Born in Minneapolis, MN Ed Roy and his 14 years old mother spent his first 11 years in Detroit, Michigan. From 11-17 years of age, Roy was raised by his grandmother and great grandmother in Minneapolis. His early years were accompanied by several hurdles: maltreatment, foster home placements, substance addiction, and confinement in jails and prison. Roy has experienced loss on multiple levels in his life. His first and only son was murdered in June 2006. His first grandson was murdered in 2014. Despite ongoing challenges trauma, and a battle with cancer, Roy completed a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a private investigation specialty. He also pursued a master's degree in criminal justice. Through faith and determination, Roy has marked the world in many remarkable ways that include his work as a security supervisor, support group director, certified fugitive enforcement agent and motivational speaker.