My name is David Annarelli. This is “My Friend David.” Today is June 18. When I was arrested and wrongfully convicted nine years ago, making friends in prison was not on my list of things to do. I realized quickly, for myriad reasons, that there were very few people I wanted to associate with. I’ve become isolated because I have nothing in common with those around me, and I have no interest in those things which other captives seem interested in. Surprisingly, I found a friend. So, let me tell you about my friend David Sowers.
David Sowers is a 68 year old man who exudes calm. He is well educated and is well collected. He speaks of fairness, equality, and acts in a manner that is becoming of those ideals. He exhibits a level of patience that I envy and a compassion that I share. He is a good man. Knowing this, you might be surprised that he has now served 44 years in the Virginia DOC. He was arrested in 1981. There are no crimes I am able to name that justify more than four decades in prison. Every other civilized country in the world agrees with that sentiment. Many of the 50 states have come to that same conclusion.
On June 2, 2025, David was denied parole for the 30th time. I am not only saddened for my friend David, who is the exact example of who should be granted parole, but I am actually offended by so blind a decision. David simply takes it in stride. As the Virginia Parole Board knows they violated David’s due process as per Virginia code section 53.1-136; there was no public hearing, and he never met with the board itself. I am going to write numerous articles and essays about the Virginia Parole Board who I see as a state sponsored terrorist group. My friend David will write a well-thought-out essay about justice, and probably several haikus, which he really enjoys and is quite good at. I am going to exhibit resistance fighter levels of ire and openly accuse the parole board of a number of provable legal and human rights violations. David will continue to be, in every way, a perfect candidate for parole as he prepares for the next review, patiently doing everything expected of him, regardless of the fact that the Virginia parole board cannot see anything beyond a single event in 1981, 44 years ago.
I have no idea what David’s crime was. I don’t ask; it was 44 years ago, and it is entirely irrelevant to being my friend. I was six in 1981, and I am certain that I did some stupid things too. I don’t want to know what he did, because it will not change my opinion of who he is, a good man who helps me navigate the nightmare that is Virginia’s prisons and who has become a very human being, in spite of more than four decades of inhumane captivity. I don’t need to know what crime he committed 44 years ago, in 1981. He finished paying his debt 20 years ago, and every civilized country would agree: continuing to hold this man in prison only proves that Virginia is inhumane and a failed state.
Making matters worse, the Virginia Parole Board, under the state pariah Patricia West, combined two separate parole hearings, based on totally separate criteria. into one denial. This is just another example of a government agency acting in a lawless matter, something the Virginia Parole Board does weekly. The Virginia Parole Board and Patricia West are violent criminals. They have done nothing but caused harm to thousands of captives whose debts, and so much more, are paid. My friend David is among those who have been harmed and victimized by that parole board. My name is David Annarelli. I’m a contributing writer for Prison Journalism Project. davidannarelli.wordpress.com. On Instagram, @david_annarelli. Thank you very much.
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
