Marcus Mitchell has spent the last 27 years on death row at North Carolina’s Central Prison after being convicted of a triple murder.
Despite knowing he may never be released, Mitchell believes that people like him can still seek self-improvement. To him, “education is the key to rehabilitation” — even for those without a release date.
Mitchell turned to education when he had nowhere else to go. His family and friends sent him books so he could study on his own.
“Constantly reading and learning was my way out,” he told The News & Observer over the phone, a privilege Central Prison has only allowed for death row inmates since 2016.
For nearly two decades, Mitchell has pushed for a high school equivalency (HSE) program for people on death row.
Despite years of handwritten appeals, prison officials showed little interest. “They said that death row was not meant for rehabilitation,” Mitchell said.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, he wrote to then-Gov. Roy Cooper in June 2023.
Mitchell didn’t expect anything different, but a few months later, he was called to the sergeant’s office to meet with Brooke Wheeler, the superintendent of the corrections department’s Education Services, and representatives from Wake Technical Community College.
Wheeler informed Mitchell that Cooper had read his letter and agreed with him.
The corrections department was working to introduce an HSE program for death row inmates. Mitchell was told they would provide computers, books, calculators, and other materials for virtual learning.
However, in December 2023, Wake Tech informed the department that it couldn’t offer an HSE program on death row due to federal regulations.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which funds education for incarcerated individuals, prioritizes those likely to be released within five years — which excludes people on death row.
Without Wake Tech, the Department of Adult Correction provided study materials and tutors to help death row inmates study independently.
On March 2, 2025, Mitchell and others on death row were informed that tutors would start visiting them twice a week.
However, these tutors are students without a set curriculum, and the men can’t take the GED test until a proctor, exam location, and materials are secured.
Mitchell has started a study group to prepare for the day when they can take the test. The group meets for an hour each weekday morning to study math, science, writing, and history.
Around 30 death row inmates expressed interest in the program, but after Cooper commuted the sentences of 15 inmates to life without parole, about 20 remain eligible.
Those whose sentences were commuted can now join HSE programs in the general prison population.
Mitchell’s journey toward education began after his close friend Eric Queen died by suicide in 2007 on death row.
Queen, who entered death row at 19 alongside Mitchell, was found in a janitor’s closet. Queen’s death pushed Mitchell to find purpose through education.
“If I can get an education here, I know I can help not just myself but other guys who have given up,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell has become a source of support for other inmates. He serves as an orderly, organizing basketball and cornhole tournaments, and helping others find purpose through education.
He also found personal strength through his wife, Heather, whom he met through letters. They married in January 2025 in Central Prison — the first time in nearly 30 years Mitchell was able to touch a loved one.
Heather Mitchell supports her husband’s advocacy for education. “Why provide it to just part of the prison?” she asked.
Ben Finholt, director of the Just Sentencing Project at Duke University’s Wilson Center for Science and Justice, believes offering education to death row inmates is beneficial.
“It makes them better citizens of the world, the cell block, and better neighbors if they are ever released,” Finholt said. He added that education gives inmates hope and reduces violence inside prison.
Mitchell hasn’t had a disciplinary infraction in nearly 20 years. He believes that education is his key to change.
While some inmates are becoming discouraged, Mitchell remains focused on his goal. With the support of his wife, he’s determined to keep advocating for education — no matter how long it takes.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.