Week of Oct. 15, 2026

From the editor’s desk

Two years ago, the RN&R published a story about Frank DePalma, a Reno man who had spent 22 years in solitary confinement.

At 18, he was sentenced to 10 years after committing an act of vandalism. Nick Shepack, of the Fines and Fees Justice Center, called that act of vandalism “a crime that would likely get you probation today” in a Facebook post this week.

While Frank was in prison, his sentence was escalated, and he served a total of 43 years.

He was released in 2018. He teamed up with prison-reform advocates to work on a bill that would limit the use of solitary confinement in Nevada. The bill became law in 2023. His book, Never to Surrender! 22 Years in Solitary: The Battle for My Soul in a U.S. Prison, came out in 2024. Shortly afterward, the RN&R published a cover story on Frank’s life, book and work, “After 22 years in solitary: Frank De Palma is advocating for prison reform after spending more than four decades behind bars. His efforts are paying off.”

Frank died last week. Nick, who was close with him, announced his death on Facebook. 

Max Stone, noted local poet and RN&R contributor, wrote the article. Max hit it off easily with Frank. So did David Robert, our photographer. They were both moved by his harrowing story and his kind spirit; from the accounts I’ve heard, it seems like everyone who met him in recent years could say the same.

Max sent in this remembrance:

I was very saddened to hear the news that Frank De Palma passed away last week. In 2024, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to meet and interview Frank for my first RN&R cover story. Frank spent 22 years in solitary confinement, suffering unimaginably, yet he came out of it and became a kind and loving person who has made an incredible impact on prison reform. I’m so proud that I had a part in getting to tell his story. It truly changed my life. 

After reading Frank’s book and learning about the endless horrors he went through while in the Nevada State Prison, I was immediately struck by his kindness when I met him, even in the smallest gestures, like noticing my phone that was recording our interview was in the sun and might overheat, as well as his humility, authenticity, hope and desire to spend the rest of his life experiencing the opposite of what he did in prison: joy, love, and connection.

He is proof of the human capacity to change; after a lifetime of violence, abuse and the pure torture of solitary confinement, Frank committed his life to sharing his story so that no one will ever have to suffer the way he did. Because of Frank, I will never take my freedom for granted again, and I will forever be inspired by his strength and determination. I will never forget that the carceral system is built to oppress and to punish, not to rehabilitate, and it impacts every single one of us. I will do my best to carry on Frank’s legacy and fight for change. I hope he has found peace. His story lives on.

Back in 2024, Frank told Max: “I’ve experienced the depths of hell and despair on earth. And so, I’ve earned the right to aspire to the complete opposite: love, pure joy, happiness, contentment, beauty and peace.”

Frank, may you rest in love, pure joy, happiness, contentment, beauty and peace.

—Kris Vagner, managing editor

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