Peter Heyberger

Home After 22 Years

Peter Heyberger returned home from prison in 2020 after Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen recommended his release to the court. In 1997, Mr. Heyberger was sentenced to 65 years-to-life under California's "Three Strikes" law for residential burglary and attempted residential burglary. More than two decades of hard work and rehabilitation later, Peter returned home to his family.

Today, Peter is dedicated to his work as an electrician and maintenance worker for a construction company that prioritizes housing for unhoused communities, veterans, and low-income individuals.

“I feel proud of my work because I get to house homeless people, which is very important to me, as someone who was once unhoused myself”, shared Peter.

Peter finds motivation in being a dependable figure for his community. He is deeply committed to his faith and spends his free time reading scripture. Peter also makes it a point to travel and be present for family gatherings in multiple states. His most cherished memory is experiencing the awe-inspiring nature of Oregon, as well as reuniting with his nieces and nephews in person after nearly 30 years.

“I get to see my family and be a normal citizen again. I live on my own, pay my own bills– I’m extremely proud and grateful to be able to take care of myself and my loved ones. That’s what a second chance means to me.”