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This episode chronicles the "DC Sniper" murders, and the battle over sentencing one of the most notorious juvenile murderers in American history. We examine the psychology of Lee Boyd Malvo, hear the perspective of two survivors of his crimes, and follow the dramatic showdown between advocates of juvenile justice reform and those who believe in standing "tough on crime."
Miguel Gaitan is serving a life without parole sentence for the brutal murders of a family of four, committed when he was just 14. Miguel now faces the possibility of release through an upcoming resentencing hearing. But his claims of rehabilitation are complicated by his denial of any participation in the murder.
This special offers an in-depth, side by side examination of two explosive cases involving juveniles initially sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. On re-examination of the cases, the courts determined that only one of the offenders could be deemed "permanently incorrigible", and that the other should be set free.
Richard Kinder was 17 when he and a friend committed a robbery that ended in a young woman's death, and the serious injury of her boyfriend. Now 65, Richard has served nearly 50 years of a life without parole sentence. A model inmate, Richard believes he has demonstrated his rehabilitation, but questions linger regarding the victim's recollection of who incited the violence that night.
Malcolm Thrower was 17 when he stabbed and killed Marilyn Russell, a neighborhood woman who had offered to help the homeless teen. Now 28 and serving a life without parole sentence, Malcolm hopes to earn an opportunity for a reduced sentence, and forgiveness from Marilyn's family.
What drives a teenage boy to kill his own father? Justin Long was only 15 years old when he violently killed his adoptive father, Hoyt Long. Justin believes he finally snapped after years of corporal punishment. His adoptive siblings paint a picture of a disturbed young man not fit to be in society. Justin hopes to obtain a resentencing hearing to prove them wrong.
16-year-old William Najar shot and killed Michael Decker, who was camping in the Phoenix desert. Now 38, Najar is facing an upcoming resentencing hearing. As the episode dives deeper into William's upbringing and family dysfunction, it reveals a troubled mind careening toward self-destruction.
17-year-old Deon Haynes was sentenced to life in prison for killing former classmate Christy Davis in her home. Now 47, Deon has been granted a resentencing hearing, but his continued claim of innocence has brought his capacity for rehabilitation into question.
Dana Barker was only 17 when she killed her former stepmother Brenda in 1994. Back then, the court failed to consider the role of her father Joe in the crime, and the circumstances that led her to murder. Now 44, Dana is fighting for a resentencing hearing, although the state of Oklahoma maintains her case does not qualify for consideration.
Shelton Jackson was 17 when he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Thomas Maynard, who tragically left behind a week-old baby boy. Now 48, Jackson has been granted a resentencing hearing that could result in his release, something Maynard's widow Leesa vehemently opposes.
In this special episode, we learn the final rulings for convicted murderers Otis Daniels, Ronald Bell, and Kristel Maestas. Otis' attorney works to strike a deal to make him eligible for parole. Kristel has a resentencing hearing for her role in the 1999 murder of Cordell, while his family testifies against her. Kristel's co-defendant, Ronald, learns his fate.
On February 2, 1999, 17-year-old Ronald and two other teens sought to retaliate against Cordell for an alleged sexual assault ultimately burning him alive in the woods of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Ronald, with the aid of his 16-year-old girlfriend Kristel, brutally tortured and murdered Cordell, and both were sentenced to life without parole. Ronald is now 36 years old, and has been granted a resentencing hearing.
On March 31, 1998 in Albany, Georgia, 16-year-old Otis broke into Valerie's home and allegedly tried to rob her. During the attempt, Valerie and her 16-year-old daughter, Valene, were shot. Valerie died weeks later and although her daughter Valene miraculously survived, she was left disfigured. Otis was sentenced to life without parole. Otis has been granted a re-sentencing hearing, and hopes he can someday be released.
On November 24, 1990, 15-year-old James killed his stepmother and three young brothers with a shotgun, and then set their rural Wyoming home on fire. It was a crime the small town of Thermopolis would never forget. Twenty-seven years later, James' legal team is arguing that his original sentence is unconstitutional and that he should be resentenced.
On August 21, 2001, a group of teens, including 15-year-old Brandon, kidnapped and raped Melissa, a 21-year-old college student in Youngstown, Ohio. Brandon was tried as an adult and sentenced to 141 years in prison without parole. Seventeen years later the Ohio Supreme Court agreed that Brandon's sentence is the equivalent of life without parole and therefore unconstitutional. He has been granted the opportunity for a new sentence.
On March 7, 1992, 15-year-old Bobby shot girlfriend Krissi's mother and father as they slept in their home in Frisco, Texas. Roz was killed, but her husband Buz survived. Bobby was sentenced to life despite claims he was manipulated into committing the murder. He now hopes to appeal his sentence.
On March 4, 2010, 17-year-old Preston was one of three teens involved in the murder of Christopher during an attempted robbery in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Along with the other teens, Preston was sentenced to life without parole. Now at the age of 25, he has been granted a resentencing hearing.
On April 10, 1995 in Aurora, Colorado, 15-year-old Curtis was one of four teens involved in the death of Christopher as they attempted to steal his car. Curtis was sentenced to life in prison without parole. After 23 years in jail, Curtis has been granted a resentencing and could soon be released.
On January 31, 2011, 14-year-old Aaron shot his neighbor, 14-year-old Alana, in her home in Harlem, Georgia. Aaron was sentenced to life without parole at 15, but now 21-year-old Aaron is appealing his sentence.
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