Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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."