There has been an ongoing flood of response to Mario’s story, the documentary film on Showtime about the struggle of Mario Rocha to have his wrongful conviction overturned after 10 1/2 year behind bars for the 1996 murder of 17-year-old Martin Aceves.
After getting a bunch of inquiries, I dropped a note to Mario to find out what he is doing now so that I could pass the information along to those who have expressed so much interest. Here are the highlights of what he told me:
I’m a full time student at George Washington University, where I am taking International Affairs, Public Communication, University Writing, Photography, Weight Training and Chi-Running.
I am also working with the Campaign for Youth Justice as a Multimedia and Community Relations Consultant.
Additionally, I am still working on the independent video projects for grassroots organizations who are fighting for social justice and equity in education.
Mario is scheduled to speak at Berkeley Law School on April 9th and 10th. .
Below the American flag on his shirt, does it say “Evil Empire?!” If so, he would fit in well within the White House of Obama, who goes overseas and bad mouths America and makes apologies rather than talk of our good works.
No kidding, I was feeling sympathetic towards him until I read his shirt – if I did read it correctly.
all I can say is that I hope he was innocent.
Was he not guilty? Yes, the evidence as stated doesn’t substantiate a guilty finding. But innocent? OJ was found not guilty, was he innocent?
The point is, the evidence he did it was an eye witness. The evidence he didn’t was an eyewitness.
I just hope he’s innocent and not just not guilty.
But it’s so nice of the Obama administration to offer him a job. He can give some of his staff tips on what to do and not do when they’re in jail. Most of Obama’s staff belongs there.
Does his T-shirt say “Evil Empire?” At first I was offended, very offended. Then I realized that he was convicted over 10 years ago in 1998/99 when our president was William Jefferson Clinton who marched in protests and burned the American flag in foreign countries. The Democrat predecessor of our current president, Barack Obama, who was just filmed yesterday showing great respect to the Saudi prince by bowing from the waste far more than his little head nod to Queen Elizabeth in Britain, our country’s most loyal ally.
Even if his t-shirt does read “Evil Empire”,(the first word in the photograph shown above is illegible), how could you fault an obviously innocent man, wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for over ten years for expressing his attitude toward our judicial system in any way he sees fit. How would you react? It is obvious to any intell1gent individual reading the comments posted earlier, that there is great sense of racism involved. And based on their obviously right wing views, those bigoted ditto heads have no sense of justice (i.e. the Bush Administration’s illegal activities). How do these morons get from Mr. Rocha’s story to President Obama
After just having seen his documentary, I am touched by the perseverance and courage of not only Mario but all parties that worked to overturn his conviction. Just recently I was wrongfully arrested and sent to jail for merely defending myself, after being attacked, in my own home. At the time of my arrest, I was shocked and couldn’t believe that I was being arrested. However, it was a reality. According to the arresting officers because the other guy sustained more bruises than me, they had to consider him the victim regardless of the fact that I had injuries of my own, not to mention a bad bit that caused severe swelling. The other guy was never arrested. I had never been in trouble; worked 12 hour shifts; used to work as a mentor for trouble kids; and was usually with my son when I wasn’t working. However, none of those things mattered the moment the officers told me I was being arrested. When I read my charge and the police report, I was amazed at how much the events were exaggerated and how I was made to look like a criminal. I was held for 13 days before being let out on bail and not only had it robbed me of my freedom but it cost me a great job. I am currently fighting to rebuild my life because this ordeal has greatly disrupted life as I knew it prior to my arrest.
So having gone through this myself, my heart goes out to all those that are wrongfully incarcerated because I feel if it happened to me (and only for 13 days), I know for a fact that it has has happen to many others.
A t shirt that says evil empire,Obama’s administration needs advice on conducting themselves in jailwhen the right folks get to back in power….what about equal justce for all?Judge not less you be judged?Justice delayed is justice denied?
Come on have a little heart,feel a little compassion,dont focus on a flipping tshirt,focus on doing the ‘right thing’did the system ever bring to justice any of the criminal’s who stabbed Mario while in custody?
good luck and godspeed Mario,dont let complete ignorance and
stupidty grind you down.
Best wishs sldennis usn retired
I never cried so hard as when I saw your story. I don’t think anyone can begin to understand unless they have a child in prison or have lived it themselves. We wait for our son to be set free. Laws have to changed. I know how your mom felt. I wish you and your family the best that life offers.
May God Bless and keep you and your safe.
Many Blessings
Molly
You people need to just stop! Just because he may have Evil Empire on his shirt does not make him guilty. The evil empire could be our country’s justice system. For you Obama Haters, get a life! The problem with our country is not the Obama’s of this life but you are with your backward, racist, hateful perspectives.
You people need to just stop! Just because he may have Evil Empire on his shirt does not make him guilty. The evil empire could be our country’s justice system. For you Obama Haters, get a life! The problem with our country is not the Obama’s of this life but you are with your backward, racist, hateful perspectives.
I couldn’t wait to watch the end of the video, so I went on line to see how Mr. Rocha faired. I am thrilled to see the outcome. I was touched by the family and how much love kept them going on. It just amazes me how anyone can see the horrible way Mario was being defended. What astounds me more is that the District Attorney actually has to defend the verdit…..not justice. How many years was he in jail? How many years did he wait for the D.A. to decide to file for a new case? There are so many things that I am proud of in this “Land that I love”. This story is not one of them. What is wonderful about this country is we have the right to say what we want. Please let us all be Americans and excercise our rights, good or bad.
u have the heart of a true azteca warrior viva la raza
Evil Empire is the name of a “Rage Against the Machine” Album which if you look into Mario is a big fan of. So before you state ignorant comments about him hating America DO A LITTLE RESEARCH!
Evil Empire is the Name of a Rage Against the Machine album, you want to lynch him for being a fan of music? And you call yourself Americans? What so if you wear a “Dixie Chicks” shirt who openly hates George Bush does that make you “Less American”? C’mon morons wake up! Freedom! Live your Life Mario!
wow, what’s so sad is that mario was in prison for 10 1/2 years and all some of you people could care about is what his damn shirt says! what is wrong with you?! and yes, EVIL EMPIRE is the name of a RATM Album! how the heck did this turn into an obama story! GROW UP!
aside from that, very touching, i cried so much and i am so glad that justice was served.
Watching the documentary film ‘Mario’s Story’, I was fearful the end would be one of tragedy, not triumph. I was pleasantly surprised to see Mario freed and justice finally served to him and his family. Mario is a survivor in the truest sense. Mario is a testament to just how the human spirit is without boundaries and cannot be held within any walls or prisons. I hope to see more of Mario’s writings and where he ventures in life.
For all of those who are offended if his shirt does say “Evil Empire”: tell me what your t-shirt might say if you were held in prison for 10 1/2 years and were not guilty? I love America but I am not afraid to criticize it when it (our should I say, our government) has done wrong. (Just read someone else’s comment and I didn’t know there was an album of that name.) Critical thought is the only way this country keeps growing ethically and morally. This doesn’t mean criticizing the president simply because you don’t like his party or are a racist and are appalled that we have a Black American president. Please stop filling the internet with your hateful messages about when the “right person ” is back in office, at least have the courage to admit that you are racist and only believe respect and patriotism is deserved if you are part of the right wing, conservative party (you know , the mindset called Republicanism.)
I am glad that justice prevailed for you Mario, you deserved it. And yes, this should only be about Mario, this story is happening all too often across this country and it needs to stop.
The family was awesome. I thought they were his backbone, along with his attorney. His faith remained untarnished throughout the film.
I am a mother of 4 sons, and thought it could happen to any one of my boys.. I felt for his mom and tias…as if I were them.
Mario you rock…
Our country is an evil empire. What news have you all been watching the last year now? Look what our greed has done to the rest of the world. We don’t even know what suffering is. Just because we don’t get what we want right away we cry like babies. Mario did suffer from a lazy lawyer who could have took a little more time on his case. What happened to those of us with ideas, with dreams, with passion, with fire in our everyday work to make things better for our children. Seeing your story made me proud of you. You didn’t get mad like I see my uncle who goes to jail in and out and gets so upset and say’s he doesn’t know what he did. You stuck to your truths, to whatever would have happened with your life. You are know making a difference with that life. It beautiful. It’s amazing. I wish so many more would stop looking for a way out or something to blame or lean on as a crutch but rather rise up from their mourning and live life. Hold life to all it may bring.
Who cares about the shirt…I want to know what the heck Chi-running is??!?!?
Hope all is well in DC, stop by for a visit when you are back on this coast!
Jac
ChiRunning borrows principles form T’ai Chi to make running safer and more efficient. You reduce your likelihood of injury by using proper biomechanics and because you are more efficient you can run more easily, for longer, faster, and with quicker recovery. With rhythmic and repetitive motion, steady breathing, muscular relaxation, and the focus on form, ChiRunning makes running meditative.
The vitriol in some of the comments above is saddening. Have you no empathy at all? Do you really believe that your country can do absolutely anything and still be above reproach? America is great because it lives up to its ideals. When it fails to live up to those ideals it loses its greatness and true patriots criticize it and demand better.
BTW, Mario has been a delight to have in class.
His ChiRunning professor,
Gwen Andersen
Marios story is an inspiration to all.. I look up to Mario. he stayed focus and determined to keep fighting for what was right. I am from Los Angeles.(hollembeck area). He deserves great things. I am so impressed by his determination and spirit. The Lawyers and everyone involve will be blessed for what they did. I am speechless of just how greatfull i am that Mario is out. He deserves the world. His days in jail are gone. those days cannot be given back but that shows us all that Mario and everyone involve are people with giant hearts. Keep up the good work Mario. u are an inspiration for me to keep fighting hard and to dont stop till its mine. YOU ARE THE MAN.
MARIO YOU ARE TRULY AN INSPIRATION!! YOUR SHOW OF COURAGE AND PERSEVERANCE THROUGH ALL THOSE YEARS IS AMAZING. I AM GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE LIVING YOUR DREAM!!
Mario, to me and alot of people, is nothing but an Inspiration. All of you who have written bad comments about his shirt are nothing but hard-core republicans who are still crying about Obama’s win.
Get over it and realize that Mario’s suffering and all the unjustice that he went through have taught many of us about real life. That you have not been wrongfully convicted doesn’t mean that it cannot happen to you.
After I saw Mario’s Story I realized how our lives can change from one second to the other.
You keep on going Mario!!! I know you are going very far and it makes me proud.
Thank God that we have a President like Obama.Maybe now there will be justice for all minorities.In the year 2025, there may be other minorities which may enjoy these new laws.the end of privitization of prisons-companies make money because of more prisons, the removal of the gun carrying laws as archaic and ancient and the reduction of the 3 million prisoners incarcerated. many of whom may be innocent.Thanks God for Obama-he has put the record straight and the world respect the USA again!!
Why do we allow the government to charge a juvenile like an adult? Isnt this barbaric to charge a child or young person as an adult? If there is no difference in an adult and a juvenile why do we lable them so? Pretty backward legal system!
i hate u mario rocha… u killed my dad and dont lie… cuz i know u did. and cuz of u i have no DAD…..:(
i hate u mario rocha….. because of u i have no dad… dont lie cuz i know u killed him…:(
I just saw your documentary of what happen to you Mario and I am so overwelmed with all these emotions. I am mostly though very happy, you are out and free, FREE!!
Not sure if you read this or not Mario, but thank you for doing the work you do now and have done. You have educated, inspired, and with your writing you touch many souls.
Hey Mario like you I grew up in Highland Park, there’s was so much going on all those years you were locked up man. To see all the gangs destroying each other, and the lives of others is Sad. I was ten years old when I heard what had happened that night, the night that changed the course of your life. Keep your head up Mario, and god bless you hermano.
Most people don’t care about people like Mario. They think if he was in jail, then he deserved to be. They probably even would have preferred he got the death penalty because he might not be out now.
It takes a special person to persevere like Mario did. He was surrounded by love and support to see him through, as all people who walk in the light and have a cross to bear are. God bless you, Mario and I’m relieved your story has a happy ending.
What is up with the Obama worship and references, and the haters and diversionary tactics on here? This article is about Mario, an innocent man who was railroaded by the DA’s office, the police and the justice system who intimidated witnesses just because he wouldn’t confirm his friends as guilty.
Thank you for that respect.
If I had been locked up unjustly for 10 1/2 years I would also be wearing an “evil empire” t-shirt. Besides we do have a freedom of speach RIGHT and he is simply excercising it.
He has more than enough reason to be resentful toward this country. However given his resiliency and spirt I can presume that he is not even 1% resentful and angry……some people are quite remarkable!
Evil Empire? Yes – as a minority it is all about learning from the injustices, ironically living in a society that claims ‘justice for all”. A struggle, a continued battle…, perseverance overall for those who have lived it, survived it and have understood ignorance…, It is ultimately about TOLERANCE and SURVIVAL!
I am very happy for Mario – and so pleased that he is returning the favors and grace that was given freely to him. The “Team” that worked for him over the years to finally get his conviction overturned was awesome!!! Many, many thanks to them – they made the difference.
Read “A View From The Hole” by M. Larry Thornton about 8 years in prisons and jails – falsely charged while defending his children. It tells what prison is really like. http://lulu.com
The darkness cannot hold back the Light.
arden lester
Woody, get over yourself!
dam mario your really patient.
if i would to be behind bars for
a long time i would go crazy.!
Mario: What an amazing story. The human spirit – the great spirit lives within all of us no matter what the color. It is July 29th 2010. I was curious to see how you are doing?
My family is East side Los Angeles since 1942; Mexican Americans with roots going back to Billy the Kid; before borders, New Mexico and Texas; before this mental war of our time, this age of man.
Society I am sure you have your opinions and me mine. Would love to meet with you some time.
My Dad would be proud of your Latin spirit, my son, yes, very proud for you my friend
Google: BVB “Bad Vibe Bob” surfer/ artist/ curator/ writer. Last name: CARRILLO
Powerful!!!!….True Testimony of of courage,strength,endurance & faith regarding Mario Rocha,his family & the supporters. He is a very gifted writer and I would love to read his book. Struggle and adversity are the gateways that lead us to find the Wisdom God Has for Us! I’m glad that Mario endured to find His FREEDOM! I Pray that The System changes and that people who are wrongly convicted get the opportunity to present their case in a fair and reasonable manner, instead of the system just trying to keep their reputation unmarred. The System needs to take accountability for it’s own actions, instead of making careers and reputations out of lack of their own integrity and accountability. True Is Justice is just that TRUTH!…A LIE with insufficient evidence don’t make it Truth! Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone Be The Glory!
I greatly admire Mario Rocha for his spiritual strength and powerful, visionary mind. He is a true survivor, an inspiration to all of us and a living testimony that one can remain on the side of justice despite enduring, devastating hardship.
MARiO DONT LiSTEN TO NO ONE YOU MADE iT iN LiFE AND THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS’ IM PROUD AND HAPPY FOR YOU. YOUR STORY IS AMAZING !
I was in prison with mario and unlike me he was innocent I knew him on a day to day basis and to know him is to know a person that was different and out of place I am glad to see he was free good luck homie
Mario, Mario, Mario
What an inspiration. I saw your story last night and was moved to tears. You put me in mind of Job I am not religious and don’t even believe he was real, I learned of Job in a college course actually, but I deviate…. Don’t let Life kick you so out of shape that it defines you. Resiliency is what you have A very strong sense of self. You make me proud of the human race and I am not easily impressed. Good Luck Brother
Moved beyond words…. It is only by the grace of God that something like this didn’t happen to one of my sons. Like Marion they were just boys growing up being boys. Unfortunitly Mario was wrongfully accused and paid with over 10yrs of his life.
I say “Mario go out in this world use your voice, rattle the cages of this world and use this precious life you have been given back to make a differance for the better”. I expect we have not heard the last of you, for your voice will be heard and your soul will sore.
I REALLY WANT TO HELP TURN PEOPLE’S CASES WHO ARE INECCENT, BUT IM ONLY 16 PLEASE EMAIL ME I WANNA LEARN MUCH MORE AND GLADE YOU ARE DOING WELL. YOUR STORY MAKES MY LIFE SEEM LIKE NOTHING. I WANNA SHOW SOME OF THE PROSECUTORS AND ALL THOSE PEOPLE HOW THIS SHOULD BE RAN. SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS LOCK ITS STUCK.
Glad to know your outcome was a great one. Keep on being an inspiration to others, Mario, especially the young people in gangs, who are looking to fit in somewhere.
I can’t believe your God given talent, Mario, you are most certainly the man chosen for such a time as this. This is all about His plan for you. Be blessed (as you go about blessing others!)
julie and robert
I just saw the movie. The way Mario writes is so beautiful that I cannot imagine that he’s guilty. Of course, only Mario knows if he’s guilty or not. Does anyone here know what “The Sixth Sun” symbolizes? Anyway, I am hopeful that Mario can go well beyond prison life in his focus. I do see that his current major reflects his international concerns. There are many injustices all over the world. The basic theme seems to be that those with power have one up on the masses. How can things be more equitable? Margaret Mead once said something to the effect that … grassroots organizations can change the world … If anyone knows the quote … feel free to reply! Mario == Go for it!
Anybody complaining over a t shirt that they don’t even know what the words apply to, music or government don’t really understand life, its called ignorance if they go do 10 years i bet they would be wearing t shirts with pure violence and hate, with an attitude like they have they probably wouldn’t even survive the prison system because they are negative.
It is great that Mario received the freedom he deserved. To all of the ignorant people that are complaining about a shirt. It is a band shirt that Rage Against the Machine sold years ago. It is great to see that justice is seen and that bigotry and hate is not what rules our country. We have a lot of issues that are overlooked by the selfish one percenters and those who blindly follow their lead. May we have many more examples of strength and perseverance. And may these few examples of justice give us a little more faith in our country.
WOW! with his amazing story and people are fixated on his t-shirt. Although its not a t-shirt of my taste if indeed it says EVIL EMPIRE. I don’t believe WE are an evil empire, like everything, WE are not perfect and unfortunately there are alot of things I would like to change, but for the most part – I love America, the only country you can complain and yet still take advantage of all the freedoms you are entitled to. Back to Mario, I pray that God continues to bless you and give you His grace.
Mario, your story truly touched my heart. I was so concerned you weren’t going to get out. Thanks to the team and your family and of course the Sister whos undying love kept them going. Your positive attitude with everything you had to go through was such an inspiration to me. You are my hero.
No es una pelicula, es real, eres real, una inspiracion para mi junto con todos aquellos que te apoyaron y que creyeron en ti. Tu historia debria ser mas difundida entre los jovenes latinos que necesitan mas orientacion, darse cuenta de las consecuencias que tiene estar en el lugar incorrecto con gente incorrecta. Blessings.
Mario, Today I came across your doc on Netflix and I decided to watch it. I am touched and still a little emotional even a few hours after watching it. I am a mother of three sons (26, 24, & 20) and to think of losing one of them in the justice system would break my heart, let alone due to unnecessary INjustice! God bless you and your family, especially your mother for having the strength of a warrior to endure 10 years of wrong. Obviously she passed this trait to you. I lost it when you were singing “FREEDOM” on the prison ground. May you live a blessed life.
Its my day off so i decided to go on Nextflix and watch some Documentaries. I came across your story, and it was the most touching, sad, despairing story i have come across. i look up to you for never giving up and fighting for justice, all those loved ones that never gave up on you. After watching this i have decided i would not give up on my dreams and pursue them. Your an icon!!!!!
If he did kill the guy,he must have had remorse and found God in his life and asked for forgiveness since he really changed his life around,what would you done in his situation? I would done the same thing.
1. Mario Rocha’s family and advocates never gave up. Wouldn’t you like to have that in your life.
2. His attitude was nothing short of heroic through it all.
Could you do that?
3. He is doing his best to be the best he can be.
Are you doing that?
4. It is illogical to think that he did it. He was not a gang member, so why join in with the gang boys? He passed a lie detector test showing he did not have a gun. And he is not left handed. Good grief.
Are you fools serious? His T-shirt is the topic of discussion? After 10 1/2 years of injustice prevailing (not to mention many others who are wrongfully accused), and all you have to talk about is his damn shirt and politics? Talk about missing the point.
I am a mother of a 16-year old boy and there is always the fear something like this could happen to my son when we allow him to go out with friends. Not because he is a bad kid, but because bad things DO happen to good people. I am inspired by Mario’s faith, perseverance and positivity. I found myself praying for him and his family, as well as the others involved in his struggle. God Bless them all. I hope this makes people think twice before they assume one person’s point of view when the impact on another person’s life could be so enormous.
Wow! Just finish watching Ur story. Love u Mario. God is great!
After watching your doc. and reading your case it amazes me the courage , passion hope and faith you held on to. We were the same age at the time of your incarceration and I can’t even begin to fathom how your life got turned upside down. Listening to you speak and read your writings gave me, just a viewer a scence of peace and just want, drive to live what life I have to the fullest but also to enjoy it and respect it. I am also Hispanic , from El Paso , Tx and could relate to the closeness of your family and the faith in church and God. Watching you and your story re enforced my faith. As weird as this sounds I fell in love with your mind , your words and the strength you held on to through out your incarceration. I can only imagine the path your on now. Congratulations on the scholarship. You have already made such a huge impact and I can see that your going to be even greater. I hope to read more of you/ updates soon. Thank you for your courage on sharing your story.
Mario I just finished watching the video about your story, it is amazing how we live our lifes sometime ignoring
The sadness and the ordeal of others, it has been a very hard road for you and for your family
I am proud of the people that fought and never gave up on you, like sister Janet and the
Lawyers that did not took your case like ” another day at the office”. I am proud of the needs of all
These people to do the right thing. And I am proud of you because of your courage. Bad thing happens to good people and like you said even injustice bring a lesson at the end. Thanks!!!!!
I may be 5 years behind the power curve, but I just finished watching Mario’s Story on Netflix and I am just so inspired by his inspirational spirit. How he was just an anchor even for his lawyers. My God, I would have given up long time ago but after today, I will be careful not to take anything for granted! I pray that Mario is properly compensated for his wrongful imprisonment and I also want to take this opportunity to give God the glory for seeing Mario, his loving family, and all those who fought for his release through it all.
Just watched the doc. Very eye opening that the world still makes people with such strong spirits. I truly hope that after you and your family’s wrongful suffering that you all are blessed. I truly hope the rest of your life is long, healthy and truly blessed! You truly give hope to those who suffer. Stay strong and beautiful.
Watched the documentary today. Mario’s strong faith and spirit sustained him through the long period of trial and tribulations. His family’s support was one of the main pillars of support, along with the nun from the Juvie Home, and the new attorneys. This is along the lines of a few other cases where justice was miscarried, some of them not so lucky. See these documentaries:
1. Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about his Dad – Talks about Canadian Justice system
2. Reckless Indifference – Talks about California Justice system how the teens were dealt punishment way beyond ….
3. Death by Fire – Talks about how Texas Justice put an innocent man to death because he was erroneously proven guilty of arson and causing the death of his kids.
4. The Thin Blue Line – An innocent man is erroneously convicted for murder.
5. No One Killed Jessica – Talks about Indian Justice system, how a murderer almost goes scott free but strong reaction by people results in his conviction finally.
6. After Innocence – Shows how erroneous convictions based on incorrect eyewitness identifications were overthrown after many years with more reliable DNA eveidence analysis.
I am sure there are many more out there. Bottom line, if get stuck on the wrong side of the law, you better make sure you have the money to hire the best lawyers like OJ did or else………… even if you are innocent. So what does it say about our justice system ? The notable ones that have gone wrong are Texas, California, Florida, …… to just name a few. Justice system is created by humans, run by humans, each with their biases and prejudice. Cronyism, and all the other similar/associated human frailities make it imperfect. If there is no oversight/ or no fear of oversight there will always be room for corruption and flaws in the system which will result in the innocent being damned. So how do we solve this ?
Mario,
You are an inspiration to those who still believe in miracles.
Your story touched many in ways that people don’t always realize. God Bless you and prosper your every step. You may have lost 10+ years of life, but you have given inspiration and continue to give inspiration. Big hugs to the legal team who defied injustice in seek of justice and my your creative writing continue to flourish like a river.
God Bless,
T. Fernandes
Canada.
Good morning Mr.Rocha my name is Arthur Torres my son is in similar situation and we desperately need assistance. My son is being falsely accused of attempted murder. My # 626-316-0702
Please watch the documentary befor making snap judgements based on the dude’s shirt, it is beyond reasonable doubt that Mario is completly innocent. It is almost an impossible victory for freedom and justice that Mario survived this experience let alone escaped the clutches of a biased justice system.
Your story is tremendously inspiring, Mario. There are many people in prison who are innocent and even those who are not often struggle and succeed in making themselves better people through perseverance and self-education. It is amazing that you continued to be so positive and focused, despite the terrible injustice that was done and the danger you faced every day in prison. It’s a tribute to you and your gifts, not only as a writer but also as a compassionate human being, that your case was won and your story told. And from the film, it’s clear that your family is very kind and caring. As indispensable as Sister Janet and your legal representation was, a supportive family is so important to a person in prison. You learned from adversity and now you are teaching others. Congratulations.
I, too, found the documentary after searching through the depths of Netflix. I actually just finished it this afternoon and decided, I need to look this guy up and see what happened in the last several years.
The story was interesting, and his determination and spirit was indomitable. That was very admirable in the face of not only the system he faced, but also the inner turmoil he, himself, must have managed on a day-to-day basis. The inner light of his soul and sparkle in his eye, which appears to also present itself in his writing. To me, this seemed to intrigued me as this young man endured all he had.
As for the t-shirt and what it may or may not say, much like his case… some times things get made into what they are not… to serve our own selfish purposes. Whether or not he is making a statement about the U.S. (or what it is or is not doing), many have made the mere presence of it (and what it may say) into something – for the benefit of their own point, not his.
Mario, I pray for you and wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors.
Well today on this saturday afternoon i was searching netflix and came upon MARIO STORY.
Found it really intresting and hearfelting,
I truly believe that god puts you in situations to find your destiny inlife and I think you found your as a writer and you found god. I’m 1000 percent you are not guilty.
suck that the only thing the system is looking at you as a just a chicano gang banging and most likely because you were at a party you did the shooting. 🙁 I mean what happen to the evidence??? all I saw was Hearsay!
system can be wrong soo wrong. Do it right do it right.
I pray mario that you are out and doing what you are good at. GOD BLESS MIJO!
I could not be more happier for you!!! God bless you mijo!
Mi tatita Dios es muy grande.
Wow q historia d vedad me la quedo tu historia como un gran ejemplo y d corazon espero q seas inocente y si no pues a portarse bien as cosas positivas d tu vida eres inteligente aparte d todo..A to Z
Well for those of you who think you are above the law on someone elses back, how bout you get put into prison for a crime you didnt commit and lets see if you would fight for the right to have others hear your story!! Everyone commits sin you all sin thats been commited just hasnt been exposed yet! No one is perfect. Racism and stereo typing is wrong. If he is wrong let God judge him not us cause he has served more time then you haters can handle.
I had the privilege of meeting Mario recently at a conference. I didn’t meet him as an exonerated prisoner or a political activist. He was just there as a guy. Over the course of a few nights we shared a few drinks, told a few stories and listened to some RATM. It was only after spending a couple days getting to know Mario that I learned about his past. I watched Mario’s Story, a documentary that Mario can’t watch. Have you seen it? Have you seen that man speak from behind bars, before he was released, when his legal team was telling him that his chances for release were less than 1%? Did you really listen to his words? In that situation, knowing nothing but cages since the age of 16 for a crime you didn’t commit — do you think you could speak of hope and optimism? Do you think you could speak of forgiving the prosecutors that had put you in this place?
— Really?
When I parted ways with Mario after spending a week together I grabbed his hand and hugged him and told him ‘I’m going to tell your story to anyone that will listen’ He just smiled and laughed, just like he did when I basically broke down in tears on his shoulder after watching Mario’s Story.
I never saw anger or rage or bitterness in Mario. Not on film and not in person. He didn’t succumb to those emotions –it would have been so easy. Instead, he just kept that quiet peacefulness, that easy laugh. I don’t know if he’s humble or if he really doesn’t understand how important his story is.
You can rant about the political agenda of the country or criminal justice policy or what it says on his #$%@#$ shirt. It doesn’t matter, the fact is that there are innocent people living in cages in this country and in all countries. There’s no easy fix, there may not be any fix — maybe it’s the price we must pay as a society for attempts at law and order. But that does not mean their stories should not be told. They will not be forgotten.
I want to be an advocate for someone like Mario. I’m 42 yrs old and just enrolled in Criminal Justice with a concentration in human services so that others may receive justice that’s rightfully deserved. Love u Mario and Good bless u always…
God bless
It’s such a inspirational story of man who never gave up on his innocent may God bless you and your family blessings! God Is the God of the impossibles!
mario gots heart this doc was touching to walk on egg shells for 10 n a half years an make it to the streets and do something with his life is a god shot so keep pushing forward mario i no what its like only one who knows is one whose been there anddone that prison time
Hell yeah ill be rocking that shirt even worst, after spending half of my childhood life in prison for something I didnt do, fuck outta here to all you ignorant people yall know who yall are, im out,im fucking mad, keep ur head up mario. You have a beautiful familia that backs you up, I saw that and thats real.
Like so many, I too had to look up the real life conclusion to Mario’s documentary, and I’m thankful his journey is triumphant. However, the injustice to which Mario and his family were subjected continues in every state in our Nation. It’s not the laws that are the problem; it is the people who manipulate, ignore, and circumvent those laws. Corruption is rampant. Justice is an idea, not a reality — at least not in the USA. And anyone ACTUALLY believes that “justice will prevail,” you aren’t in touch with how things REALLY work. Mario’s story is a rare story, not for the fact of his wrongful conviction, but for the fact that he fell into that extremely small group of 1% of wrongfully incarcerated people who actually get a chance at a second trial. The remaining 99% never get that chance, and for those who are on death row (and, thus, wrongfully executed), the percentage is even lower. God bless America because Lord knows, we sure need divine intervention!!
I’ve seen your documentary more than a couple of times and yet it still touches me as if it was the first time I had seen it. Sharing a common, in the sense we are both from the Hispanic community your case was fought with a lot of fait and will. For we are mexiCAN!!! Treasure your freedom Mario and always keep your head up.
[…] FOR RECENT UPDATES on Mario’s life, click here.) ************************************************************************************************ […]
Hi Mario,
I just saw the movie and cried quite a bit. I am so glad to know you are doing FANTASTIC, keep positive and you are attending college, making everyone proud.
Good bless you and keep safe.
You are a true inspiration. i have seen many strong and encouraging people in life , my wife to be is one ( a survivor of the Vietnam war her & her family have given me strength& peace and hope to better my life .) and Mr Mario Rocha you are also an inspiration , you touched my spirit and reminded me of the injustices that can be overcome with positive people and strength in prayer, & TRUTH ….
I believe in you & you will help many in your long journey to bring justice to those that have been served INJUSTICE.
MAKE everyone proud keep reaching your goals. God protect you . Jeff G
I love you Mario
Mario, only a number of people like you exist in this world, and I believe that is why God chose you to become a representative of faith and courage. You stand for those that are essentially voiceless in our country: at-risk youth and those who are unfairly imprisoned.It was truly a miracle that you were able to gain your freedom, but it is also your freedom that makes a lot of us realize how faulty the justice system is. Through your ordeal, hopefully some change will be brought one day so that troubled teens don’t fall into the misleading traps of life and so that innocent prisoners will be freed.
Your talents in writing are remarkable and you have truly become a voice that inspires. Keep the good work up!
***********==========================
***********==========================
***********==========================
***********==========================
=====================================
=====================================
=====================================
=====================================
=====================================
EVIL EMPIRE
“EVIL EMPIRE” is an album/song title from a Rap-Metal band called Rage against the machine from Los Angeles.
He is just wearing a band shirt.
Give the guy a break, hes had enough bad press for his lifetime.
Thanks to Netflix I just had the opportunity to see Mario’s story. It was so heart-breaking and I was afraid it would end in tragedy when Mario was stabbed in prison twice. Mario is such an inspiration to all people. His faith and perseverence is amazing. I believe his story and stories just like his continue to happen all across this country of ours. We all need to fight for justice. Thank you for sharing your story Mario!
Omg, i kno all of this has happend many years ago, but never came across Marios story until last night. And thanks to Netflix i was able to see it..lol. Im not going to lie, it had me on tips n toes waiting to see if he was goin to become a free man!I even said to myself, im goin to try n find an email of his to write him n see wussup n whats been of him since then, lol. But anyway Thanks to God he put those attorneys in his path to be able to seek justice n get him back to his family! His story was really touching n glad that everything turned out for the best. Very happy to know that still up to date he is doin great with his life.God Bless Mario and his family and all those great attorneys he had lined up behind him to get through that hard time!!! Take Care
WoW!!! I must say, I wish more people fought like the attorneys in this case. If so, our system would be so much different. I’m sure that this process was not going to leave the mind of the wonderful people that stuck by Mario until he came home. I know its hard to distinguish between innocent or not unless you spend the time to find out, so I must say the courage it took not to stop at the 1st through 1000 no’s everyone heard is remarkable. Everyone in this case saved his life and Mario is very lucky to have all of you in his corner. I hope Mario will have some inside information on how to help others in his place. Our system is a double edge sword and we must stick together for justice. God Bless you and your family Mario.
amazing, I think its amazing that, he was so strong and handle jail really well. I honestly think that, that the reason why the attorneys worked so hard for him. im glad he is a free man. that he is living a better life. i just hope that he still believe in GOD.
Only an innocent man would have been able to keep hope alive for so long. the guilty do not care about life preservation….they are hopeless because they know theyare not deserving of hope. God Bless you.
Mario, wherever you are at this moment, I pray your indomitable spirit will sustain you. God bless the dedicated attorneys who labored sacrificially for a fair trial. Your family is brave and good. God bless all those that spend their short time here fighting for a just cause. “Fight the good fight…”
I’m 63 years old and retired from the court system in Chicago where I worked 24 yrs as a social worker. I was tired of seeing the injustices committed as a result of ones ethnicity social status or financial resources. And yes, I saw a number of attorneys not know or care about what they were doing. I also saw very dedicated and genuine attorneys try their best under trying conditions. Mario you give a lot of hope to many others who despair in their search for what is right…
mario is so cute ……
I just watched your story on netflix! what a fantastic result!! ……I was afraid you would be killed in that hell hole…….every time your lawyer would call you with bad news I cried for you……you are a wonderful man….I wish only the best for you……
Like the lady above, I too watched your story on Netflix. I am 70 yrs young and have seen first hand, the good, bad and the ugly of our judicial system and the corruption there in as they use the system for self gain one way or another. No longer is the phrase ” Innocent til proven guilty” but to the contrary. I have also seen harden criminal released as informants, only to go out and continue to commite the most hanus crimes again. I too, was on the end of my seat awaiting the end of your journey to prove your innocence. God bless you and help you to help others.
Mario, I can’t begin to tell you how swollen my eyes are from crying so much from your documentary on Netflix. Mostly because I relate to how much your family was going through on how strong they had to be for you and how hard it was to do it. As to your brother where he mentioned on how tired he was of having to lie and say you were ok and how he had to remain strong for the family, oh my God, broke me down like a baby! I have a brother(my only sibling) going through a legal case also facing life but were hoping for the best results and trusting his lawyer to do all that is possible. I miss him so much! To bring this to a closure I’m so glad that you are doing great! Que Dios te bendiga, saludos!
Man mario just seen the documentry , straight incredible how you kept yourself strong minded like that , this could happen to anyone . Glad to to see you made it with a new life going to school good luck bro !
Just watched the documentary about Mario’s journey and was very touched by Mario’s bright spirit that stayed so strong. That served him very well. Many lessons to learn from his story and seeing how Mario conducted himself in the face of adversity. He is an inspiration to me! Thanks to Dave for clarifying projections about his teeshirt. Assumptions can be so misleading. I wish the best of everything to Mario.
Stop being racist! That’s bottom line what most of you are.
It says 1% Empire, He’s an Occupier. Thanks for noticing, all! Site where you can buy them appears to have gone down since then though.
How can Mario be contacted today? I knew him when he was in prison.