Heat Conditions in Prison

Just sitting here writing this missive I have sweat dripping down my back and rolling down my face. It is extremely hot.

Now if you look on the website for the Lane Murray Unit it will say that this unit is air conditioned. That is a lie.  The only places that have air conditioning is of course the Wardens, Captains, Lt, and Sgt offices along with medical and the commissary.

There are no windows in the building where I stay. We have individual fans (those of us who can afford to buy them) plus we have three large fans to circulate the hot air. We are given ice water, but we can not have the ice.

Last year at least 11 inmates died in prisons because of the heat.  Even more pass out, have injuries and other heat related accidents.

Now, I know a lot of people have negative opinions about inmates. Like "We get what we deserve, etc." But check this out we have a program called Patriot Paws. The dogs live in the same building I do. The dogs have fans and cold water also. So, not only do you see inmates walking around, dripping with sweat and panting, you see the dogs doing the same thing. Although you don't see many inmates with their tongue hanging out. It is cruel and unusual punishment to have us living in this extreme heat. Is there anyone out there who cares?  Does anyone care at all? If so please call the Lane Murray Unit @ (254) 865-2000 and ask them to please turn off the lights and furnish more fans. While you are at it ask how the dogs are doing.

The Things I Have Missed

These are the things I have missed while in prison:

• My children graduating high school.
• My Father's death and funeral.
• My 1st 3 grand kids being born
• My siblings weddings times 3
• My 2 nieces and nephew were born.
• One of my daughters joined the Navy
• 15 years of memories I will never have

My Story

My name is Angela, but My family calls me Christy. I have been incarcerated for 15 years. I am now seeking help from the "free world." I trusted the parole system to let me out ,but that has failed. I have seen parole 4 times and each time I have been give a set off date of 3 years for nature of crime. I am serving a 99 year sentence for injury to a child by omission. I was convicted  of failing to provide timely adequate medical attention, for my son. Even though I took my son to the er AS SOON AS I saw his injuries. I was still convicted because his injuries were 5-7 days old.
     I was a mother of 5 children (ages 10 months-7years old) at the age of 24. I worked and took care of my kids the best I could. I am sorry it was not enough. I had my kids in school and in daycare. At night my boyfriend took care of our children.  I believed my kids were in good hands. I believed my kids were taken care of. I was wrong. I neglected them by not knowing what was going on.
   I need legal assistance. I do not know what else I can do to get out of prison. I do not know what my legal options are. Is there anyone out there that can help me?
  Since I have been incarcerated I have done anything and everything that I could do to improve myself for my family. I have

• Received my GED 
• Got my associates degree
• Trained in Computer Maintenance I completed that vocational training with flying colors.
• I have received OJT's in landscaping, cooking, and general maintenance
• I have also completed several self help classes, Self Esteem, Parenting, Anger Management, and several others
• Lastly I have completed several Bible Study Classes in here, and through mail Breaking Free, Purpose Driven Life, and others.

   I am now 39 years old. My family has stuck by me for 15 years now. I have their love and support. I want desperately to go home and help them. I have a 24 year old brother that has Cerebral Palsy and an aging Mother who is struggling more and more to take care of him. I need to get out. Please write me with suggestions, legal advice, or just friendly advice. Thank you so much for reading this. My address is


Angela Thornton 836182
Lane Murray Unit
1916 N Hwy 36 Bypass
Gatesville TX 76596