Roy Albert Andrade

Roy Albert Andrade was born in Pacoima, California and at 12 years old was persuaded by gang members to join them for his own safety. Their modus operandi was to promise him protection from bullies and rival gangs. Having, had no family structure of his own, Andrade joined a group that was one of many in a city torn by dozens of Latino gangs or “families” as they called themselves.

First named by gang members as “Bandit” he later carried a 22-caliber pistol and was given the moniker “Killer.” “Killer” became popular throughout California’s San Fernando Valley and gang activity led to his eventual arrest.

Having been briefly incarcerated, he was exonerated. Andrade had used his time in prison to interview others about crimes they had committed. This developed into his passion for life and a passion for writing. Well read, and a graduate of the University of Phoenix in Arizona, Roy decided to write his first novel based upon those interviews.

Andrade has since written and published CULTIVATING THE DNA OF CRIME in May 2014. and VIRULA: RENAISSANCE OUTLAW in March 2015. His third novel, Virula II, is currently on sale at www.amazon.com.