Description
“What you will read in these pages is a story about a tough young man who lost his way, and the story of a loving God who never forgot Casey, no matter where he was.”
—Nicky Cruz, former New York gang leader and bestselling author of Run Baby Run
The Shot Caller is both a never-to-be-forgotten insider’s look at the violent world of gangs and prison life and a powerful, modern demonstration of how God will go to the most miraculous extremes to reach even the worst sinners.
Casey Diaz came to this country when he was just two years old, the oldest son of El Salvadorian immigrants who settled in the barrios near downtown Los Angeles in the 1970s. An abusive family life propelled Casey into street gangs at the age of eleven and he rose quickly within the ranks of the Rockwood Street Locos to become their leader.
At sixteen he was arrested and sentenced to nearly thirteen years in a state prison for second-degree murder and fifty-two counts of robbery and placed in solitary confinement for twenty-three hours a day.
When an elderly woman committed to prison ministry approaches his cell and tells him Jesus loves him and God is going to use him, Casey scoffs at her. Then, one day a supernatural event takes place causing Casey to hit the cell floor and weep. He knows this is almighty God speaking to him, confesses his many sins, expresses deep remorse, and accepts Christ. What happens next can only be described as a miracle.
This gritty memoir is perfect for fans of the international bestseller The Cross and the Switchblade and any reader looking for an astounding example of God’s grace and redemption.