Antonio Núñez Character Analysis in Just Mercy

Antonio is a young man in California who was sentenced to life in prison as a teenager for a non-homicide crime in which nobody was injured. Antonio’s history involves family and neighborhood violence, including the shooting death of his older brother. EJI represents Antonio as part of an effort to reform laws that require life sentences for juvenile offenders. Stevenson describes Antonio as reflective and eager to learn.

Antonio Núñez Character Timeline in Just Mercy

The timeline below shows where the character Antonio Núñez appears in Just Mercy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon

Empathy, Mercy, and Humanization Theme Icon

Antonio Nuñez grew up in Los Angeles with a physically abusive and neglectful father. As a... (full context)

...“super-predator theory”. Stevenson writes: “This admission came too late for kids like Trina, Ian and Antonio.” (full context)

EJI began representing Ian, Trina, and Antonio years after their convictions, and the organization decided to fight laws allowing “death-in-prison” sentences for... (full context)

...throughout the country, they encounter resistance from local courts. For example, a California judge commutes Antonio Núñez’s life sentence to 175 years. With persistence, EJI gets reasonable release dates secured for... (full context)

...death.” Stevenson then describes EJI’s continued efforts on behalf of juvenile lifers. Ian Manuel and Antonio Núñez “have a chance to be released.” Despite noncompliance from the state of Pennsylvania, EJI... (full context)