David Hammer, the oldest of three children, grew up in an abusive and impoverished family. Often, the Hammer family of five lived out of their car. David would sleep in the trunk while the younger two children slept in the passenger compartment. They would fish in nearby creeks for food. At age 7, Hammer worked alongside his parents laying irrigation pipes, and by 9 he was working with them in the fields. Hammer attended 21 different schools in 10 years before dropping out of high school in his sophomore year. There was no stability in his childhood. Hammer had no chance to make meaningful friendships.