Gladys Amaya
Gladys Amaya was a Salvadoran immigrant and domestic worker who lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She was the mother of Victor Amaya and maintained twice-weekly visits throughout his incarceration. After Victor’s release, her household also became home to his partner, Ben Keller.
Early Life and Background
Gladys was born circa 1968 in El Salvador and later settled in Prince George’s County. She raised Victor in Maryland and supported the household through domestic work.
Spanish was Gladys’s primary language, and she also spoke English. She used both languages with Victor.
Personality and Communication
Gladys was direct, practical, private, and persistent. She did not require Victor to sustain conversation during visits and spoke with him in Spanish and English while allowing him time and silence.
Family and Core Relationships
Victor Amaya
Gladys remained Victor’s primary family support during his incarceration. She traveled from Prince George’s County to Patuxent Institution twice each week and stayed for the full visiting period. A 2031 resentencing order documented that she had maintained those visits without interruption throughout his confinement.
Gladys also participated in the #FreeVic campaign and became one of its public representatives despite her preference for privacy. Victor was released to her Prince George’s County home in 2031.
Ben Keller
Main article: Ben Keller and Victor Amaya
After Victor’s release, Gladys and Victor continued visiting Ben at Patuxent. When Ben was paroled in 2038, Gladys accepted his release plan and brought him into the home she shared with Victor.
Main article: Ben Keller’s Release from Patuxent (2038)
Related Entries
- Victor Amaya
- Ben Keller
- Ben Keller and Victor Amaya
- Patuxent Institution setting
- #FreeVic Social Media Campaign - Publication
- State of Maryland v. Victor Amaya - Resentencing Order (2031)
- Ben Keller’s Release from Patuxent (2038)
- Vic’s Promise to Ben (Patuxent)