Life Without Parole

News August 12

The Right Age to Die?

For some, science is outpacing the High Court on juveniles and the death penalty.

By Beth Schwartzapfel

The Frame June 13, 2017

Life After Life Without Parole

Ronald Elston spent more than 30 years in prison, with no preparation for what he would do if he got out.

By Jessica Earnshaw

Case in Point April 24, 2017

Is It Murder if There’s No Homicide?

The strange case of a convicted killer whose “victim” probably died of her own drug overdose.

By Andrew Cohen

Crime on the Ballot October 23, 2016

Death by Another Name

California Prop 62 would repeal the death penalty. A lifer says it doesn’t go far enough.

By Kenneth E. Hartman

News May 19, 2016

When Parole Boards Trump the Supreme Court

The high court has said most kids shouldn't be sentenced to life without parole, but some prisoners' fate are in the hands of politics.

By Beth Schwartzapfel

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

News January 25, 2016

The Supreme Court May Have Just Granted Thousands of Prisoners a Chance of Freedom

The Montgomery ruling says juveniles sentenced to life without parole must get a shot at a new sentence or parole.

By Andrew Cohen

Feature January 4, 2016

This Boy’s Life

At 16, Taurus Buchanan threw one deadly punch—and was sent away for life. Will the Supreme Court give him, and hundreds like him, a chance at freedom?

By Corey G. Johnson and Ken Armstrong

Life Inside December 4, 2015

Why it’s Hard to be a Lifer Who’s Getting Out of Prison

After 34 years inside, sometimes you never feel free.

By Gregory Diatchenko, as told to Beth Schwartzapfel

News September 22, 2015

Life Without Parole: For Juveniles, 5 Tough Counties

New study places a quarter of the sentences in a handful of urban areas.

By Beth Schwartzapfel