Billy grew up in Bond Hill, Cincinnati, a historically underserved and redlined community. His escape was church: his mother, a community minister, ensured Billy kept faith at his forefront. He’d spend much of his freetime making music, playing basketball, and tending to his neighbor’s gardens.

As Billy got older, the conditions of his community began to influence his decision making. He admits that he wasn’t an angel and committed petty crimes to survive--but not a murderer .

Billy has maintained his innocence of the Richie’s robbery-homicide and seeks a fair trial to come home and build his community. He currently serves as a mentor for incarcerated youth, while taking classes to receive his GED.