David Kenny

Survived By: The Lives That He Touched While Incarcerated 25 Years

By Jessie Milo

I was coming out of a housing unit in Corcoran prison and I saw a man I knew from another prison who informed me that David Kenny died in Mule Creek State Prison in California.

I was stopped in my tracks as I stood there on the basketball court midday with tears streaming down my face, I said “NO, this can’t be true!” and He assured me it was. I have since confirmed.

I First met David “Dave” Kenny at R.J.Donovan in San Diego, CA in 2013. We soon became friends who enjoyed discussing politics and lifes quanderies. It is so hard to find good conversationalist in prison so Dave was a rare gem. As lifers we bonded over talks about the future, courts and the system. Dave waited for me outside my building everyday for pill call or yard and we would walk and talk before we returned to our cells. Dave had one of those big mustaches like a walrus and a gutteral laugh and sad eyes. He was 20 years older than me and much of a father figure.

Upon learning of his passing, over the next few days I contemplated every conversation we ever had. Dave never had any kids and both his parents had passed away while he was incarcerated. I got sad thinking about him not having kids cause the world of benefitted from having his DNA in it. They don’t make them like Dave anymore. And in a way he did have kids, because he mentored and was there for so many of us in here.

For 5 years and in 2 prisons me and Dave ate together every day and walked the yard. He did all my legal work that entire time, even filling a writ of Certiori in the United States Supreme Court, which nobody likes to file cause of all the requirements, but Dave did it for me. He believed in this country and what was right. When I didn’t think I would ever get out, Dave gave me hope to carry on. Without Dave I don’t know where I would be today. It was with his company I went on a journey to live a better life.

I know Mourning Our Losses doesn’t like to publish about crimes but DAVE DIDN’T HAVE TO DIE HERE. His story should be told. He received 25 to life under the 3 strikes law for 6 rings valued at less than a $1,000. He went to board and got denied and overdosed on pills. Dave struggled with depression because he couldn’t comprehend how in America his life could be taken over a small amount of property, 6 rings. Dave was my friend and he didn’t have to die here. It hurt him tremendously that he lost his youth here and couldn’t be with his family for 2 decades, while many of them passed away. His soul hurt. These harsh laws are killing people and when will we stand up for Dave and SAY ENOUGH!!! Rest In Peace David Kenny. I love you and People will know your name. I read a poem last week at a talent show and I dedicated it to you. Thank you Dave for everything and I won’t give up.