His friends recommended him to seek out the services of Homeboy Industries, a gang-intervention program based in Los Angeles.
Developed an addiction to crack cocaine by the age of 15.
Was sentenced to prison for violent assault with a deadly weapon, and was released at the age of 25.
In 2016 co-wrote with Robert Egan a one-man show called Fighting Shadows, about his experiences as a former gang member who spent years in and out of prison.
Was incarcerated at the age of 13 for stealing a wallet.