I went to trial not because I was innocent but because in my adolescent mind I assumed a jury of my peers would go easier on me than a judge. 

I was sixteen years old on December 12, 1995.  Me and another guy were out getting high.  We were walking down a street in a gang infested neighborhood, and we saw some people that were clearly not from the area.  I took part in an unplanned and uncoordinated robbery.   

After the jury found me guilty, they recommended thirty years for the three robberies, fifteen years for kidnapping, fifteen years for assault with non-serious bodily injury and five to fifteen years on attempted robbery and armed criminal action.  Prior to my trial, the state offered me a plea bargain of a soft life sentence, the equivalent of thirty years. 

At my sentencing hearing on February 28, 1997, it was left up to the judge to run my sentences either concurrently, thirty years, or consecutively, 241 years. 

“You made your choice, you will live with your choice, and you will die with your choice because, Bobby Bostic, you will die in the Department of Corrections.  Do you understand that?  Your mandatory date to go in front of the parole board will be the year 2201.  Nobody in this courtroom will be alive in the year 2201.”

In February, 2018, the Judge who said those words and sentenced me to die in prison came forward and tried to help me get out of prison.  She now says the sentence was too harsh.  She regrets it. 

My adult co-defendant was given thirty years – 211 years less than I was – and he would have been home now, but he died in prison in 2018 at the age of forty, may he rest in peace. 

I’m very sorry for the crimes I committed.   I changed my life despite being sentenced to die in prison.  I’ve taken over fifty rehabilitation classes through the Department of Corrections and outside entities.  I have self-published five books and written ten more.  I have an Associates of Science degree and have a few classes left to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.  None of that means anything to the State of Missouri.  What matters to the state is that I die in prison for a crime I committed at sixteen years old where no one was seriously hurt. 

I feel myself growing old.  My bones ache from the steel bunks and concrete floors.  Nieces and nephews that weren’t born when I was on the street have kids taller than me now.  I’ve watched them grow up in the prison visiting room.  I was sixteen – all I want is one second chance. It’s all I would need…

ABOUT THE WRITER. Bobby Bostic was sentenced to die in prison for a crime commited when he was 16 years old. His co-defendant and the leader of the two was an adult and received thirty years. At sixteen years old, in a crime where no one was seriously injured – Bostic was given essentially – a death sentence. Mr. Bostic spends his time writing books and educating himself. If you would like to show your belief that his sentence is unjust, you can sign his petition here.

You can contact Mr. Bostic at:
Bobby Bostic #526795
Jefferson City Correctional Center
8200 No More Victims Road
Jefferson City, MO 65101