Life Sentences

Life Inside October 3

I Killed My Wife. Now I Want to Help Prevent Domestic Violence.

“If I could save one man from doing what I did, then I will have found a calling for my final years.”

By Daniel Adams

News May 23

The story of North Carolina’s longest-serving inmate highlights the situation of people with intellectual disabilities in the criminal justice system.

By Joseph Neff

Life Inside September 27, 2018

I’m on Death Row for Punching a Man

“After three decades, I now feel like I’m dying a slow death.”

By J.T. Kirksey as told to Maurice Chammah

Life Inside September 7, 2017

Sentenced to Life in Prison — And a Job Making Furniture

Employee perks: None, really, unless you count the nail gun fights.

By Jayson Hawkins

News January 18, 2017

How Obama Disappointed on the Death Penalty

Two commutations this week was less than many had hoped for.

By Maurice Chammah

Life Inside January 29, 2016

What It’s Like to Be Moved From Cell to Cell, Prison to Prison

An endless shuffle takes a toll.

By Arthur Longworth

The Frame September 11, 2015

‘So This Is What a Murderer Looks Like’

A defense lawyer’s photos of four women re-entering society.

By Lisa Iaboni

Feature July 10, 2015

Life Without Parole

Inside the secretive world of parole boards, where your freedom may depend on politics and whim.

By Beth Schwartzapfel

News July 10, 2015

Nine Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Parole

For example: Most states don’t require board members to have any experience with the criminal justice system.

By Beth Schwartzapfel

Investigate Your State July 10, 2015

How to Investigate Parole Release Rates in Your State

Help us localize our national story on parole.

By Beth Schwartzapfel