THERE WAS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT I WAS GOING TO HELL FOR KILLING MY MOM.
Joseph Cala
After she died, her chest and abdomen were cut open and some organs were removed, including her heart. Part of her heart contained teeth marks and a piece was missing, according to court testimony.
After his arrest, Cala said was placed in solitary confinement for three weeks, and cried every day.
“There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to hell for killing my mom,” Cala said.
In 2003, Cala entered a plea agreement with prosecutors after a three-hour hearing and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. That same year, his father died from diabetes.
He could have faced life in prison if convicted in a trial
But attorney Robert Ford had filed a motion to present an insanity defense if the case went to trial. He could have been sent to a state hospital for just a few years if he were found to be insane.
“My goal is to make sure Mr. Cala is never allowed out again,” said Alan Levy, then a Tarrant County assistant district attorney. “I thought 30 years, at his age, would accomplish that.”
Cala last got a letter from his sister in 2006, but she last visited in 2004. No one else has come to see him.
Cala was denied parole in August, the first time he was eligible, and he admitted that he was disappointed.

“I haven’t been in any fights, I’m taking college courses,” Cala said. “I mostly keep to myself here.”
He’s still on medication for schizophrenia and sees a psychiatrist at least once a week.
If he serves his full sentence, Cala will be 70 when he walks out of prison.

“I still hear voices,” Cala said. “I try my best not to listen.”