Murder and Redemption
Paroled after 20 years in prison for his role in killing, 38-year-old starts new life as Albany priest
By Kristin Bender

BERKELEY — James Rusty Tramel was just 17 years oldwhen he went to prison for murder. When released four months ago he was a man of 38, determined to make amends for his crime and carve out a new life.

So far he has done just that, after finding redemption through the death of a prison inmate.

Tramel, still in prep school when he and a friend killed a man in a Santa Barbara park just because they could, became an Episcopal priest in prison and today takes over as head priest at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Albany.

"I feel like I'm finally in my own skin. ... I love this," he said. story