The Shot Caller

A Latino Gangbanger’s Miraculous Escape from a Life of Violence to a New Life in Christ

By: Casey Diaz, Mike Yorkey - contributor, Nicky Cruz - foreword

Narrated by: Bob Borquez

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

“What you will read in these pages is a story about a tough young man who lost his way, and the story of a loving God who never forgot Casey, no matter where he was.” (Nicky Cruz, former New York gang leader and best-selling author of Run Baby Run)

The Shot Caller is both a never-to-be-forgotten insider’s look at the violent world of gangs and prison life and a powerful, modern demonstration of how God will go to the most miraculous extremes to reach even the worst sinners.

Casey Diaz came to this country when he was just two years old, the oldest son of El Salvadorian immigrants who settled in the barrios near downtown Los Angeles in the 1970s. An abusive family life propelled Casey into street gangs at the age of eleven and he rose quickly within the ranks of the Rockwood Street Locos to become their leader.

At sixteen he was arrested and sentenced to nearly 13 years in a state prison for second-degree murder and 52 counts of robbery and placed in solitary confinement for twenty-three hours a day.

When an elderly woman committed to prison ministry approaches his cell and tells him Jesus loves him and God is going to use him, Casey scoffs at her. Then, one day a supernatural event takes place causing Casey to hit the cell floor and weep. He knows this is almighty God speaking to him, confesses his many sins, expresses deep remorse, and accepts Christ. What happens next can only be described as a miracle.

This gritty memoir is perfect for fans of the international best seller The Cross and the Switchblade and any listener looking for an astounding example of God’s grace and redemption.

©2019 Casey Diaz (P)2019 Emanate Books

FOR REAL-Highly Recommend It!!!

As a Correctional Chaplain I have purchased this book for multiple inmates in the prison system. My highest ranking gang members have told me they could not put it down! It brought so many memories to their mind from their childhood and beyond. It is an eye-opener! Though it is graphic in the beginning it had me crying throughout the book. To see the Coldness of the world toward a little boy to the amazing protection and redemption of a loving Father in God, to the obedience of a new creation in Christ, this book is a GIFT to gang members! There is hope and a plan for their future. Highly recommend it -Highly recommend it. I cannot keep it in stock in my inmate library.

Inspiring story of hope

What an amazing story if Gods miracle in this young mans life in spite of how deeply he had gotten involved in gang life. I listened from beginning to end in one afternoon.

Great testimony

This a is a very inspiring account of how powerfully God can be involved in our lives.

Praise GOD, dope book!!!

This is a awesome book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great transformation story!!!

Straightforward and Sincere

A great book about Casey Diaz's life--how he went from being a leader in a Latino gang (a Shot Caller) to becoming a strong Christian man who lives what he believes.
The book can be gritty sometimes, but that is where Casey was.
Casey's honesty and sincerity comes through in this book.
I cried a few times at the things that happened and the changes Casey did in his life, knowing that he may be dead at any time for leaving the gang.
Highly recommended!

Compelling and Inspiring!

As the mother of an 11 year old son, Casey’s story hit home for me. The fact that he was a gang member at this precise age is not lost on me.

God placed Casey in the Kingstowne campus of National Community Church last weekend where I met him. I believe this is a divine appointment that God made for me and the other families of our congregation.

Casey’s dark, violent, and no-nonsense retellings of his experiences in gang life in Los Angeles could be triggering and disturbing to most listeners.

However, his recovery and life change is a message that should be known to all, Christian or not.

Thank you, Casey, for your honesty and authenticity with your story. You have changed many lives and I believe you will long after you have reunited with your uncle in Heaven.

Christ’s redemption

What a testimony! Casey, thank you for sharing your life and Christ’s redemption with us.

Incredible, true story that needs to be shared

With cities in America undergoing continued social unrest, gang violence and distrust of all authority, this is a must-read for anyone who is looking for a light of hope for young people in the middle of gang activity or prison life.

Fantastically brutal story with an uplifting end.

The story bothered me at times because of the author's brutality. At least he found good in the world.

God is real

This book really touch me.. I also come from a gang and had a chance to leave and never come back but I need god in my life. I know god has helped me through tough times. It’s time for me to get close to god .. thank you I need it this book. God blessed