Donna Ellis: “It is amazing how he lifts me up with his positiveness.”

Donna lived across the street from Quin when he was growing up. He was the same age as her daughter, and he would stay over at her house some nights to avoid the abuse at home. Donna says Quin was a good kid in a terrible situation. She lost touch when they moved away, but they have recently reconnected via letters, and she went to visit him in prison in 2020.

I am a former neighbor and current friend of Quintin Jones. Living across the street from his family gave me insight into his living conditions — the physical, verbal and emotional abuses. Many times he came to our house for protection and peace, and sometimes just to get a good night’s sleep.

A few years ago, I learned he was on death row. I was so shocked to hear that. This could not be the Quin I knew! After asking around, I learned he had turned to drugs, which then explained how it could have happened.

I began writing him, hoping to encourage him and let him know that despite the circumstance I still loved him. Quin was very candid about his situation. I am amazed at how he took full responsibility for his actions, not even blaming the fact he was on drugs and not blaming anyone else.

We continue to communicate through letters, and it is amazing how he lifts me up with his positiveness, his foresight, the maturity in which he views things and his humbleness.