system.

There is a certain prestige or fear attributed to those serving life sentences, but we’re all doing the same 24 hours. The difference is that this place becomes home for the life-sentenced, which is difficult to accept.

The Harsh Reality of the Life Sentence

In Pennsylvania, life means life without parole. The only chance is commutation, which is like parole but more intense. After 25 years, you may apply, and your case moves through paperwork, evaluations, and staffing.

Eventually, the Board of Pardons conducts a merit review. If you pass, you may face a public hearing, where you must persuade the board unanimously if convicted of a violent crime. If not, your life sentence continues.

Work, Rehabilitation, and the Life Sentence

There is debate about whether those with a life sentence should have good prison jobs, like correctional industries. Some argue they’re taking opportunities from those who will eventually leave, but lifers bring stability by staying in one role long-term.

If corrections is about rehabilitation, should it not include those serving life as well?

Growing Older Behind Bars

The population of people serving life sentences is aging. This creates unique challenges—older men may need extra blankets, quieter living environments, and protection from exploitation. Many suffer dietary and medical needs that the system does not account for.

The prison system is structured for newcomers and parolees. Those with a life sentence often go unnoticed, despite being model inmates. We live with the reality of aging, loss, and decades of prison culture without meaningful consideration from the Department of Corrections.

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The post Living a Life Sentence in Pennsylvania: Reflections From 26 Years Inside first appeared on Prison Writers.