"He was in the wrong place, with the wrong people and at the wrong time," said Leong.

Karisa maintains her husband was guilty of running with the wrong crowd, but watched that move haunt him for the rest of his life.

Two years ago, still incarcerated, Leong wrote on MySpace:  "This world is full of suffering and pain, every day I decide if I'm staying."

When he finally got out in March 2012, Karisa said her husband dealt with constant rejection and lack of support.

Despite that, she said they were planning to start a program or foundation to help troubled youth.

She said Keala helped her son find a better path and graduate from school.

They were planning to also find better ways to help convicted felons transition back into society.

"I believe they need extra support," she said.

It would be support for those who might otherwise be forgotten, for those who might otherwise fail again, from a man who knew how heavy a price he had to pay.

"I felt like he's finally at peace. He's finally at peace," said Leong.